North American Falconers Association ~ April 2017 HawkChalk 1 N O R T H A M E R I C A N F A L C O N E R S A S S O C I A T I O N

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CS_R600A_HawkChalk_FullPgClr_ad1_press.indd 1 1/3/17 10:24 AM NAFA Webmaster Northeastern Director Fred Fogg (CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT) Winston-Salem, NC Joe Kosakowski [email protected] 38 Longview Road TABLE OF CONTENTS Lebanon, NJ 08833 IAF Representative - Canada 908.566.8822 Martin Geleynse [email protected] Officers & Directors 4 [email protected] North Pacific Director Presidents Message 6 IAF Representative - Mexico (AK, OR, WA) Mountain Director / Domski 8 NAFA Officers / Staff Juan Carlos Rojo Clifford Kellogg [email protected] P.O. Box 42/n North Bend, WA 98045 South Pacific Director / Boberg 10 President IAF Representative - USA 425.888.9598 Scott McNeff Dan Cecchini, Jr. [email protected] Central Director / Roeber 12 64 High Street [email protected] Deanna Curtis - Making Her Mark 14 Kennebunk, ME 0403 [email protected] Southeastern Director 207.604.6283 (AL, DE, DC, FL, GA, KY, LA, MD, MS, NC, Talons To The Table 22 [email protected] SC, PR, TN, VA, WV) NAFA Board of Directors Richard Shores Northeastern Director / Kosakowski 24 Vice-President 7605 Hazelhurst Circle Sheldon Nicolle Apex, NC 27502 Southeastern Director / Shores 26 300 Luby Drive Director At-Large [email protected] Tom Bean, TX 75489 Greg Thomas Director-At Large / Chavez 28 214.288.0670 5125 E. 161st Street South Pacific Director [email protected] Noblesville, IN 46062 (CA, HI, NV) 2017 Alberta Falconry Association 30 [email protected] Gary Boberg Corresponding Secretary 616 W. 3rd Ave. Arkansas Hawking Asscoiation 32 Donna Vorce Director At-Large Escondido, CA 92025 NAFA FIELD MEET North Pacific Director / Kellogg 34 601 East 6th St Adam Chavez 760.535.3272 Davenport, NE 68335 31251 Paseo Monevideo [email protected] [email protected] San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 Soaring Eagles & Fast Dogs / Atkinson 36 949.481.1511 NAFA Office of the General Membership Secretary [email protected] David LaMure Jr. - Artist 42 Brandi Nickerson Legal Counsel KEARNEY Canadian Director / Geleynse 46 7828 Hood St. Canadian Director Fort Worth, TX 76135 Martin Geleynse General Counsel Saskatchewan Falconers Club 48 480.788.6232 Ayr, Ontario Canada James H. Maynard, Esq. N E B R A S K A [email protected] 519.501.8611 [email protected] Jim Enderson - The Loss of a Legend 50 [email protected] Treasurer Associate General Counsel Colorado Hawking Club 56 April Davenport-Rice Central Director Ryan N. English, Esq. November 17 – November 24 207 Stockwood Drive (AR, IA, KS, MN, MO, NE, ND, SD, OK, TX, MEXICO) [email protected] Supreme Sight, Vision in Raptors / Major 58 Stanley, NC 28164 Don Roeber 704.763.6730 9115 Bentwater Parkway Associate General Counsel Great Lakes Director / Borquist 64 [email protected] Cedar Hill, TX 75104 Brian F. Clayton, Esq. Kearney Holiday Inn [email protected] [email protected] Massachusetts Falconry & Hawk Trust 65 110 S 2nd Ave NAFA Journal Editor / HawkChalk Editor The Golden Saker 66 Dan Milner Great Lakes Director Kearney, Nebraska 68847 [email protected] (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) CALL (308) 237-5971 Director-At-Large / Thomas 70 Rich Borquist Identify yourself as NAFA Meet participant Public Information Officer 1844 State Route 17 to receive the group discount rate. A Brush With Wildlife / Theissen 72 Deanna Curtis Varna, IL 61375 [email protected] 309.369.4293 Florida Hawking Fraternity 74 [email protected] Contact: Ralph Rogers - Meet Chair NAFA Foreign Liaison [email protected] Return to Kingman / The Coulsons 76 Mike Hope Mountain Director 406-350-5487 [email protected] (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, UT, WY) Texas Hawking Association 82 Paul Domski NAFA Sales Representative 36 Brendan Lane See all Details on the 2017 Meet Website: My Personal Thanks to everyone involved with this publi- Cathy B. Tintinger Tijeras, NM 87059 http://www.n-a-f-a.com/event/2017NAFAMeet cation: The Editorial Committee, the authors, the photogra- [email protected] 505.281.7124 phers, and ALL of our wonderful ADVERTISERS! Thanks [email protected] NAFA Medical Editor DON'T WAIT ~ SIGN UP TODAY! to April Davenport-Rice, our Treasurer, and also to Dianna Patrick T. Redig DVM McKinsey, our printer! I appreciate the time, effort, and the [email protected] contributions all of you made to bring this publication to fruition. Until next issue, be well, and support NAFA. Dan Milner ~ Editor

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On to the peregrine issue: As I write this, it has been less than 24 hours since the At- lantic Flyway Council meeting adjourned. Due to a lot of work by various members of NAFA, the issue of passage peregrine permits for falconry was on the agenda. In- creased access to peregrines is an issue that I’ve been working very hard on for sev- eral years, and with help from Dr. Alastair Franke, Brian Millsap, Martin Geleynse, Andrew Bullen, Dwight Lasure, Ralph Rogers, Sheldon Nicolle, Lynn Oliphant, and past President Bob Welle, we have finally succeeded in getting the flyway councils to approve and recommend an increase from 36 permits every autumn, to 144. Each of the 3 participating flyways are slated to receive 48 permits.

I’ve been keeping my foot firmly on the proverbial gas but this is a very big step in the right direction, and it’s pedal of this issue and pushing it along as quickly as one that I am very proud to have been a part of. This is possible, and the perfect storm of variables and individ- really cause for celebration. uals finally came together to make it happen. A pivotal part of the process was the development of a relation- Finally, we are pressing forward with the ongoing issue ship with Florida biologist, Craig Faulhaber, who serves of access to golden eagles. Our eagle committee, led I just looked back at my message from a the Atlantic Flyway Council as Raptor Committee Chair- by Carter Wilford has begun conversations with the US man. Craig is a very pragmatic and good data-driven Fish and Wildlife Service to consider a partnership. A biologist, as is Brian Millsap. Dr. Alastair Franke provid- partnership that would put eagles into the hands of fal- year ago, in the 2016 April Hawk Chalk, and ed the initial analysis that laid the groundwork to push coners for the final stage of their rehabilitation process. this issue forward. His population study and isotope Again, this would not represent the ultimate goal of the it made me feel really good about where analysis were the catalyst for our goals taking shape, committee, but would potentially put quite a few gold- but we still needed a champion to forge ahead with en eagles onto the gauntlets of qualified eagle falconers we are right now. Last spring, I shared with getting our issue on the agenda and encouraging the for a year or two at a time, so that they can practice flyway council members to take action. We found our eagle falconry while we continue to work on our oth- needed champions in Millsap and Faulhaber. er initiatives. The committee is doing a great job of all of you that my two most pressing goals approaching the task in front of them from as many At this time, I can’t guarantee that the increase in permit different angles as possible. We just keep making that as NAFA President were to begin the work numbers will be in place by the fall migration of this wheel squeak! year. I’m optimistic that they will, but there are a couple of possible hang ups that could slow the process. The Very good things are happening for North American Fal- of attaining official UNESCO designation ell, we’ve made major progress toward both good news is that we’ve achieved that all-important rec- coners at this moment in our history as a culture. I’m goals. The Intangible Cultural Heritage com- ommendation and the necessary work to promulgate so glad that you are all here with us to be a part of the of falconry as an Intangible Cultural Heri- mittee has been established and quickly be- those additional permits has begun. It’s a somewhat journey, and I continue to be immensely proud of NAFA Wcame NAFA’s largest standing committee. They are all complicated process, but it’s underway and I couldn’t as an organization. Thank you all for your support and doing a great job. Meanwhile, 18 countries have pro- be any happier about it. This was a big deal for NAFA. your contributions to our combined efforts. tage for the North American nations, and tected falconry as an ICH of mankind. Additionally, 8 The fact that we are even able to have these conversa- more nations recently ratified the UNESCO convention tions and play a central role in this process with USFWS We are all in this together, to increase our access to passage peregrine which is the first step to accomplishing the goal of pro- and Flyway Councils is proof positive that we remain tecting falconry as an ICH. I want to be very clear in an effective and respected organization. After 55 years stating that if we are able to achieve this goal, it will be Scott McNeff falcons. of hard work and organized efforts by various com- the biggest political “win” that falconry in North America mittees, NAFA continues to carry a lot of clout. I can has ever seen. Governments that list falconry as an ICH tell you, without a doubt that this increase would not are obliged to protect it from attack. That is why we are have happened without significant effort on behalf of a working on this. Take a look at Director Thomas’ report handful of NAFA leaders. Don’t get me wrong; there is in this issue for a reminder of why we need to do every- still work to be done. We would like to see complete thing we can do to plan for the attacks that are bound to normalization of peregrine harvest, and will now work come our way as society changes around us. toward opening up a passage take in the Pacific flyway,

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highest bidder these lands would be forever lost to the American public. Furthermore, here in NM, state trust lands only allow limited access with a list of rules that are prohibitive for all potential users. It is one of my deep- est concerns in the current environment that American falconry, not to mention hunting, fishing and all forms of outdoor recreating, could be seriously curtailed by the loss of our great public lands.

I haven’t even mentioned how these land transfers will impact wildlife. How could an American west that is di- vided and parceled out to private interests possibly ben- efit wildlife?

t’s the first week of February as I sit down to write my is having access to adequate land with quarry to fly; for With these points in mind, I urge you to care- report for the April HawkChalk, and the season is ba- those of us in the mountain regions, access to our public fully consider your opinions on the role of public sically over for me. I had a very enjoyable season, lands could forever be lost with action from Congress. I lands in your life and to support their continued which began in late August with my trapping of what I’m The views I’ll be expressing are my own and do not rep- calling a passage Anatum falcon, though some might call resent NAFA as an organization. administration by the federal government. You can her a sore hawk. Regardless, she was trapped just before help this effort by letting your opinions be known. the early peregrine season closed and had probably been The history of our public lands goes back to the 1860s Talk to your representatives in Washington and independent of her parents for around a month, and per- with the passing of the Homestead and Railroad Acts. make it clear that you are not in favor of transfer- haps on wing for eight weeks. So, she had some chops These acts were put in place to open the American fron- when she was caught in an area that harbored thousands tier to settlers and railroads. The remote and less desir- ring federally held public lands to state control. of doves. The experience of trapping, training and hunt- able tracts went unclaimed, much of which were subject- ing this bird was a complete joy. She was always a step ed to unscrupulous mining, logging and grazing, leaving (or five) ahead of me, and I quickly learned to just let her behind land that was neither suitable for men or wildlife. do her thing and sit back and watch. From early training In 1891, President Benjamin Harrison set aside the first flights, where she would shadow homers and intimidate forest preserves with the purpose of protecting mountain them out of the sky, to her use of indirect stoops at fleeing headwaters of major rivers that provided navigation and ducks to pluck them from air, she continued to impress irrigation for the downstream population. President The- me with her style. With passage peregrine permits be- odore Roosevelt, from 1901 to 1909, expanded these coming more numerous and easier to obtain, I urge any- “national forests” to nearly 148 million acres, and later one who is inclined to fly a longwing to take advantage of with the merger of the General Land Office and the Graz- this opportunity and resource. ing Service, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) was born. The BLM’s purpose was to restore and oversee the Switching gears… sometime this season there was a 245 million acres of unclaimed land, much of which was photo on Facebook of someone’s falcon with its kill, and badly scarred by overgrazing and misuse. The end result Kirk Hohenberger made this observation: is that the USA has 640 million acres of public land open to the all forms of outdoor recreation and open for use to "When we see the photo of our falcon on a duck or grouse, one and all. The American model of public lands is truly some of the good ones can almost make it all look easy. egalitarian and contrasts directly with the European mod- Then, if you actually think about all the time, yes you have el where the majority of land is held privately and must to have a job that allows for the time for falconry – the be leased for hunting and fishing. effort, driving, moving, asking permission, scouting, bird population fluctuations, relocate to an area, grouse every- The current movement in the US is to transfer federal where, then a bad winter, or drought sets in, grouse numbers lands to state control. I’m in favor of states’ rights, and I plummet – so when I see a photo of a falcon on a duck or can appreciate the argument that the state may in some grouse, I just don't see the falcon, but everything else that cases be in a better position to manage their own lands. happened to get to that point." On the other hand, I know that here in New Mexico, for example - a state where there are always budget short- Kirk weaves together a lot of variables - some we can falls - that selling off state-held public lands to the highest control and others that we cannot - that play into and de- bidder, such as the energy, timber, or minerals industries, termine our falconry lives. Perhaps the greatest variable would become an inevitable reality. When sold to the

