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Hawks, owls, and falcons are raptors and all have been used in Falconry for many thousands of years. Originally Falconry was using a bird of prey as a tool to catch food to eat. Over time it has evolved into a sport, a craft, some even say an art form. I’m going to share with you my My Introduction into the Ancient Sport of Falconry.

I’ll first explain to you why on earth I would be interested in something like raptors, especially when I have rats as pets. I work for a doctor who hunts and he has taught me how a good hunter should think. I understand the circle of life, keeping things in balance, the food chain, etc…

I first noticed hawks when they started making a come back in the last decade. Many species of birds had a population decline caused by DDT and other pesticides. According to statistics, the population is on the rise and that’s great news!

Hawks are beautiful to look at, especially when they are soaring through the sky. I watch them all the time. A day rarely goes by that I don’t have a sighting of a hawk. Either walking, driving, or simply looking out the window I’ll see one sitting on a branch in a tree. Hawks fascinate me. I will admit I’m kind of squeamish and the thought of a hawk taking down a squirrel does not appeal to me. But I understand the food chain and how it works, so I get it, just not for me.

I see the hawk as a spiritual creature, I’m not sure why it’s a feeling more than anything. Doing some research I realized I’m not alone, many people see the hawk as a spiritual creature like I do. Whew… haha. It is said “the hawk is considered to symbolize great vision, intuition, and wisdom. It can also be a symbol of the truth that you are going to find out very soon. If a hawk is your spirit animal, then you have to be ready for a spiritual awakening.” Isn’t that interesting?

The last two years the Ohio School of Falconry has brought a special program to my community and many others. When I saw the class last year I contemplated signing up, but didn’t, so this year I hinted to my daughter that the class would be a great Mother’s Day gift for me. She appreciates my suggestions. (wink) Also available is an observers ticket. It’s 1/3 the price of the class, my husband was my observer and photographer. He takes great pictures!.

Henson (below) is a male Eurasian Eagle Owl. They are the largest, and most widely distributed, owls in the world and are often commonly mistaken for our North America Great Horned Owl, despite their smaller size.

I’m going to share some of the highlights of the class with you. The class was held at a local park at 10 AM. We were blessed with a spectacular day! Joe Dorrian was our instructor/Falconer, he’s the director of the school and a very talented teacher who’s also hilarious. Joe gave us the basics of falconry, he showed us the equipment that is used and told us some history of falconry.

Best part of the day, flying that beautiful hawk. The hawk is a female Harris’s Hawk named Sedosa. Harris’s Hawks are the only “social” bird of prey.

Joe introduced us to several raptors. He’s holding a Shelly is a 8 year old pure Anatum Peregrine Falcon in the photo below.

The sport of Falconry is on the rise, a big reason for that is because of Joe and The Ohio School of Falconry. They are introducing the sport to many new people every day. That’s their goal, to preserve The Ancient Sport of Falconry for many more generations to come. Another great way to get outside.

The Ohio School of Falconry is located outside of Columbus Ohio in . You can contact the school by going to their website or their Facebook page. If you’re not from around Ohio you can ask if they know someone in your area who teaches Falconry.

So what do you think? Would this be an adventure you would want to have? Maybe you know someone who would love this. The class makes a great gift! I believe it’s “Better to give a memorable adventure than another material thing.”

Ohio School of Falconry

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