The next series of posts will be my take on falconry's role in raptor conservation.
The Relationship between a Raptor and Falconer
It was the morning of March 27, 2007
and Guinevere, my Red-tailed Hawk, expecting breakfast she gave me her usual
high-pitched peeps but that morning was different. She was being released back into
the wild. Without anklets and jesses, she stepped onto my fist freely as we
walked out of her mews into the sunshine. Guinevere looked around and I leaned
over
kissed her on the back of the head; ten seconds later she left my glove
for the last time. As she had done so many times, she flew to the closest
tree on the forest edge and waited for me to catch up. This time I did not
follow her, instead I watched her through tears and binoculars. Looking back at
me, confused and impatient, she gave up finally. After flying and circling over
me, she was gone. I never saw her again but still have the feather she dropped
as she disappeared.
Kiss Good-bye |
Our relationship was just one example
of many relationships that falconers have had with their birds throughout the history
of falconry. This ancient practice has facilitated a unique relationship
between raptors and humans through mutual respect and trust. For four thousand
years, falconry has remained steeped in tradition and culture, consequently, it
has been through this tradition and knowledge of raptor behavior and hunting
techniques, the falconer has gained a rare glimpse into the natural history of
this secretive predator.
Moment Together |
Hawk
The true spirit of the hawk
With the energy of sun and fire
Is one of vision and power
The message of the hawk
Is to use our inner vision
To see what is out of balance within ourselves
And to use our power wisely and justly
To obtain the freedom we desire
Prose by Carol Cavalaris © 07
With the energy of sun and fire
Is one of vision and power
The message of the hawk
Is to use our inner vision
To see what is out of balance within ourselves
And to use our power wisely and justly
To obtain the freedom we desire
Prose by Carol Cavalaris © 07
Introduction
Falconry has had a long, historical thread
in the conservation of raptors. Despite the controversy of using traditional
ecological knowledge to solve ecological problems, raptor conservationists have
been drawing on the traditional ecological knowledge of falconry and combining
the knowledge gained from Western science to address raptor conservation
issues. Indeed, many renowned raptor conservationists are falconers as well. In
my own experience, my main motive to become a falconer was the opportunity to
have a deeper connection with the animal I treasured and to add unique insight
as a conservationist. My purpose here is to assemble the relationship between
the traditional ecological knowledge of falconry and raptor conservation; that
is, the lived experience of falconry helping raptors today. The relationship
analysis will be addressed in three components: 1) traditional ecological
knowledge, 2) falconry culture and traditions and 3) falconry within raptor
conservation.
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