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s a new director, I plan on writing about new falcon and a new dark good-looking hybrid. They put on events and the falconers in my district. I hope to a great meet with a nice dinner and raffle at the end. Lots Aencourage non-members to join NAFA. The pub- of rabbits in the area. lications, which include excellent articles, are some of the best in our sport. The meets are organized and are I was able to attend a falconry meet in Mexico a few great places to find new friends and revisit with the old weeks ago. My wife and I were joined by over 300 ones year after year. falconers from the United States and other NAFA does a lot for countries. There were quests from Dubai, all falconers whether Canada and Japan, to name a few. The you are a member or weather was great and we watched falcons not, and we should fly for three days. Falconry is alive and well encourage all to join in Mexico, and the quality and dedication to and help support the the sport is very high. efforts of this club. I found hoods and equipment of the highest In the Southwest quality, similar to what we would find here we have been go- in the US. The people were so generous ing through a severe and welcoming, drought; no water and it was such means less game to a pleasure to be hunt. Rain has recent- there. We left ly come to California Mexico having and we are enjoying met new friends a rather wet winter. and with a desire It came just about to return. I have the time duck season included some closed. Rabbits have pictures of some made a moderate comeback this year and the falconers who at- people hunting them are having success. Con- tended. ner, for one, has a dark phase red tail and she is deadly on jacks and bunnies. The Stump family is back at it with their Harris hawks. Jim Copp Not too many has gotten his female gos on rabbits and has been hybrids are flown hunting them in several states. Jim does what it there. The pere- takes to make a great bird. Nicole Perretta and grine is the most Randy West are down in Southern California flying common falcon goshawks. Dave Kanellis and Civon from Nevada being flown, put on a meet in Southern Nevada attended by along with the many falconers. They have organized it for two years goshawk, Harris's hawk and aplomado. Lots of game to in a row now. Eric and Carla Steinhower were there to fly! It reminded me of falconry here in Southern Califor- fly several of their birds. Shawn Hayes had his prairie nia 40 years ago. No, they have it better than that.

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Step Up

s I write this report, it’s the I do not have much of an update on as president, Francisco Vazquez To Quality, Value and Convenience! last day of duck season in the Falconry Fund. I do know that has turned the reins over to Mari- ATexas. I flew the one-eyed the FF’s directors are looking for sol Pacchiano. Along with being Discover what tens of thousands of gyr/peregrine yesterday evening people with some time and energy one of Mexico’s foremost falconers, customers — including commercial and managed to take duck in 85- to help it execute its plan. If you she is also one of the premier rap- reptile breeding facilities, veterinar- degree heat. Then this morning, I are interested, contact Doug Pineo tor artists in that country. I hope to ians, and some of our country’s most flew the sake/gyr on the same pond (NAFA’s appointed director on the receive new updates on how things respected zoos and aquariums — have and managed to take another duck. board) or Lauren McGough. You can are going south of the border. Many ® Now I can breathe a sigh of relief that also ping me and I will pass along as people in Mexico are practicing top- already learned: with Rodentpro.com , I have managed to finish the season appropriate. notch falconry! you get quality AND value! Guaranteed. with the same two birds with which ® I started last fall. Both birds took a Regarding establishment of the Le- Finally, I have to say something RodentPro.com offers only the very good bag of ducks. In particu- gal Defense organization (the c4), about the passage peregrine take. highest quality frozen mice, rats, lar, the one-eyed bird took as many James Maynard and I are in the in- This year, there is a very real possi- rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and ducks as I would have expected out formation gathering and analysis bility of an increase in the number of quail at prices that are MORE than Order online! of any bird with all of its vision. I phase. I would imagine that within permits. If it does not happen, well competitive. We set the industry don’t think it gets any better than the next month or so, we will have I guess it is what it is. If it does hap- www.RodentPro.com standards by offering unsurpassed that. I’m worn out and ready for a plan in place with which to update pen, this achievement will be yet an- It’s quick, convenient the conclusion of this season. Work- the Board. Watch for updates in the other result of NAFA’s patient work quality, breeder direct pricing and year- and guaranteed! round availability. ing a corporate job, combined with spring. with governmental authorities. P.O. Box 118 all the other aspects of modern life, ® Inglefield, IN 47618-9998 and all the strings I have to pull just In the January Board meeting, I sub- With RodentPro.com , you’ll know leaves me drained by February. I mitted a proposal to work with an Exciting times are in you’re getting exactly what you order: Tel: 812.867.7598 won’t compromise on how much air outside firm for NAFA to develop a clean nutritious feeders with exact Fax: 812.867.6058 time the birds get and that is always new strategic plan. However, the store for falconry in North sizing and superior quality. And with E-mail: [email protected] problematic. Falconry has always Board decided that we should take America. I believe that our exclusive shipping methods, your been in my DNA ever since I can re- this on as an internal project instead. order arrives frozen, not thawed. member, so the yearly struggle to fly I am working with our VP, Sheldon falconry’s best years the birds just seems like the norm to Nicolle, to get a survey out to seek in this country are still We guarantee it. me. I think that if I had not been a feedback in terms of what NAFA ahead of us. falconer all these years and then as has done well, as well as opportu- an older man considered getting into nities. Once I have that information, the sport, I probably would have de- I’ll work with the Board to develop That’s all I have for now. Please give cided that I wouldn’t have the time it a new strategic plan. Hopefully, I’ll me your feedback, whether affirma- takes to do the job well - at least not have some progress to report later tions or suggestions for improve- until retirement. Thankfully, though, this year. ment. I work for the membership I just evolved into this balancing act, and I have never forgotten that, and as I can’t imagine how I would have I have news from Mexico. The Mex- will do whatever I can to support you managed without it over all these ican Falconry Federation (FEMEHA) and NAFA. years. has a new president. After six years ©2013 Rodentpro.com,llc.

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53248RodentProReptileJune.indd 2 5/20/13 11:06 AM n falconry, as with any endeav- Like many other days during the attention is momentarily drawn hunting season, the sun is hang- to a large herd of pronghorn to or, there are those who by their I ing fairly low in the light blue the north, curiously watching us very nature are destined to make sky on this beautiful December from a safe distance. To the south afternoon on the eastern plains of me, a northern harrier grace- an impact and set about positive in Colorado. The distant white- fully navigates his way above the change. While many are con- topped mountain peaks stand landscape as though riding an majestically along the western invisible coaster to nowhere. tent to merely participate, there horizon. Winds are low today as I meander across the rolling fields are those who strive to expand of the lightly snow-covered grass "I will never take the boundaries of their passion and brush. Every breath of cool for granted the crisp air emphasizes the free- freedoms that allow beyond its basic requirements. doms I am afforded in this beau- me to continue the Deanna Curtis is one who has set tiful part of the country. On my left arm rides my nine-time in- hunt, spend my days her path to make a difference, take termewed killer female red-tailed outdoors, and share hawk, Karma, and within calling risks and influence those around my love of falconry distance are my two hardwork- her in a positive way. Our sport is ing male Brittany hunting dogs, with all of my Wilson and Riley. As we work friends and family." better because of people like her. our way along the terrain, my So, here is her story . . . so far.

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e have been working the field for several min- utes. Twenty yards or so ahead of me, as Wthough magically out of nowhere, a jackrabbit jumps and bolts away. A second before seeing the rabbit, I have already released Karma from my arm in response to her hard flinch… one of Karma’s signs I have learned through our language developed over years of working together as hunting partners. The dogs did not see the rabbit jump up this time, but in response to the bells jin- gling on Karma’s bewits and my “ho ho ho!” callout, they turn their heads toward Karma. Their adrenaline spikes. Wilson the Wonder Dog (Photo: Jenn Campbell-Smith) Yipping in uncontrollable excitement, both dogs imme- remember it as clear as yesterday - arriving in Amarillo far, that first one was the best! That meet may have an diately tear through the field, trying to catch up with the and pulling into the meet’s motel parking lot. As we were unfair advantage in my ratings though, simply because hawk as they join in the chase. Karma is closing in. The slowing down to park near the weathering yard, some it was during that meet when I realized that someday, rabbit veers a hard left around a small lone yucca plant. As falconers came over to welcome us. Although our arrival when the timing was right, I would undoubtedly become she instinctively and instantaneously configures her wings was met with a warm greeting, I had a hard time pull- a falconer. and feathers for a ing my focus away from the weathering yard. The sight sharp left in re- of so many different and amazing birds perched around Four years later, in the spring of 2004, the time had ar- sponse to the and amongst each other in the large yard held my gaze. rived. I was ready to commit. I had a sponsor and was rabbit’s inten- So many unique birds were perched in the yard – some starting the process of becoming a falconer. Things were tional maneuver, hooded, a few of them preening, one or two baiting away moving pretty fast. By August I had my apprentice license Karma extends from their perches, and quite a few just contently sitting in hand and was elated! This new chapter of my life was her legs, sinking with a foot tucked and feathers puffed up. I must ad- really happening! On the way home from my third NAFA her talons into mit that, although met with friendly greetings, I was still meet (the Garden City meet), I trapped my first hawk. the tail end of the slightly nervous. I was not a falconer like most people She was an average sized yet very striking female red tail. rabbit and pull- there. In all honesty, I felt slightly out of place being a A day or so prior to trapping her, I heard the Jimi Hendrix ing away some volunteer for an educational organization in the midst of song, “Foxy Lady”, on the radio. As often happens when fur. While running Deanna and Karma in the field these seasoned and hardcore falconers. As we settled listening to a catchy tune, the song got stuck in my head. and yelling out (Photo: Jenn Campbell-Smith) in and the week progressed, I engaged myself in con- “How fitting though,” I thought … yes, I named her Foxy. in excitement for I had no idea that this raptor organization was versations and observations; soon my nervousness was I had a lot of fun flying Foxy for two seasons. She caught the contact, I see Wilson, Riley Me & Karma going to be presenting at our scout meeting that replaced with excitement and a comfortable feeling of plenty of rabbits. I had a hard time, however, getting her the rabbit bound evening. I also had no idea how being there for belonging. interested in chasing jackrabbits. At the end of my two- away… running and never stopping. A few feet from this event would end up having such a significant influ- year apprenticeship, I decided to release Foxy and try my the near kill, Karma is standing on the ground, breath- ence on my life. The presentation was engaging, enter- People from all around the world attended the 2000 hand at something new as a general falconer. ing heavily. Wilson and Riley have caught up to Karma taining, and full of great information. The awe and beauty NAFA meet. One of the first people I met was Peter No- and are circling around the scene, sniffing the ground and of these amazing predators and their interaction with hu- lan from Australia. I will never forget how he welcomed For many years I had a curious obsession with Swain- strewing about tufts of rabbit fur. “Damn… but oh well,” mans that evening had me intrigued and my emotions me and enlightened me with his enthusiasm during time son’s hawks. For a long time I had been asking falconers I say just under my breath. To me, it’s more often the stirred. I clearly remember thinking at the time that work- spent hunting. Through his positive encouragement, Pe- hunt itself and the time spent outdoors with these awe- Deanna and Swainsons Hawk ing with these animals was what I wanted to do for a ter also helped foster self-confidence in me, confidence some partners, than the actual kill that fulfills my love living. I approached the volunteers after the presentation I needed to hang with this group of seasoned hunters. for falconry. As I stand there catching my breath, I ask and asked how I could get a job doing this. Well, they of I also cherish the memory of meeting Jose Manuel Ro- myself, “How have I become so fortunate to spend my course laughed and explained that it was strictly a vol- driguez-Villa and his friends from Spain. Manuel and his leisure time working with these amazing animals in such unteer-based organization. Their answer didn’t squelch friends introduced me to the ritual of toasting our quarry beautiful nature?” my desire to get involved. I started volunteering with this and just as importantly, toasting game that escape but group soon after. I volunteered so much in my first two provide excellent chase. I was honored to take advantage Whenever asked, I tend to state that the start of my fal- years that they couldn’t help but bring this over enthusi- of the invitations extended to me from several falconers conry life began with my first NAFA meet in 2000, in Am- astic bird-crazed woman on as a staff member. to tag along on daily hunts. In the evenings I was hap- arillo, Texas. At the time, I had already been gaining es- py to spend time selling t-shirts in the vending hall in sential falconry-related experience working with several Prior to being invited to the NAFA meet back in 2000, the support of the educational organization that provided me species of raptors in an educational realm. I was part of a concept of becoming a falconer never seriously crossed the opportunity to attend the meet. I will always cherish raptor organization based in Aurora, CO – an organization my mind. The doors to the possibility and eventual re- the memories from my first NAFA meet and to this day, I first saw at one of my son’s Cub Scout pack meetings. ality, of me becoming a falconer opened at that meet. I still feel that of the twelve meets I have attended thus

