FALCONRY IN QATAR AND ARABIAN GULF
Birds of Prey
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Falconry
One of the most fascinating interactions between nature and man is that which takes place between the bird and its handler in Arabian Falconry.
During autumn the houbara bustard flies from the northern hemisphere to the Arabian peninsula and Africa to over-winter. Its migration is preceded by that of peregrine and saker falcons which the "Bedu" (nomads) captured as they made their own way south. Once the falconers managed to trap one of the highly prized birds, they had only two to three weeks to train it before the migrating houbaras started to arrive. This was done by developing a strong bond trust between a wild captured bird and its handler.
Ideally, the training of the falcon was completed by the day when the first houbaras arrived and the bedouin would hunt the bustards with his falcon throughout the winter months.
It is no wonder that the desert nomads have always appreciated
the stamina and hunting instincts of the falcon. The Bedouin people in particular used this bird to hunt game, which provided an
important and nutritious addition to an otherwise monotonous diet.
Today, the Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry remains an important sporting activity.
Although falconry clubs do exist in America and in almost all European countries, it is in the Gulf region that the sport is held in truly high regard and commands the greatest interest.
The people of the Gulf have a strong personal commitment to falconry and ensure that it is practised in the correct manner, with the proper respect due to Islamic customs.
The chief falconer is highly respected, as he is responsible for the birds' daily training and care. The falcon requires much human contact and careful attention on a daily basis, or it will quickly grow wild and therefore unreliable.
When hunting, an experienced falconer drives his bird ahead to pursue the prey, following at speed to ensure that he is on the spot within a few seconds of the falcon's landing of the game. It is essential that the falcon's talons are well placed in the prey before it lands.
The falconer also needs to ensure that there is no fighting between the falcon and its prey, to avoid injury to either bird. The falcon is less skilful on the ground than it is in flight and may lose its courage when confronted with a larger bird.
Finally, the falconer must be present to ensure that the game is killed according to Islamic custom.
The Houbara Bustard is the falcon's chief prey. This is a large, fast-flying desert bird about the size of a heron, and it is hunted for its delicious meat. Great skill is needed by the falcon in tracking down a bird of this size and speed, as it is often required to cover distances of four or five kilometres before finally capturing its prey.
ALBUM SHOW:
Falcons are the most beautiful Bird of Prey. Most of the
people mix up between Falcons and Hawks.
Falcons have higher and an intelligent behavior, and they are
faster than any bird in the sky.
Falconry
One of the most fascinating interactions between nature and man is that which takes place between the bird and its handler in Arabian Falconry.
During autumn the houbara bustard flies from the northern hemisphere to the Arabian peninsula and Africa to over-winter. Its migration is preceded by that of peregrine and saker falcons which the "Bedu" (nomads) captured as they made their own way south. Once the falconers managed to trap one of the highly prized birds, they had only two to three weeks to train it before the migrating houbaras started to arrive. This was done by developing a strong bond trust between a wild captured bird and its handler. Ideally, the training of the falcon was completed by the day when the first houbaras arrived and the bedouin would hunt the bustards with his falcon throughout the winter months.
It is no wonder that the desert nomads have always appreciated the stamina and hunting instincts of the falcon. The Bedouin people in particular used this bird to hunt game, which provided an important and nutritious addition to an otherwise monotonous diet.
Today, the Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry remains an important sporting activity.
Although falconry clubs do exist in America and in almost all European countries, it is in the Gulf region that the sport is held in truly high regard and commands the greatest interest.
The people of the Gulf have a strong personal commitment to falconry and ensure that it is practised in the correct manner, with the proper respect due to Islamic customs.
The chief falconer is highly respected, as he is responsible for the birds' daily training and care. The falcon requires much human contact and careful attention on a daily basis, or it will quickly grow wild and therefore unreliable.
When hunting, an experienced falconer drives his bird ahead to pursue the prey, following at speed to ensure that he is on the spot within a few seconds of the falcon's landing of the game. It is essential that the falcon's talons are well placed in the prey before it lands.
The falconer also needs to ensure that there is no fighting between the falcon and its prey, to avoid injury to either bird. The falcon is less skilful on the ground than it is in flight and may lose its courage when confronted with a larger bird.
Finally, the falconer must be present to ensure that the game is killed according to Islamic custom.
The Houbara Bustard is the falcon's chief prey. This is a large, fast-flying desert bird about the size of a heron, and it is hunted for its delicious meat. Great skill is needed by the falcon in tracking down a bird of this size and speed, as it is often required to cover distances of four or five kilometres before finally capturing its prey.
ALBUM SHOW: Falcons are the most beautiful Bird of Prey. Most of the people mix up between Falcons and Hawks. Falcons have higher and an intelligent behavior, and they are faster than any bird in the sky.
Links to:
FALCONRY IN QATAR
HOUBARA BIRD(English)
HOUBARA BIRD(Arabic)
FALCON'S MARKET
QATAR TRADITION ITEMS FOR SALE
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