Flight of the Falcon
Falconry is the art of training Falcons in hunting techniques. As a sport that came to UAE many years ago, its learning and mastery is a valued tradition among many Emiratis and residents. There are two species used for hunting in UAE:
Popular Species
Saker Falcons (Falco Cherruq): This species of falcons is native to Middle Eastern countries. The female Saker called, ‘Al Hurr’, is larger in size and substantially more powerful than the male, which is named, ‘Garmoush’. Al Hurr is usually preferred by hunters due to her display of strength and endurance over long flights.
Peregrine (Falco Peregrinus): For hunting purposes, the female Peregrine, ‘Shahin or Bahri Shahin’ is also thought to be better than the male, ‘Shahin Tiba’.
Training Falcons
The trainers or ‘Falconers’ as they are called must master the three ‘Ps’: patience, proficiency, and perseverance. This aspect of the hunt is what makes it a sport! Sitting on the trainer’s cuff called, ‘Mangalah’ which is used to protect his hand from sharp talons, the falcon is held by a cotton leash of sorts, called ‘Al Sabbuq’. Its reactive head and keen eyes are covered by Al Burgu. This helps them slowly adjust to a new environment. Using the Tilwah method to call them back, experienced falconers demonstrate complete control over their birds. This method basically involves holding up a bag of bait to lure the falcons back to the starting point.
The Catch
MacQueen’s bustard (Arabic: Houbara), Stone Curlew (Arabic: Kiriwan) and Hare (Arabic: Arnab) are mostly used as bait. Houbara is a powerful bird that can weigh up to four kilograms and is known for its high speed both during flight and on land. This is why Falconers enjoy the chase even more.
Falcon Passport
"Today no falcons can be taken abroad by their owners unless they are in possession of passports for their birds. The Falcon Passport provides a legal structure that complies with CITES and, at the same time, provides falconers with a permissible, easy-to-use way to participate in the traditional sport of falconry," says Dr. Frederic Launay, Director, WWF UAE Project Office.
Visit the award winning, Abu Dhabi based Falcon Hospital facility to find out more about these amazing birds. Log on to www.falconhospital.com
Wisdom from around the world
“Do not mend your neighbour’s fence before seeing to your own.”
Proverb from Tanzania
Cultural Snapshot
In Venezuela, it is popular for the couple to sing their wedding vows to each other. Afterwards, the couple receives a list of commandments which they are to follow throughout their married life.