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why Swainson’s hawks were rare- ly flown. The most common argu- ments were that they have small feet and, loosely, that “people don’t fly them for a reason, Deanna.” The stubborn part of me (okay… that’s a big part of me) had a hard time digesting these answers. All I could think was that these hawks live in communities while they are in South America, and while in North Ameri- ca they thrive in family groups. I was so intrigued by this beautiful species of raptor that I convinced a falcon- er friend to trap Swainson’s hawks with me in order for the two of us to fly them in a cast. He trapped the first one – a very dark morph Swain- son’s. A day later, I trapped the sec- Karma about to smack a bunny (Photo: Rob Palmer) ond of our two-bird cast – a much lighter Swainson’s. rabbits… much like my first red-tail. As you might have We worked hard training these two uncommonly flown inferred by now, I really wanted a bird that would chase falconry birds. We also had fun seeing the puzzled looks jacks. After multiple jack opportunities and corresponding on people’s faces at the Kearney NAFA meet. We picked failures, I decided to release her at the beginning of my up on some of their comments as well. One puzzled fal- fourth season. The same day I released Daisy, I trapped coner, with a furrowed brow, asked me if mine was a an eastern-sized female red-tail. It was a fateful moment Krider’s hawk. The joke was on us, I guess. We were that ended up defining most of my falconry life. I named soon to learn why so much scrutiny is given to the idea this one Karma. This big beautiful red- tail has been the of Swainson’s hawks as falconry birds. The two birds did best game hawk I have ever worked with and, not to MY BEST DAY HUNTING EVER! not do well with people in the field. We also learned that brag, probably the best falconry red-tail I have seen in ac- these birds were not very good at catching the game we tion in my twelve-plus years in falconry. Our relationship son to the team, learning to watch his moves and taking this dog means to me. Whether out hunting in the field or presented. While they had some good chases, occasion- grows stronger every season. Karma is a hunting ma- advantage of his productive work flushing game. I had home relaxing, Wilson warms my heart. I can’t even bear ally crashing down hard on bunnies, they never caught chine and is uniquely accustomed to the life of falconry… watched Roger Tucker run Brittanys for several years and to think of the day he isn’t in my life. This season, I added anything hunting together in a cast. Outside of our at- always focused and never distracted by the number of loved watching how these dogs and birds interacted. I another Brittany to the mix as a hunting partner – Riley tempts to fly these birds together, my girl only caught people out in the field. During the past ten seasons with really wanted a Jack Russell terrier as a field dog, but my the Rascal. Having dogs in the field adds an element to one cottontail. By happenstance, in my sponsor’s field, Karma, I have tried my hand at flying kestrels. I also flew husband, Alan (who was also very impressed with Rog- my falconry experience that I could have never imagined. I learned that she was enthusiastic in hunting quail. If I a Cooper’s hawk for part of a season before I eventual- er’s dogs), was stuck on the idea of getting a Brittany. It is such a joy to watch these dogs do what they were would have had quail nearby, I think my judgment of her ly realized that I couldn’t rightfully dedicate field time to I found Wilson through a local Brittany rescue. Bringing bred to do. Their excitement, expression and body lan- as a falconry bird may have had a more positive assess- both birds. Someday, when my life is not so busy and I him home ended up being one of the best days of my guage all indicate a fulfillment that seems right and true. ment. While I was having fun flying the Swainson’s hawk, am hopefully living away from the city (closer to hunting entire life! Anyone who knows me well knows how much it just didn’t fulfill my hunting experiences as well as flying land with duck, pheasants, or even grouse), I would like Earlier I stated that my very first experience seeing raptors a good ol’ hearty red-tail. to work with a passage peregrine. interacting with humans had me thinking that working with these animals was what I wanted to do for a living. Before the end of the first season with my Swainson’s In the fall of 2009, I added a new partner to our hunt- That desire never faded. These animals have become an hawk, I decided to trap a red-tail to hopefully make the ing team – my awesome four-legged friend and partner, integral part of my life. With several years of experience in remainder of the hunting season more productive and Wilson the Wonder Dog. At the time, he was a one-and- bird husbandry and educational lecturing under my belt, fun. Along with the assistance of my awesome sponsor, a-half-year-old rescued Brittany. While Karma continued along with the knowledge and experience gained in my Roger Tucker, I trapped a good-sized female red-tail. She hunting cottontails with this new rambunctious dog in increasing number of years in falconry, I decided to dive had some darn pretty feathers on her legs, so I named the field, it took her a while before she was confident even deeper into this realm of my life. In 2007 I took the her Daisy (after Daisy Duke). Even though she was size- enough to catch a jackrabbit with him running about. It plunge. With encouragement and support from friends able, it turned out she wanted nothing to do with jack- wasn’t much longer though before Karma accepted Wil- and family, I started my own 501(c)(3) nonprofit raptor organization, Wild Wings Environmental Education. Start-

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ing – we lost the move for transfer- 150 outreach educational programs the extreme fulfillment I gain from prac- ring birds other than raptors. At least to various groups, including schools, ticing falconry, I find it very important ing a new business was exciting (and we had a foundation to work with. cub scouts, church groups, senior for me to give back to this ancient art a little scary.) I really wanted this I pressed forward, and today Wild centers, and other public gatherings. form. One way of supporting is through new organization to stand out, so Wings has eight non-releasable birds I love seeing the sparkle in the eyes my direct involvement with the Colora- my original thinking was to provide that represent the organization. of our audience members as they do Hawking Club. I have been serving education not only using live rap- Last year alone, I presented well over study and learn about the amazing on the board of directors for the past adaptations of these wild animals. seven years, as well as being elected Although I love teaching and en- and currently serving as the club’s pres- lightening school-aged children in ident for over two years. My involve- direct support of the organization’s ment with the CHC has been personally mission, I must admit that my fa- rewarding and, considering the growing vorite audiences are the seniors. numbers and increased involvement of My presentations always seem to our members, I find the CHC to be a brighten their day. One gentleman priceless resource for Colorado falcon- in particular stands out in my mind. ers. In addition to the benefits of help- He was a tall, thin man who kept in- ing fellow falconers with critical bird terrupting my presentation to let me issues, the club provides opportunities know that he had a hawk when he World Falconry Day at Cabelas for learning techniques and methods was a child… he said it was a Coo- when she was younger. To my amazement, per’s hawk and explained, laughing- she showed me an older falconry hood that ly, that it wasn’t a very nice hawk. she had been keeping with her belongings at His enthusiasm made me smile. the home. She was so excited to share her I think we heard that story at least possession and stories with us. Whether re- six times during the presentation. I kindling memories in folks such as this man also met a very nice elderly lady at and lady, or just seeing the smiles on the fac- another senior center who explained es of the other seniors, it brings me great joy with childlike enthusiasm that she to share a little bit of our beautiful wild world used to work with raptors in England with these very appreciative and, sadly, often Deanna and Karma during a Andrew Zimmern Bizzare Food Episode very alone people. If it so happens that my life’s journey lands me in a retirement cen- tors, but with other native Colorado ter for my final years, I hope to have visits birds as well. Unfortunately, I quickly such as these to brighten my days and keep learned that Colorado would not al- the memories of this treasured part of my life low the transfer of birds other than alive. raptors to education permits. Worse HRCA falconry program (Photo: Jenn Campbell-Smith) yet, the state regulations as written, Working with birds, supporting conservation, did not even allow the transfer of and sharing with the public have defined much of my be- of raptor care, promoting better falconry regulations, raptors; the raptor transfer regula- ing. I am grateful to have been given the opportunities to meeting other falconers, and encouraging camaraderie tions were being overlooked by the work with and enjoy these amazing animals. Considering amongst our falconry family. I have never experienced special licensing department for oth- a group of people as tight-knit as falconers; so many are er educational organizations. In my right there to support each other in times of need. I will mind, the underlying rules seemed continue to support falconry through our club as long as to provide me with a fragile founda- possible and am also honored to have been asked (by tion on which to build my new orga- Scott McNeff, Sheldon Nicole, and Dianne Moller) to take nization. After obtaining like-minded on the recently opened role of Public Information Officer support, I ended up submitting citi- (PIO) for NAFA. I think I will always be involved in some zens’ petitions to change these reg- capacity to help ensure the longevity of this beautiful and ulations. Well, the first petition effort ancient art form. I have been blessed with good Karma, was successful and we ended up and hope that my simple offerings will help preserve my with a positive change in the lan- freedoms that I will never take for granted, and that will guage to allow transfer of raptors to allow me to continue the hunt, spend my days outdoors, education permits. The decision on and share my love of falconry with all of my friends and our second petition was dishearten- CHC/WFD~Deanna Curtis, Anne Price, Tony Head, Joe'l Lambe, Pete Rodas at Cabelas family until my last flight lands me safely home.

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Swedesboro was made by the of- ficers of the NJ club five years ago with the thought in mind that it would be best not to have it in an area close to where any of the New Jersey Club members lived. Why? Because right or wrong, most fal- coners are very reluctant to share their hunting locations.

