FALCONRY
 
Falconry first originated in Asia , and was brought back to England after the following the crusades . Falconry and Ferreting are the oldest field sports in England , and there is some confusion and arguements to which actually came first .
It is still practiced by many people to this day , as where before it was considered as a regal  sport , it is now practiced by people from many different walks of life . Personally though I consider that as a bad thing , it is far too easy to acquire a bird-of-prey , as they are cheap to purchase and no licence is needed to keep them ( the birds have to be registered though ). Also the many unscrupilous breeders out there don't help the situation , with many just out to make easy money , the very good breeders are few and far between. The same situation arises in what I participate in , and that is Falconry Displays. There are around 2000 Falconry Displays  in England alone . And there is a lot of those that come to see another good display , and think " I could do that " without even had held a bird-of-prey before. This sadly falls back on the good displays. The display team that I assist ( Chris Tuffrey - The International Falconer )  are one of the few Falconry Displays that are recognised by the B.F.S.S.  ( British Field Sports Society ) . The B.F.S.S. lay down strict guide lines to which the displays must follow , thus ensuring a quality display.
GOLDEN EAGLE GOLDEN EAGLE PEREGRINE FALCON
 
RED TAIL HAWK PEREGRINE FALCON
 
HARRIS HAWK STEPPE EAGLE
I've been involved in falconry for around 7 - 8 years now . Starting off with just lending a hand at our home base and on the displays , sometimes taking the show as far as Germany . After learning the basics and knowing how to use the equipment correctly etc I now am able to fly the birds on my own .
  I have had the oportunity to handle a wide range of birds , from the small falcons and owls , up to the larger hawks and right up to the big eagles , including the Golden eagle. The feeling of having a Golden Eagle sat on your arm is breath taking ( after my first time I was so pumped up with adrenalin , I needed to sit down with a relaxing coffee and cigarette . :)  ). I can only imagine comparing it to swimming with sharks , dolphins etc and playing with the tigers . Such a magnificent bird in such a close proximity leaves me in awe every time. She sits on my arm and the thought that , if she really wanted , she could break every bone in my arm with a simple grip of the talons , dosen't enter my head . All I know is that I am very fortunate to get this opportunity.
  
 
ME AND GOLDEN EAGLE ME AND LANNER FALCON
 
ME AND TAWNY EAGLE ME AND HARRIS HAWK
 
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