His name is Arthur and he is a Gos Hawk and it was such a priveledge to look him in the eye and feel his weight on my arm. This is something I have wanted to experience for years and I had no idea I would be given this rare chance on Saturday. It was our local town's first Medieval Fayre and of course I went to see the falconer with his beautiful wilderness creatures of the air and his incredible knowledge. I was so excited that he picked me!
I was surprised at how nervous I felt as the falconer strode to the other end of the field and then let him loose. He glided in at head height before skimming low almost touching the grass to then arc back up with curved wings to my glove. He was lighter than I expected and when he turned to study me eye to eye, this wilderness, powerful creature of presence and spirit, I was humbled and awed all at once. It meant the world.
Those of you who read regularly have probebly picked up on my deep love of birds of prey... he had some beautiful birds, the prettiest being this lovely little Lanner falcon...
And of course the most imposing, this regal fellow...
There were also some fantastic medieval musicians at the Fayre playing authentic and extraordinary instruments... you can here some of their music on their website here...
I was fascinated by the workings and sound of this incredible instrument...
We also dressed our shop window for the day to join in with the spirit of the town's first Fayre since the 1950's or 60's, this is how it looked, though it was rather difficult to get decent pictures with all the relflections ...
I have found out that the Falconer whose bird I held for an amazing few minutes also offers hawk handling and flying days, the prospect of which fills me with longing... I will seriously have to start saving up!
Oh my! I got shivers looking at those birds, very cool that you got to do that, I have always wanted to, too! I hope you do have a chance to do it more, how special. I was excited about the hawk and THEN I saw the owl... !!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your wondeful experience.The Fayre looks great too. Save hard and get lessons! The bird was telling you to!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your experience! Gorgeous birds. That Gos Hawk...those eyes...What a great thing that your town is doing in reviving the Fayre. Your shop window looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! those Eagle owls are so huge aren't they? Big enough to bring down a small deer or so they say.
ReplyDeleteLovely! I suppose you know TH White's book 'the Goshawk'?
ReplyDeleteKatherine no, I don't know that book but be sure I'll be looking it up! Knowing TH White it should be fascinating, thanks!
ReplyDeleteThat mirror in your shop window with the beautifully carved frame!!, , ,(drool). . .
ReplyDeleteGuess which bird I liked best.
Was it the WOL by any chance? Hehehe :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful experience, i can see why you were snared! We have a medieval fayre held locally too & i especially love all the costumes. Your window display is perfect.
ReplyDeleteYour Gos Hawk is in fact a Harris Hawk, a bird from the desert regions of Southern North America down to South America. It's one of the few birds of prey that hunts in flocks.
ReplyDeleteWounderful powerful creatures them, a real force of nature, thanks for shareing.
ReplyDeleteThat's the drum I am looking for!
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