So, the officers started to discuss where one could find game in the state that wasn’t in a member’s backyard, and that’s how the meet came to Swedesboro. (An area where you have to be doing some- thing wrong if you aren't finding bunny slips for your bird!) Margaret Young of Pennsylvania with gray squirrels she took at the PFHT & NJ meets The fact that none of the club members are “protective” with re- This was the second year in a row spect to the Swedesboro location that Greg Miller of Pennsylvania at- really opened the door to creating tended the NJ meet. And this year an environment where everyone he put on quite a show with his is receptive and helpful to not only passage female merlin. fellow club members, but also to out-of-state guests. In speak- At both of these meets, there were ing with the out-of-state falconers several young falconers who are The Pennsylvania Falconry & Hawk Trust meet held in Lancaster, PA who have attended this meet, all of proving to be as passionate and them recognized this fact. hard-core as a lot of the more se- t’s that time of year again when local falconers gather Club meet held in Swedesboro, NJ. (below) Despite the nior members of our ranks. together for their club’s annual winter meet. In the last fact that there are far fewer falconers in New Jersey than Ifour weeks I was fortunate enough to make it to two of in Pennsylvania, this club also had an excellent turnout. This upcoming weekend I’m plan- those meets in our region. Thirty-two NAFA members reside in New Jersey. ning on attending the Peregrine Club of Philadelphia’s winter meet The first of the two was the Pennsylvania Falconry & This was the fifth year in a row that the New Jersey club that they will be co-hosting in Hawk Trust meet held in Lancaster, PA. As you can see held their meet in Swedesboro, NJ, and it has grown in Church Hill, Maryland with the Po- from the banquet picture above, as with past meets, this size, particularly the number of out-of-state falconers Ian Gregg of NJ with 2 Gray Squirrels he took tomac Falconry Club, where I’m at the NJ meet club with well over 100 members always manages to at- who attend year after year. This year as well as last year, looking forward to getting together tract a large number of attendees. As a point of reference, the meet attracted falconers not only from New Jersey with more of our Northeastern Re- there are 76 NAFA members that reside in Pennsylvania. but also Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New York This picture (above) of NJ Falconry gion members. If I haven’t caught The second meet I attended was the New Jersey Falconry and Connecticut. The decision to hold the first meet in Club member, Paul Elyia, installing up with you recently at your state a Track Pack on Margaret Young of club meet or picnic, I’m hoping to The New Jersey Falconry Club meet held in Swedesboro, NJ Pennsylvania’s red-tail is an exam- do that soon. ple of this helpful and welcoming environment. To quote an East Coast falconer I have a very high level of respect The reason I’m reporting on this is for, ” Hunt Hard - Kill Swiftly - Waste to share this strategy/location ap- Nothing - Offer No apologies”. Zack Bohn with one of the 2 gray Squirrels he proach with other clubs that are took at the PFHT meet looking for ways to grow atten- Joe Kosakowski dance at their meets and to im- prove how their members as well as out-of-state guests feel about their meets.

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erving as your Southeastern Director is a privilege to return to the vehicles. There were four vehicles parked and opportunity that I truly appreciate. There are alongside the road, three parked on the same side of the Smany master falconers who don't seek recognition, road that we were hunting on and one parked across the but rather, know the game and manage their birds in a road. In the future, I will make sure that all vehicles are manner envious of all experienced falconers. These are parked on the same side of the road, closest to the prop- the individuals who need to be guiding our apprentices. erty we are hunting! She was hit as she crossed the road Quality falconers make for knowledgeable apprentices in search of that one vehicle that was not parked close and in turn will represent the traditions of falconry for to the property. For those hunting with HHs, keep this generations to come. There are many clubs that include in mind and maybe we can prevent another tragic loss. two and three generations in the same family, all flying birds. I often speak of the importance of the local fal- conry clubs because this is where you find comradery in the falconry community. It’s also where you find the fal- coners of tomorrow and sometimes where you can find some fine hunting territory. Far too often the local falcon- ry communities are overshadowed by simple differences of opinion; we all owe the legacy of falconry to look past those differences and keep our local clubs strong.

In addition to the NAFA meet in Elk City, OK, I've been able to attend the NC Falconers Guild meets in Millers- ville and Denton, NC; the Carolina Hawking Club meets Not everyone in attendance but pictured from Left to right: Rich- in Goldsboro and Lillington, NC; the South Carolina Fal- ard Shores, Arloa Haber, Keith Ward, Mitchell Brantley (apprentice conry Association meet in Effingham, SC, and next week- coordinator) , Paul Ward (President) Brantley Broach. end I have plans to attend the Alabama Hawking Associ- Front: Chris Durham (VP). and Bella. ation in Camden, AL. I am really looking forward to the AL meet; while everyone is looking for squirrels, may- The South Carolina Falconry Association did a great job of be a few rabbits will show up! If possible, attend meets organizing a meet for 2017…on the Askins’ family prop- outside your local area, expand the falconry community erty in Effingham, SC - 400 acres of pine and hard woods, through networking, and support those that take the time bounded by the Lynches River. There were squirrels, rab- to organize these events. Every one of these meets has bits and various game birds. Despite the mid-February something unique to offer to all falconers. temperatures in the 80s, the SC Falconers remained re- silient and ultimately left the woods with several heads of The falconry season is roaring by and it seems like we game! I thank the SCFA for organizing and we all thank have yet to have a winter here in NC. Last weekend the the Askin family for graciously hosting the meet, and for temperature was 86 degrees - what kind of a mid-Feb- the many years of supporting falconry in South Carolina! ruary winter is that? I lost a really fine passage HH this year, Zoe, 2010-2017. She was hit by a car as she flew A phrase to remember: “You don’t have to attend every across the road. She was doing nothing different than argument to which you are invited” ~ Unknown what she did every time we ended a hunt, looking for the roof-rack landing perch while she waited for the rest of us Richard Shores

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ello Folks, I hope you all had a great falconry season as it Hcomes to a close for most of us. I hope everyone had a great time at the NAFA Meet - I know I did. There were plenty of duck slips and quail everywhere. I was able to also find some rabbits and jacks, which made the long drive more tolerable.

NAFA’s next big project is to work on setting up a c4 organization, which will finance the advocacy, lobby- ing, and defense initiatives that falconers are concerned with and challenged by on a larger scale then NAFA is capable of.

I am happy to announce that California Fish and Game Commissioners adopted revisions to the falconry reg- ulations at their meeting December 8th that the CHC board voted to support. The changes will make for more reasonable inspections.

Here in California we have been struggling with yet an- other issue. We are trying to get clarification on the state warden’s interpretation of the California falconry regula- tions and the federal abatement permits. We are pushing to keep all abatement language out of the state falcon- ry regulations, for we feel this should remain separate. The misinterpretation has led some individual wardens General Falconer could not use his personal falconry to believe that an apprentice can’t be a sub-permittee, birds for abatement. It has nothing to do with appren- which has never been the case in California. tices. Apprentices can practice abatement in every state that has falconry and it should not be interpreted any I think the confusion or misinterpretation comes from differently here in California. section 670 Title 14, California Code of Regulations Re: Falconry. (13) Other Uses of Falconry Raptors, Page 20. Well, that's all for now. Section C states a Master Falconer may conduct abate- I hope you all had a great season and wishing you a ment activities with raptors possessed under a falconry clean molt! license and receive payment if the licensee possessed a valid federal Special Purpose Abatement Permit. A Gen- Adam Chavez eral Falconer may conduct abatement activities only as Director at Large a sub-permittee of the holder of a valid federal Special Purpose Abatement Permit. This was added so that a

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lberta falconry was tested winter weather added to the chal- continues hunting hares with her pair this fall by oscillations in the lenges of weight maintenance of the of female Harris's hawks. Rick Skib- Aweather beyond the normal, birds flown through the winter. Trev- sted briefly flew his female peregrine, with a wet fall limiting access to fields or Schell was taking snowshoe hares Green; she unexpectedly died at the due to delayed harvesting. Many with an inter-mewed female gos- age of 13 years. He also flew his acres of late and unharvested crops hawk when she died after sustain- tiercel peregrine, Little Bill, on ducks. resulted in high rodent numbers, ing a head injury while stopping at Together with his wife, Linda, Rick which allowed only Rough-legged a hare. Mike and Linda Person flew offered much appreciated hospitali- hawks and other raptors wintering their peregrines for a short season, ty not only during the October AFA here. Our 2016 meet saw local and offering their scouting assistance to Meet in Drumheller but for several a few visiting falconers. Terry Spring grandson, Riley Poole, who flew an mini-meets afterwards. Many of our travelled from BC and brought his fe- intermewed female goshawk. Rick birds benefited from great slips in the male Peregrine to fly the prairie skies. Morse took the season off after losing Rosebud area as a result of the good She was successful at taking a water conditions and large flocks few ducks. of ducks. Jonny Groves was pleased to watch his 17th-season Starting from northern Alberta, hybrid, Maverick, back on ducks Helen Trefry started duck hunt- and upland; his fifth-season hy- ing early with her fourth-season brid, Guiness, also had a success- tiercel peregrine, Comet, while ful duck and hun season. He plans her husband Phil flew a rehab to release his wild-trapped female wild hen peregrine, until it in- gyr in the spring. Alex Stokes took jured its leg. So, Phil decided to a break from falconry due to job go fishing instead of attending demands, but is planning to trap our annual meet. Deone Taylor a passage prairie falcon this year. flew her fourth- season female He recently visited with Mark and prairie falcon, Kali, on ducks, Ruth Williams; Mark continues to while Scott Taylor started a fresh- enjoy his work with Marshall Te- ly trapped red-tailed hawk on lemetry in Dubai. rabbits and hares. This bird showed his tiercel peregrine from an abdom- good style, following over their bea- inal problem, focusing instead on In the Brooks area, there was a run gle in dense cover, but unfortunately his abatement work. Dean Mushtuk of bad luck. Mike Wurtz was having sustained a wing sprain mid-season. is still hunting in the forests around great success hunting both ducks and Scott and Deone deserve thanks for Edson, catching hares with great suc- huns with his female prairie falcon. the effort they put into the Alberta Fal- cess with a promising new female Unfortunately, her telemetry signal conry Association (AFA) as our club’s goshawk. was lost during a hunt and she was President and Secretary; as well for not found despite numerous efforts hosting our annual AFA summer bar- In the southern part of the prov- to retrieve her. Lois Pesti’s female becue the past few years. ince, Jo Turley is currently manning prairie suffered a severe wing sprain. a three- year-old, second-owner fe- The wildly unpredictable cold/warm male Ferruginous Hawk, and also Close to Calgary, Shawn Corman and

