09 October 2011

British Falcons & Hawks Club

7 comments:

La Sombra Sofisticada said...

Thank you for this one, my friend!

NJS said...

Falconry in Britain is still amazingly popular. But the most astonishing thing, in this PC age, is that UNESCO recognizes falconry as important, intangible, cultural heritage in several countries.
NJS

Michael said...

Up on the moors the falcon is not admired by the keepers.

Michael said...

By the way, the Victorian game keepers flew black kites to simulate hovering raptors. They served to keep the grouse to ground in the days before driven shoots when birds were pointed by dogs. Very clever technique.

NJS said...

Michael - the wild populations of the the peregrine (and the osprey too) were decimated by keepers (and ghillies) but they're increasing again.

Michael said...

NJS. I am afraid i am on the side of the grouse and the salmon in this controversy.

NJS said...

I'm not sure that I have a side as such but these are territorial birds and a pair isn't going to do that much damage, surely. A peregrine in the stoop is one of the wonders of nature. Still, those who live by the sword...