Baldrick Posted September 10, 2006 Report Share Posted September 10, 2006 Having just watched mind-boggling falconry display today, I would really like to try my hand at it. I fully appreciate that falconry is an immensely time-consuming sport, but I'd simply like an introduction to it. Could anybody recommend a falconry centre or a falconer that runs "experience"/introduction days, ideally in the South East/East Anglia? Any advice appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tenbears10 Posted September 10, 2006 Report Share Posted September 10, 2006 I had a great day with http://www.forestfalconry.com/ If you can make it to the New Forest from London it is well worth it. The guy is a mine of information and hardly stops telling you facts and stories, you get to have a go and on the full day we went hunting with his ferrets and Harris hawk for the afternoon. It is not a day for the tourists you will catch rabbits and get to fly the birds which are amazing. Just be prepared to want one of your own after you have been. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted September 10, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 10, 2006 I already want a falcon, based on what I saw today and at recent country fairs - they're majestic birds, but I'm aware how all-consuming it is as a sport. Thanks for the link to Forest Falconry. I'll investigate further. I know the New Forest pretty well, so I'd happily make the journey from London. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted September 11, 2006 Report Share Posted September 11, 2006 Good luck with that Baldrick, I am fascinated buy them and have seem fairly lack lustre dispays at game fairs, but also some blinding ones too. One of the best nature programs I have seen on telly was the Steve Leonard Extreme Speed one where he jumped out of a hot air baloon with a camera man and the hawk not only caught them up easily, but had to feather it wings to slow itself down no wonder they give pigeons a whack when they hit them from above! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted September 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2006 I've seen peregrines stopping on pigeons in the Avon Gorge in Bristol. That was very impressive, although seen from a distance. This gyrfalcon was up close and personal though, and the speed at which it attacked the lure was simply unbelieveable. I agree that some demonstrations are lacklustre. The one yesterday was in Battersea Park, of all places, however the clear skies and open space made it a good display. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted September 11, 2006 Report Share Posted September 11, 2006 I was at a show at Stonham Barns near Diss in norfolk yesterday, they do experience days. Do a google search for Stanham Barns. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadSpringer Posted September 11, 2006 Report Share Posted September 11, 2006 A Good Forum with loads of info http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/index.php Ask plenty of questions & read plenty of books! You may get a chance to get out with a member near you! Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted September 13, 2006 Author Report Share Posted September 13, 2006 Have just registered on there, Martin. Thanks for the pointer. And there was me thinking that PW had a lot of categories and topics to wade through, and keep up to date on.......... That forum is massive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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