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and Brenda Russell’s Harris’s hawks, chas- ing swamp rabbits with Bob Peavy’s and Cody Field’s passage Harris's hawks, catch- ing rabbits with two apprentice’s (Mariah Shipley and Wes Wade) red-tails, and catch- ing sparrows with a waiting-on tiercel kestrel trained by apprentice Derrick Reed. Game taken included squirrels, cottontail rabbits, swamp rabbits, mallard, snipe, sparrows, and starlings. After issues were addressed in our annual business meeting, Derrick Reed was presented the Apprentice of the Year Award plaque and honorary hat, a tra- dition started by the AHA in 2008. This was t has been some time since the Arkansas Hawking As- falcons, and followed by our member donation raffle. sociation has submitted club news to NAFA, but we passage pere- Apprentice workshop to be held in Little Rock, AR, during Ihave been active, alive and well. We failed to desig- grines. We will be holding our annual summer picnic the second August. This event is for new and second-year apprentic- nate a NAFA liaison over the past year to focus on NAFA weekend in June at Maumelle State Park near Little Rock, es, as well as falconer wannabes who want to see what communications and membership. Being an odd year, The AHA just Arkansas. All are invited! This is one of our largest fund- is involved in preparing and caring for captive raptors and we recently held elections which resulted in a changing had our annual raising activities for the AHA, with a healthy raffle thanks the sport of falconry. It is also a great opportunity for of the guard and a Board shuffle of responsibilities. The field meet the to donations from vendors across the country. The AHA new or wannabe falconers to meet potential sponsors new AHA President is Steele Clemons; Vice President is first weekend in is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and your continued and pick the brains of many experienced falconers in the Ron Russell, and Secretary/Treasurer is now Kenley Mon- February. It was donations for this event are greatly appreciated! Funds state. If your state organization does not have such an ey. State Director Appointees also changed, with Brenda a bittersweet raised are used for raptor education and conservation, event, you are more than welcome to attend ours. De- Russell as Southwest Director, Bob Peavey as Central-SE field meet, be- including a new conservation and research grant started tails about this event will be posted on our website when Director, Jordan Jones as Northwest Director, and myself Wes Wade with red-tail on a cottontail. ing our last after last year. We are looking forward to new applicants this the date and location are firmed up after the summer (Heath Garner) as Northeast Director and NAFA liaison. 17 years at the year to continue funding raptor conservation and man- picnic. Look us up on our website (www.arkansashawk- Ash Money is still managing our closed-group Facebook Butler Lodge in Ethel, AR. Our host is retiring and closing agement efforts in the state of Arkansas. In addition to ingassociation.org) or call any of us you know for details page and Billy Workman is still serving as webmaster re- her duck lodge business. As such, a new field meet lo- our annual picnic, we are currently planning our annual as the date approaches. motely from South Dakota. Our membership is holding cation committee was appointed at our business meeting steady with 26 active members (out of 41 licensed fal- during the meet. We are already anxious for the com- ALBERTA FALCONRY CONTINUED coners in Arkansas). We are working on a campaign to mittee to provide some options and alternatives for con- quickly just how testy a prairie can be. Dale Paton started improve that percentage and increase our NAFA mem- sideration at our summer picnic. A total of 18 falconers Rich Moore shared a female merlin, which allowed Shawn two Trefry tiercels and had the heartache of having one of bership as well. attended the field the chance to continue falconry when he returns home them killed by a great horned owl while on its first duck meet this year, in- from long stints at work. These guys have had fantastic of the season. Jeremy Roselle released a prairie and start- There are many AHA members with new birds this sea- cluding three first- flights and lots of action catching pigeons and starlings at ed a new red-tailed hawk and is taking advantage of the son. Derek McCullom has a new passage prairie falcon year apprentic- feed lots with their merlin. unseasonably warm weather to continue catching hares (from Kansas); Greg Seaton and Chris Price have new es. We also had a and rabbits. Most winter falconers, however, are putting passage peregrines (from Arkansas and South Padre, TX guest stop in from The Lethbridge area again experienced few duck ponds up their birds now as the owls and eagles become more respectively); Bob Peavy and Cody Fields have new pas- the Arkansas Dem- but terrific hun numbers. Steve Schwartz manned a numerous, which are always problematic at this time of sage Harris’s hawks (from Texas), and Steele Clemons is ocrat-Gazette, writ- wild peregrine hack where he also hacked a new imprint year. flying a new American kestrel falcon. New apprentices this ing a lifestyle piece peregrine tiercel from Trefry's. Combined with flights to past season include Mariah Shipley (red-tail), Wes Wade for that central Ar- the drone, the tiercel was in great shape early to take a The AFA members are saddened to hear Wayne Nelson (red-tail), and kansas newspa- good number of both ducks and huns. Steve also flew has given up his remaining peregrine as health issues Derrick Reed per. Highlights of his 13th-season hybrid tiercel, Cargill, and Hitch, his have shortened his falconry and raptor studies too early. (tiercel kes- the meet included seasoned pie-bald hybrid. This bird continues to grow Wayne has contributed much to AFA over the years and is trel). Other snipe hawking with more white body feathers with each subsequent moult, well known for his life-long study of the Peales peregrines AHA mem- Chris Price’s two including a primary for the first time. Steve is also flying at Langara Island. bers are flying peregrines (both a rehab female haggard gyrfalcon for Alberta Fish and intermewed passage, one 3X Wildlife, preparing it for a spring release. Udo Hanebaum Our club is looking forward to having our 2017 meet in birds, includ- intermewed), chas- also hoped to take advantage of the great hun coves but Rosebud, Alberta, October 13-15. We welcome any out- ing red-tails, ing ducks with my watched in dismay as his seasoned tiercel, Hey, stooped of-province falconers or spectators to join us. Harris’s, a gos- goshawk, squirrel into the ground; it survived but shattered its coracoid. Udo Mariah Shipley and her red-tail on a bunny! hawk, hybrid hawking with Ron Heath Gardner with his gos and mallard! decided to try a tiercel prairie on huns. Udo is learning

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Saturday evening, Randy Landis came up from Califor- Prineville area and then stopped by to visit Brian and Lin- nia and gave us a presentation on Goshawking. There da. Brian had a hot spot nearby and we caught another was an apprentice outing as well on Saturday. A number female, posthaste. Jared selected the Terre Bonne bird of people took game, which included rabbits and water- and she turned out to have a dose of pox! Once that was fowl. The WFA Winter meet had to be postponed, then cleared up he got started with the training. cancelled, due to the aforementioned weather conditions. Bob Welle's tiercel Finn just recently whacked his first In 2016, the WFA worked on improving and increasing Jack. Bob has really made a full-purpose gos out of him. communications, updating their website, increasing the I can't get my tiercel to even look at fur?! Thank good- membership, working with the Washington agency on ness he's a dandy bird whacker. Patrick Rumens, Clinton proposed falconry permit fees, increased peregrine take Rand and Owens Hill are flying goshawks and are doing a numbers, and more. Big news came from the Washing- good job of holding up the goshawk’s reputation! ton Wildlife Commission in December, when they com- pletely de-listed the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon My old tiercel Finn, Culley, is now 14 yrs. old. He's be- reetings from the wet Pacific Northwest. It’s hard from south-central Alaska: in the state. The Washington Falconers Association was come quite a big part of my falconry, as you might well to believe that it is mid-February already; just the Eric Fontane had a good year on geese with his female involved in these efforts. Now let’s see the USFWS start imagine. Duck season started out pretty slow with Culley other day, while out hawking, we noted that the gyrfalcon. Don Hunley had a great season on geese and G treating peregrines just like any other non-threatened or this year. We finally got some weather around the last Red-tails are already paired up and did not want to tol- ducks with his female Finn gos and is still chasing stuff in non-endangered wildlife! week of December. The ducks came in and, happily, I erate other hawks near their nesting area. One can now Idaho and Oregon right now. Dutch Overly had some bad take the month of January for my vacation and hawked observe many pairs already starting their courtship be- luck with a female rehab goshawk, but is right back in the Hawking-wise here in Washington, I’ve been flying my the local waterfowl. Culley took his first duck of the sea- haviors. Hawking season appears to be drawing to a saddle with another passage female goshawk, also taking 21-plus-year-old harris’ female, Hera. My apprentice, son on Jan. 1st and we've been rockin' the mallard's close. on a female Anatum peregrine. Lee Tostevin, is working with her red-tail. Brad Felger is world almost every day since...Yay! I'm also flying an busy being the WFA President, along with getting in some intermewed passage female coops... her name is Skank Speaking of “hawking season”, I’d like to relate to you Recently, it was suggested that a regional NAFA meet hawking, while Sue Hanneman has been tearing it up. and she's a pretty good hawk, otherwise, she fits the bill. a recent incident that has been brought to my attention. might be held in Washington. I have, since learning this, Allen Gardner has been catching game. Brian Kellam, I’m thinking about changing her name to Nicotine... I've contacted the presidents of the Oregon and Washington Brad Felger’s apprentice, has been doing well with his RT. started over with her about six times. One of the state clubs in this region has a Facebook page. clubs, along with Doug Pineo, with the suggestion that An individual, who is not a NAFA member, was espous- a meet might be more successfully held in the Oregon Five Washingtonians made it to the NAFA meet in Elk My old peregrine, Ghillie, died during the moult this sum- ing behavior that is not legal. To the state club’s credit, Umatilla Indian Reservation, where the Oregon Falconers City, Oklahoma -Doug Pineo, Ron and Kay Updegrave, mer at 13 yrs. and left me 'longwing bereft.' She was a the others on that Facebook page took this individual to held their recent fall meet. OFA President, Ralph Tolli, and Cliff and Janna Kellogg. It was an interesting time; clutch-mate to Bruce Haak's old falcon, Jenks. (Cottrell's task over the statements being made. This is a reminder has indicated that he will be speaking with the OFA board the NAFA meets are always special as we get to spend Jesse has a younger sister from the same breeding... she to all - what we say, whether in the pages of HawkChalk, about such a possibility. or on social media such as chat forums or Facebook, time with lifelong friends. We also made some new is the last surviving member of a family that started with can be used against us in a court, not to mention giving Washington friends, including the landowners on whose property we George Peden's tierce, Blue Boy.) Bruce gave me a very hunted! One highlight for us was cooking hawk-caught great gift with that bird... she will be missed. potential ammunition to various anti-groups. I reiterate Recently, there has been concern about possible out- cottontail on the camp stove on the tailgate of our pickup what I wrote in the August 2014 HawkChalk (The Night- breaks of avian cholera; this directly from the webpage truck. This was shared with Doug and Ron, who sup- Larry Cottrell says the cold weather has been keeping him mare on Goshawk Grove; Operation Falcon Revisited): of the Washington Falconers Association: SALEM, Ore. plied the barley-pop. We are starting to regard this as a out of the field; that won’t last long! Brian and Linda Kel- We practice falconry as a privilege, not a right! Please (Ammoland.com) - State and federal wildlife managers tradition, the sharing of wild game off the tailgate. We logg have been out hunting with their two harris’ hawks think twice about what you post on social media; state- are investigating a possible outbreak of avian cholera in appreciated Doug and Ron joining us. I understand that and their new dog… Brian is pretty excited about that ments, pictures and/or videos that could be used against ducks after members of the public reported several hun- Ron also caught a pheasant with one of his birds. We are dog! falconry. dred dead ducks at wetlands on private land in the Stan- looking forward to next year in Kearney, Nebraska… our field and Milton-Freewater areas over the weekend. The favorite spot for a NAFA meet! If you haven’t yet attend- Oregon had their field meet just prior to the NAFA meet. On to news of the directorate; thanks to all who have re- public is asked to report sick or dead birds to 1-866-968- ed one, you should. Trent Seager indicated that the meet was a grand success! sponded to my requests for information, ideas, opinions, 2600 or [email protected] etc. You are NAFA and without your input we would not be the same! ODFW, WDFW and the US Fish and Wildlife Service are Oregon Final Thoughts In response to my inquiries for regional information, The most common theme in responses to my inquiries working to minimize the spread of the disease through Randy Carnahan writes: “On the falconry scene things in of the membership in the North Pacific Directorate is that Alaska careful carcass collection and disposal to reduce the my neck of the woods are about par. My novice, Jared the most important thing is legal access here in the Pacific I hear from Tim Sell that the AFA has held elections for amount of bacteria in the environment. the first time in a long time. Elected were Dave Lorring Larson, is just getting his second 'tail going, so he's be- Flyway to passage peregrines. I continue to hit this one at ginning to get the "whole falconry experience!" The bird all of our NAFA board meetings. Please continue to keep for President, Dutch Overly for southern Vice President, Snow and closed mountain passes have dampened the that he's flying was taken over by Brian Kellogg's place our lines of communication open and busy; remember Kurt Schmidt for northern Vice President, and Paul Stitt falconry scene here in Washington lately. Not so for the in Terre Bonne. Passage 'tails were almost nonexistent that NAFA is your club, and is only as good as we make for Secretary. Tim indicates that they are hopeful for a re- fall WFA meet, which was held in Soap Lake, WA, on the in the Valley this year, so Jared and I took a safari to the it. God bless each of you. invigorated club and have some interesting issues ahead weekend of October 20-23. There was a Friday evening east side. We had caught a nice female in the Madras/ of them. Tim also provides the following hawking news talk on West Nile Virus by Dr. Marcie Logsdon; then on

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By: Joe Atkinson

Photo by: by Cordi Atkinson

Sometimes in life stuff just happens -- without any planning or thought, alconry has many paths to Cordi and I live in the high desert and horse ranch. I remember calling choose from, determined by of Eastern Oregon, twenty miles out to Cordi, so excited to come it just shows up and away you go. With that said, however, you don’t just which raptor you like, short from the Idaho border. This is wide- see what we caught. Up until that go out and play golf for the first time and shoot a low score or jump on wings or longs wings and open sagebrush country. Here the moment I had been just flying my Feverything in between. They all will sagebrush seems endless, stretching eagle in preparation for a movie. But and ride a jumping horse and win a Grand Prix. Everything’s a journey, a take you on the ride of your life. out for hundreds of miles in all watching an eagle slope-soar off the journey that can take years of trial and error to eventually get you to where With that said, there are other factors directions. This wide-open landscape side of a hill for days on end leads that come into play that you must is eagle country. Golden eagles, to boredom, I guess, and I started you want to be. Falconry is no different. Falconry is so much more than consider…. where you live, what with their power and speed, are to look for game to hunt. I soon a sport, it is a way of life. The raptors we bring into our lives demand and types of prey are in your area, is that unmatched and reign supreme as discovered where the jackrabbits prey compatible with your chosen the king of birds in this unforgiving were hiding and one thing led to deserve our full attention. If you are not prepared to hand over your life to bird and will you have access to fields environment. another until I found myself moving, falconry then look elsewhere for your life’s endeavor because this is not to fly your bird in. Living in a forest ever so slowly, down the side of the and wanting to fly a falcon might not I caught my first jackrabbit with my hill, entering the ‘flush zone’! Like the place for you. Joe and Cordi Atkinson and Zeva and Khan be the best choice. In that case, you first golden eagle in 1976. Yes, a all jackrabbit flushes, they pop up (Photo by: by Nancy Whitehead) should think about a goshawk, for long time ago. I can still recall that from nothing and are suddenly just example. If you are living in the city, flight vividly in my mind, like it was up and running. My eagle had given flying a golden eagle may not be the yesterday. Cordi and I were still in chase to many a ground squirrel and wisest choice either. college, living on a sizeable cattle had caught a few, so the sight of

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and you are a means for them to get under my eagle circling overhead like to do that. I don’t know, but what I a great white shark, was not going something running was, in her mind, do know is that golden eagles like to to happen. Nothing, and I mean food. catch things, almost dog-like. They nothing, was going to move. I found are like no other falconry bird. And for myself fantasizing about setting the After all these years and countless that reason they are often not given entire hillside on fire as a last ditch flights with both eagles and falcons, the opportunities they deserve – to effort to get something to move the thing I still remember of my first be flown and hunted. Sadly, many under my eagle. As the fire option eagle flight was her explosive power golden eagles are trapped and then was, well, not a good one, I moved coming off the fist as she launched paraded around meet hotel lobbies on to plan B, which was an Internet towards that jack. That feeling, that and such, never flown or hunted. I search to find a breed of dog called rush, if you will, chose my path in call these people ‘pet keepers’. To do a Tazi. Tazis are sight hounds that falconry for me. I was hooked on the bird justice, do not get a golden originate in Kazakhstan are bred to eagles. eagle unless you intend to fly it, they do one thing and one thing only, run. deserve better. Sight hounds are just what their name Falconry is a journey and that journey implies; they use their eyes more can take you down roads you never I have always tried to push the than their noses. And boy can they dreamed of and show you things you envelope in falconry, seeing what is run! Tazis are freakishly athletic, more never thought possible. Falconers, possible and how to go to the next cat-like than dog, I would say. It’s I feel, have an opportunity to look level. I believe a waiting-on golden almost, and I say that loosely like I’ve through a window into the natural eagle over my two dogs is pushing had one, but it is almost like having world that very few other people the bar to the highest level. Watching a cheetah. Tazis are not interested in ever have a chance to look through. our two Tazis race across the high being watchdogs or playing fetch or Because of the relationship that we desert, hot on the tail of a jackrabbit, any sort of obedience, at least ours have with our birds they show us just Khan male Tazi in action (Photo by: Cordi Atkinson) and then seeing my female eagle, aren’t. They are interested in one how amazing they really are and how Widow, come stooping in from 3000- thing, chasing rabbits at breakneck difficult survival is for them. Watching room. Hunting dogs work very hard and look into the sky to check Widow’s not bring him out until the very end 4000 feet and scoop up the jack speed. Our young male, Khan, has the predator/prey relationship, and because of this they can get hurt, position. It has been an amazing when he was large enough not to get a matter of feet in front of our two already caught four jacks on his own, falconers see all the very subtle details and when that happens and your process to witness. Flying an eagle in grabbed by Widow. I have noticed dogs is, well, spectacular, to stay the no easy task, I assure you. that, for instance, a duck that is being dog goes on the IR (injured reserves) this style is thrilling. Seeing an eagle that he is showing signs of being least. The journey to get to the point pursued by a peregrine goes through your falconry comes to a screeching stoop from thousands of feet is one faster than Zeva, something I would of watching an eagle and two dogs I have made a couple of interesting trying to shake off its attacker. Or what halt. Try looking for sage grouse of nature’s most awesome sights. But not have expected, as Zeva is fast. hunting as a team was, however, observations in this latest journey a tree squirrel does to elude a red without a dog, see how far that it takes living in the right area, having Khan has been getting closer and unplanned and unexpected. I never of mine. I was very surprised at -tailed hawk in hot pursuit. Falconers gets you. Or, better yet, run after a the right prey and the right dogs. All of closer to the jacks they have been sat there and said ‘you know, I want how quickly the eagle realized the see these stories unfold in front of jackrabbit. Not only do dogs enhance this must come together to produce flushing, only adding to my concern to have an eagle wait-on like a giant advantage of having dogs flush jacks them each time they fly their raptors, the falconry experience, they are what I consider to be eagle falconry of what would happen when Khan falcon over my dogs as they race under her. Widow has, on occasion, something biologists in the field only totally indispensable. Early in the first at the highest level. and Widow got to the jack at the after jacks’. Like so many things in stooped and upended a coyote or two hope to catch a fleeting glimpse of, season Zeva returned after streaking same time, eagles don’t share well! life, some things seem to just happen with, what I could tell, was serious perhaps once in a lifetime. across the plains and had torn open This will be Khan’s first year, as last Out in the field we have been keeping for reasons all their own. Flying a intent. So I was justifiably concerned her shoulder, which required stitches, season he was young and we did one dog on a leash as to have a fresh waiting-on eagle just took shape by when introducing the dogs onto the I said that falconry is more than a out for a week. No dog, no flights…. itself. I will allow myself a little credit team. I first started with Zeva, our sport, that it’s a life style. But, even grounded. The second thing that I in that I did see the potential and ran female, and then a year later added more than that, it’s a partnership found interesting was how the dogs with it. Khan. Whenever jackrabbit, eagle between you and your bird. This worked together to flank the jacks, and dogs all come together at the partnership is never more evident which is difficult due, in large part, to Someone once said that the only same moment I still cringe a little, not than in the relationship that forms all the obstacles they must negotiate. difference between a master falconer wanting to hear a dog yelping. Even between a falconer and a golden Rocks of all sizes, cactus, sagebrush and a first-year general is that after the addition of one freakishly fast eagle. Maybe it’s the shear size of the every three to four feet apart and let’s the master has made way more dog, I was surprised at the difference eagle that causes the eagle to feel less not forget the million holes dug by mistakes. This would certainly be the second, even faster dog has afraid of the falconer. Or maybe it’s badgers looking for ground squirrels. true in my case. However, in my made. Dogs play such an important the eagle’s attitude, somehow born I can honestly say that Widow, Zeva defense, it did not take me long to role in my falconry, be it my English with the knowledge that they are and Khan have formed a definite realize that running around on foot pointers hunting sage grouse or my ‘bad’ enough to send the falconer to working partnership – Widow through sagebrush trying to flush a two Tazis chasing jacks. Having two the hospital. Or it could be as simple constantly watches the dogs beneath jackrabbit, or anything for that matter, dogs is a good idea if you have the Zeva female Tazi (Photo by: Cordi Atkinson) as that golden eagles love to hunt her and the dogs will actually pull up

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dog ready to go, so Cordi leads Khan. This also gives Zeva and Khan on the move after a jack rabbit us some control of the hunt, as Khan, with his young, (Photo by: Cordi Atkinson) unbridled energy, is all over the hills otherwise. Cordi and Khan were off to my right and Zeva was at my side. All of a sudden a jack jumped up straight in front of me as I walked up a slight grade. I yelled ‘ho’ and freed Zeva, who gave chase. Cordi freed Khan, who joined Zeva, and the two dogs immediately flanked the jack, keeping the speedy rabbit in between them as they accelerated away from us. Within seconds we could hear Widow coming down, the sound is unmistakable. Ripping the air, Widow was bringing speed and attitude that only a female golden eagle can bring. As the chase went up and over the slight rise we could no longer see the jack or the dogs. My eyes switched over to Widow who was in a full mummy tuck, hurdling towards her target. We heard a whack and then saw Widow doing a huge pitch-up, like a massive falcon, looking back over her shoulder at the ground. She had clearly hit something. Rolling over, Widow headed straight down to the ground again. But just as she was nearly down we heard the jack scream, which seemed strange to us. This was all happening in just seconds, so fast in fact, my mind could barely keep up. The next scene was Khan tearing down the hillside with a jack in his mouth and Widow right on his butt! The look in Khan’s eye was one of extreme pride and fear all at once. Just as Widow was coming up Khan’s back he must have sensed that something was about to go horribly wrong and he opened his mouth to let go of the jackrabbit, only to have Widow snatch the jack away, land and start plucking fur. Disaster averted! Good Hawking!

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Dave's well-deserved rec- ognition in the art world is derived from his expertise in capturing fine wildlife art and contemporary designs on ex- ceptional forms. His detailed artwork is all hand-painted with glazes that go through the firing process.

"I want to show the symbi- otic relationship between the vessel and the way it David is an accomplished artist who is altered, much like all liv- lives with his family in southern Ida- ing things and the earth." ho. He is featured here through our Vice President, Sheldon Nicolle, who Combining art forms together made David’s acquaintance at the Dallas Safari Club Convention in Jan- has taken years of trial and uary of this year. error, but has given Dave's pieces the identity of art on Dave has worked with clay for the the cutting edge. last 24 years and during that time, he has developed art uniquely his own. LaMure's work is a refreshing Dave's innovative style of painting, approach to an age-old fir- sculpting and altering vessels is new ing technique, successfully to the world of clay. The fine art, size combining the warmth and and detail of each piece is a bold softness of the traditional with approach using the Raku process. a contemporary concern for bold forms.

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David claims that when he was younger, he had fre- quent dreams about flying. At one point as a teenager he had the grand adven- ture of raising a raven. "I was awestruck when she would make aerial dynamic barrel rolls from high in the sky to come land on my shoulder." A shared feeling all of us can relate to with our own birds!

After spending many years as a wildlife guide, his works have tak- en on deeper meanings, mostly exploring wildlife and the natural process of evolution. David says, “We haven’t been honoring evolution, instead we try to control it. We try to conquer the process of nature and manipulate it.” One thing is certain, whether he is working in bronze, clay, or on the easel, you can expect the unexpected to occur, with an abso- lutely fabulous outcome. If you would like to see some of Dave's new unpublished work surrounding the theme of falconry, please email him at [email protected]. web: davelamurejr.com

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tired “Spook”, his 17-year-old gyr/peregrine tiercel. Spook and taking three ducks! Nice way to end the season. had developed severe arthritis in his wing/shoulder but still managed to catch one duck this year. The Ontario Hawking Club held its annual meet in Lon- don again. Rabbit numbers were up and there were rea- Also in the Saskatoon area, Lynn Oliphant reports he had sonable numbers of ducks around in spite of a windy a great season with his new tiercel “Inca”, after a slow Saturday and a blizzard on Sunday. Visitors were in atten- start. Inca finally killed a gadwall on the last day of Sep- dance from NY as well as Quebec. The OHC has a busy tember, but then didn't look back and started taking ducks calendar this year, starting with a goshawk blitz in March, regularly. With unusually mild weather they were reward- an orientation workshop in April, followed by a squirrel ed with a duck season that extended into mid-November. hawking workshop in June, as well as the usual picnic, The upland situation around Saskatoon was radically im- field meet and various PR events. It’s amazing what a proved this year and was able to get flights on both huns dedicated group of people can do in their spare time! and sharptails with some success. In late November, Lynn and Guy Rondeau, who were visiting from Quebec, In December, the Ontario government posted a proposal y the time you read this, the 2016-2017 season will may be in the world. My only regret is that our busy pe- spent a week hawking huns and grouse south of Swift to update and simplify the small game seasons. There be over. I hope it was safe and successful for every- riod coincides with the North American falconry season, Current. He reports that both game birds were abundant, were a few changes affecting falconry including some Bone, but I know many people found it challenging as I dearly miss attending both the Canadian and NAFA and they had many flights and great dog work. Never- expanded squirrel hunting opportunities. The OHC sub- for one reason or another. Personally, I found duck num- meets. Until then I wish everyone safe hawking. ” theless, despite mitted detailed com- bers down and weather very uncooperative. Neverthe- their best efforts, ments. A final deci- less, I was happy to have a bird in the air for the whole Also in Alberta, Alastair Franke, as many of you already they “did not de- sion has not yet been season without mishap for the first time in several years! know, has published an updated population estimate of plete the popula- made. northern peregrine falcons and completed an analysis of tion by much!” Between hawking and moving house I have not done a feathers taken from peregrines trapped by eastern US In Quebec, falconers good job of staying in touch with everyone, so this re- falconers. Though, of course, not as “iron clad” as ev- In Ontario, Dave are working on an port will be brief. I have not heard too much about the ery wildlife manager would like, this work indicates that Doughty and opportunity created situation in the field in BC, but Kristine and Alan have the northern population is much larger than previously Louise Engel at- by a review of their been very busy with getting the ICH committee up and thought and the vast majority of birds trapped are north- tended the IAF hunting regulations running. There are delegates in all but two provinces and ern birds. Alastair has been working closely with the fly- meeting in Ire- to press for wild take, the work has started. way councils and President Scott McNeff in support of land in Novem- which is not yet legal NAFA’s efforts to increase passage peregrine take in the ber. They en- there. The AFQ has Mark Williams was visiting Alberta this past week from eastern US. He has spent many hours writing and on the joyed some truly presented a detailed the Gulf and re-acquainting himself with the Canadian phone leading up to the spring meetings, and I know his amazing snipe proposal to the Minis- winter. He reports as follows: efforts have been very helpful in moving this issue for- hawking and try. The AQFA, mean- ward. I also want to say, for any members who may be great hospitality. while, has invited “It's hard to believe it's been almost four years since I left impatient with the rate of progress, that President McNeff Dave trapped a Ontario’s “trapper-in- the Canadian prairies for the golden sands of the Arabian has, on behalf of NAFA, been absolutely, relentlessly and passage merlin chief”, Dave Dough- gulf. It's been quite an adventure and as the saying goes, tirelessly devoted to increasing the take. If we are suc- late in the fall. ty, to participate in a ‘time flies when you’re having fun.’ Despite my absence, cessful, it will be NAFA’s success and NAFA’s alone. If we Louise had an- trapping workshop I do keep up on Canadian and NAFA falconry matters. It's are not (yet), it won’t be for lack of dedication or effort! other very suc- Quebec visitors Shawna, Sarah, Geneviève, with Rob Boyd at OHC Field Meet based on the presen- so clear to me that we have some of the finest falconry cessful season tation that he gave to and supportive organizations that cannot be replaced - In Saskatchewan, Bob Rafuse had what sounds (to me with her perlin “Solo”. Doug Wilson had a difficult season, the Ontario Hawking Club in 2015. It’s in the early stage even with money. Credit for this goes to past and present anyway) like a pretty good season with “Nuk”, his tiercel but he is looking forward to flying his gyr-hybrid on gulls yet, but if these proposals move forward it will represent members whose selfless commitment to ‘pay back’ for peregrine. Once the ponds froze he switched to upland and crows (under a CWS abatement permit) this spring. another major step forward in Quebec falconry! what they have. I'm eternally grateful for their efforts and game. Sharp-tailed grouse were quite plentiful in his area Also he reports his pair of red-tails have been sitting on honoured to consider so many as friends. with “usually 50 to 150 found a day.” Nevertheless, this three eggs since January 22! Hope everyone has a great spring and summer. is a very difficult quarry for a tiercel and only two were Throughout my global travels it is apparent NAFA is a taken. Unfortunately, huns were less common in Bob’s Both Ken Roczniak and I made separate trips to the Ot- ~Martin Geleynse highly respected organization and an inspiration to other area. Bob is considering a larger falcon for next year and tawa area to look for huns. Early indications were prom- countries not as ahead in organized, recognized falconry. almost trapped a passage prairie in January. ising for a rebound in the population, however we each Let us not take for granted what we have and let's each only got one flight. Nevertheless, Ken had a good season take ownership to maintain and improve it. As good as Paddy Thompson had a great season around Saskatoon on ducks with his intermewed hybrid. On New Years Day, NAFA is, there is always room for improvement and that with his female anatum “Fanny”, taking ducks, huns and I was able to get out with Ken and Dave Doughty for one comes from within. I'm grateful for the continued great grouse. Once the -20C temperatures hit he put her up. last “kick at the can.” With a lot of ducks and only a little leadership and proud to be a NAFA member wherever I Also, after a long and distinguished career, Paddy has re- open water, we ended up flying the same pond four times

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By the time this edition of HawkChalk rolls this is for an apprentice but a quick look at the pictures of Dennis and his female red-tail will serve to remind us! off the presses, the Saskatchewan Falconers Club will have been in existence for two Chad Pawluk had purchased himself a juvenile female anatum, his first longwing, which he duly trained and en- years. Coming from where we started just tered at ducks. This year the duck season was extend- two years ago with only a handful of fal- ed by a period of warm weather well into November. coners, to where we are today, has been a Chad soon had a very successful Falcon on his hands and caught several ducks. great journey. Iain Timmins had imprinted a very dark gyrkin, which It is a testament to the enthusiasm of our Members who was on the wing and hunting by early September. Un- have given selflessly of their time, and on occasions their fortunately, the harvest was delayed by bad weather and money, to further the future of our Club. Give people an there was very little land to fly over at the start of the sea- opportunity to flourish and give them the support they son. Swaths of spoiled grain lay everywhere, attracting need, then stuff begins to happen. big flocks of ducks and eagles, too. So many bald eagles sticking around as long as they did made big tracts of Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation was kind enough to land a no-go area. allow us the use of their conference facilities in Moose Jaw for our first Apprentice Falconers Day. The highlight Doug Bush had another good season with Matrix, per- of the day was the attendance of Dr. Melanie Blager, an haps not hunting as often as he would have wished but honorary SFC member, who gave a talk on Raptor First he ended with a pretty good tally. Canadian Thanksgiving Aid and handed out First Aid Kits. The rest of the day was Weekend saw a small group of us assemble at Doug’s taken up with presentations on trapping, furniture mak- home where we enjoyed an extended weekend of hawk- ing, and telemetry. It was a great day, much enjoyed by ing, Matrix being the only falcon to put anything in the everyone there. We are particularly grateful to Josh who bag. I believe we had a few beers too.... bought everyone lunch! Looking to the future, the Club is planning on attending In the winter we did a presentation to the Yorkton Scout the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Convention in Re- group where three of our members went along with their gina as well as having a booth at the shows in Yorkton birds and gave a two-hour session on hunting with hawks and Regina. They were very successful for us last year and some of the biological aspects of raptors. and we are planning to continue with the kestrel nesting box project again this year. World Falconry Day was celebrated by a meal and a fundraising auction at the Chimneys Restaurant in Regi- Iain A Timmins na, which was well supported. Club President.

With the hunting season upon us there were three new hawks to be entered. Dennis Tarr, an Apprentice Mem- ber, went with his mentor, Ron Hannant, and trapped his first hawk. We soon forget what a monumental occasion

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JIM ENDERSON 1936 - 2017 the loss of a LEGEND

He was a gentleman, above the fray in falco-politics, a major force in peregrine biology and delisting. He served on one of the early pere- grine recovery teams and, I believe. led one of the concluding ones. He was THE expert on Colorado/western peregrine populations. He attended the initial (1961) conclave where NAFA was proposed and at that meeting served on the committee to develop the assn’s format and constitution; in 1965 he succeeded Pete Asborno as NAFA Mtn. Director. He was NAFA’s spokesman (doing a beautiful/professional job of it) at the initial Audubon Falcon meeting in ’69 that led us into our pro-active regulatory actions. He was long associated with The Peregrine Fund, including membership on its Board of Directors.

~ Kent Carnie

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JIM ENDERSON

im Enderson passed away Jan. 10th Among his numerous awards and citations, he was me, so excited to say that he caught a large canvasback from a lofty in his hometown of Colorado Springs, a Professor Emeritus at Colorado College, the recip- pitch with his peregrine. It was a sad day indeed when I went to JColorado. He is survived by his wife ient of the Hamerstrom Award for contributions to Jim’s house to pick up the last peregrine he would have as a hunt- Betty of 34 years, two children, a sister, the ecological understanding and conservation of wild ing partner. The tiercel Peale’s was a large, spirited, fully-hacked two stepchildren and eight grandchildren. raptors, and the Cade Award for captive propagation bird, bred by Pete Widener. The dark-capped peregrine was a He had many friends and colleagues from and management from the Raptor Research Founda- worthy specimen for one of the sport’s true master falconers. all over the country. NAFA has lost a cham- tion. Beyond that, he was a skilled big-game hunter, pion, not only as a falconer, but as a rap- teacher, historian, author, life-long student of nature, Jim joined me on several fall trips to Wyoming to hunt sage grouse tor biologist and conservationist. Jim was classic- car collector, artist, a dear friend, husband, fa- with my gyrfalcon. He loved watching the pointer work the open highly respected and loved by those fortu- ther, colleague, and mentor to many of us who fly and sage country and was thrilled when my gyrfalcon caught a grouse. nate enough to have known him. He was a love raptors today. While there, we also hunted pronghorn antelope. He didn’t seem kind, humble, soft-spoken individual who to care much about hunting a trophy, but was more interested in did not like to be put into the limelight. But J I M I N H I S L A T E R Y E A R S harvesting a young animal that provided good table fare. Jim also when Jim did speak, people always lis- ~ John Testa enjoyed big-game hunting for elk and moose. tened. After retiring from teaching in 2001, Jim was involved in In 2008, I had the opportunity to help Jim do his annual survey Jim’s early childhood years were spent in many professional and personal activities. The one thing of nesting peregrines at Lake Powell. He had names for all of the Iowa where his interest in raptors began. that remained an important part of his life was his abso- cliffs where the birds nested and took meticulous notes at each He then moved to Illinois where he fin- lute passion for the peregrine falcon. His knowledge of site. His knowledge of the environment on that trip was impec- ished high school and junior college. Jim at- the biology, worldwide population dynamics and even the cable. It was an amazing, educational experience. He taught me tended the University of Illinois at Urbana, training of peregrines for falconry were all part of a lega- many things about the desert flora and fauna, and how and why where he worked on kestrels and received cy that will be passed on for generations to come. Every nesting peregrines thrived at Lake Powell. He described the deli- his M.S. degree in Zoology. His education spring Jim was in the field traveling throughout the state cate relationships among the species of birds that migrate through continued at the University of Wyoming in of Colorado monitoring anatum peregrine falcon nesting this desert reservoir, providing the prey base for the peregrines, as Laramie. There he completed his disserta- sites. Because of the biological data provided by Jim, and well as the horizontal cracks in the cliffs called Hanging Gardens tion on prairie falcons and graduated with his knowledge of our Colorado peregrines, we were suc- that grow species of plants, which are endemic to Lake Powell. a Ph.D. in Zoology. In 1962, Jim joined the cessful in securing a falconry harvest. Just his presence at Jim had been taking his annual trip to Lake Powell for years but Biology department at Colorado College. a Wildlife Commission meeting gave falconers the confi- the one thing he had not done was fish. When planning our trip, He became an associate professor in 1968 dence needed to push the proposal through. Jim was a true he asked if I would bring some gear and could we take a few hours and professor in 1975. game-hawker and successfully flew tiercel peregrines at from observing eyries to do some fishing? That’s where my knowl- ducks for as long as his health allowed. One day he called edge of fishing came in, and at the end of the week we had a cooler His life was essentially devoted to the study and restoration of the peregrine falcon.

During his long and distinguished career in raptor research, he made innumera- ble contributions to the science and un- derstanding of wild falcon populations. He was also the first person in the US to breed the anatum or “American” peregrine in captivity. Jim’s extensive research in the field, knowledge of the behavior of wild fal- cons, and steadfast dedication to the effort to save the peregrine falcon from extinc- tion in the US made him a giant in the field. No one knew more about wild Colorado peregrines than Jim. The only reason we have a wild take in Colorado today is be- cause of unquestionable data he obtained, and the respect he commanded from both the US Fish & Wildlife Service and Colora- do Parks & Wildlife.

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JIM ENDERSON

full of striped bass and walleye. One evening we range. It proved to be a very old, male bear with only a In 1978, Jim joined the board of directors of The Peregrine cooked walleye fillets under one of the eyries. few broken-off teeth remaining in its mouth. Apparently Fund and remained an active and important member un- he was looking for something tender to gum on. til his death. Later he was made leader of a reconstituted One of Jim’s closest friends was Mike Minelli. and combined Western Peregrine Falcon Recovery Team They went on many trips to the eastern plains of In the years 1969 -1970, both Jim Enderson and Clayton including the earlier West Coast Team. With Jerry Craig he Colorado, observing and trapping raptors. Sev- White were working with me at Cornell, along with grad- conducted annual surveys for newly occupied eyries as eral weeks before Jim passed, Mike and I asked uate students and a chemist-birder named David Peakall reintroduction took effect, and he helped at some of the Jim if we could get him out in the field and go from Britain. We were gung-ho on studying the effects of hack sites where the young falcons were released. trapping. The whole idea was questionable as his DDT and related compounds on eggshell thickness and health was failing. He was reluctant at first, then on possible impacts on reproductive behavior; 1970 was An accidental discovery of peregrines nesting on a tall emphatically said yes. Jim guided us on the same also the year that our breeding barn, “The Peregrine Pal- cliff on an island in Lake Powell called attention to the route on the eastern plains that he had taken ace,” was built across the road from the Cornell Labora- possibility that this region might be good habitat for Per- during field trips with his students at Colorado tory of Ornithology. We started moving peregrines and egrines. Little had been learned about peregrines in this College. You could see the excitement in his face some other species into the 40 breeding chambers in the country before the Glenn Canyon Dam was constructed, when we trapped an immature tiercel prairie fal- barn. and nothing afterward until the discovery of this pair. con. This was the last time he went afield, and after driving around for several hours, he looked By 1973 we were successfully breeding peregrines in cap- In 1984, Jim and his crew began surveys for other pairs quite tired. We said that maybe we should call tivity at Cornell. Meanwhile Jim had gone back to Colora- around the Lake Powell Reservoir and along the rivers it a day and return to his house and have lunch. do College and had set up his own private breeding proj- flowing into the lake from the north. They found them in Jim was quiet for a moment, then replied, “Let’s ect with two or three pairs of peregrines. In 1973, several abundance. The same proved to be the case in the Grand make one more round.” private breeders hatched and reared falcons in captivity, Canyon [minimum of 200 pairs estimated] and even in including Jim who was the first person to produce proge- the desert canyons feeding down from Nevada to Lake Rest in peace, my friend. ny from the endangered, western subspecies of the pere- Meade. Jim continued his surveys on the Colorado Pla- grine; three young birds were successfully fledged. teau right up to the last year of his life.

In 1974, the Colorado Division of Wildlife invited The Per- To bring a long story to a conclusion, as Jim said, no one egrine Fund to set up a second breeding facility at Fort really knows how many pairs of peregrines nest in the J I M A N D T H E Jim reviewing the dust jacket for "Fidget’s Folly", a children’s picture book Collins at an unused field station originally used for exper- Colorado Plateau region, because it is extremely difficult about two hacked peregrine falcons P E R E G R I N E F A L C O N imental work on mountain sheep. With funds from the country to survey systematically and new nests keep be- ~ Dr. Tom Cade National Audubon Society we built three breeding barns ing found every year. A thousand pairs would be the right based on the Cornell design but smaller, and hired Bill order of magnitude, making this region one of the dens- first met Jim Enderson in August of 1965 at the fa- of these reports at Hickey’s conference in 1965 provided Burnham to take charge of our Rocky Mountain Recovery est centers of breeding distribution in the world. mous International Peregrine Conference, organized important evidence that a major, unexplained population Program. Jim soon decided to merge his breeding proj- Iby Prof. Joe Hickey at the University of Wisconsin. Jim crash had occurred in North America. His survey of the ect with ours by placing his peregrines in our care at Fort What a joyful revelation for Jim to have left to his raptor was then a recently hired professor at Colorado College. Rocky Mountains peregrines, plus the fact that Jim was Collins. buddies and to all humanity. We had corresponded earlier about his doctoral research strategically located at Colorado College, apparently fo- on prairie falcons in Wyoming, but this meeting provid- cused his attention on the falcons of the Rocky Mountains Two birds that we got from Jim were particularly note- It should be further noted that Jim was an accomplished ed our first face-to-face contact. Because we were both and the Colorado Plateau, as that is where most of his worthy. One was “Lil,” a female that Jim caught in Wyo- writer and sharp-eyed editor. He wrote a wonderful au- super-enthusiastic peregrine admirers and had traveled work on peregrines occurred. ming soon after she had flown from the nest. She turned tobiographical account of his many activities with falcons northern rivers looking for nests, it was easy for us to out to be an unusually productive bird that laid many and falcon enthusiasts, titled “Peregrine Falcon, Stories of become friends and collaborators and work together as The most exciting event on this trip was the night a bear eggs each year, up to 10 or more. She probably pro- the Blue Meanie” published by the University of Texas much as possible, which we did for more than 50 years. decided to go to bed with the guys in their two-man duced more young falcons than any other female we ever Press in 2005. [Blue Meanie is a nickname for Peregrine.] tent. In the middle of the night, something large suddenly had. The other bird was a male named “BC,” short for Much of what I know about Jim comes from reading this Previous to the conference in 1964, at Joe Hickey’s urging, fell against the tent on Stan Temple’s side and more or less “Beer Can,” a name he acquired because he liked to play fine book. Jim carried out a survey of some 50 historically known sat down on him. Awaking from sleep, the guys did not with an empty beer can when he was a youngster. He nesting sites of the peregrine in the Rocky Mountains know what was going on, but Jim, who was a big-game was a fully imprinted bird that liked to mate with a human Jim’s last major project involved working with Clay White from New Mexico to central Alberta, Canada. He traveled hunter, had the presence of mind to pick up his loaded companion and produced copious amounts of sperm for and me to help us with the final editing of a book man- by car and by canoe on some of the Canadian rivers. He rifle before scrambling out of the tent with Stan. At first artificial insemination. He fathered a great many of the uscript that we had been writing for years. It was pub- found only 12 occupied eyries, indicating that there had they saw and heard nothing, but when they moved to young peregrines we released back to the wild. Our man- lished by Lynx Edicions in 2013 under the modest title, been a serious population decline, just as Dan Berger and the back of the tent, there sat a sizeable black bear. When ager of the western reintroduction program, Bill Heinrich, “Peregrine Falcons of the World,” all about the 18 “recog- Chuck Sindelar had shown in their more extensive survey it started moving toward Jim, he decided it was time to had a special relationship with BC, and also with Jim. nized” subspecies of this most widely distributed bird of eyries in the eastern United States the same year. Both take action and so had to shoot the bear at point blank species in the world.

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relaxed. Once the suspicions that were raised by the con- banquet will be one to remember. This year, our guest cerned citizen informant were settled, his eyes widened speaker is Shawn Hayes; I had the pleasure of attending a bit, taking in the scene. He told us that this was the one of Shawn Hayes’ talks years ago at a NAFA meet and coolest thing he had ever seen. Before he left, Lauren am really excited that he will be our guest speaker this was gracious enough to let him see her golden eagle. It’s year. For those of you interested in attending our ban- always nice to end situations like this with some good PR. quet, please send me an email (president@coloradohawk- Thanks Lauren! ingclub.com) and let me know if you (and any expected guests) will be attending so we can have the caterers plan accordingly.

We also have our annual Eyass Picnic scheduled for Sat- urday, August 16th. This has always been a well-attended event for the CHC. This event is open to the public and is a great way for people who are interested in falconry to come and meet falconers, talk to them to learn more about our practice, and find out if they are still interested in pursuing an apprenticeship in this ancient art.

I am happy to report that our Director at Large, Roger Tuck- er, has been serving on the Colorado Sportsmen’s Council for the past few years. This has been great for CO falconers as Roger has been able to bend the ears of several com- missioners, shedding positive light on falconry in Colora- do. Because of his work, CPW has put forth some very positive changes in regulations for Colorado falconers, and there are more positive changes in the works. The first Miles showing Lauren McGough's eagle to the Wray Sheriff. change they made for us was in regards to peregrine take; He was impressed! (photo Jeff Fincher) until now, we were only allowed to take “Recently-Fledged Peregrine Falcons.” Now, we are allowed to take “Eyas or Photo: Joe Liebherr With our annual meet out of the way, it is time to look Recently-Fledged Peregrine Falcons.” Roger also brought forward to, and to start prepping for, our annual banquet. up to one of the commissioners how several of our state hunting land areas have signs posted stating that hunting arlier this year, over the MLK weekend, the CHC Another issue was the low numbers of game. This was a This year, our banquet is scheduled for April 8th and will is allowed by guns or bows only. After further questioning held its annual meet. The meet was hosted in the little disheartening considering that the numbers were not once again be held at the beautiful Heritage Eagle Bend in and investigating, the commissioner found that this posted small eastern Colorado town of Wray. I really love nearly as good as the locals had described when Sylvia Aurora, CO. This venue happens to have the best banquet E food I have ever tasted. Combine that awesome dinner restriction was an oversight and is looking into changing the town’s layout and friendly nature of the people in and and I took our scouting trip to the area earlier in the year. the language of these postings to include permission for around the local community. Unfortunately, as it turned Nevertheless, we made do and had a great time. with the beautiful views, great falconers, a fantastic guest falconry. Having Roger on the Sportsmen’s Council has out, the location was probably not the best option for our speaker, and a fun raffle, I have no doubt that this year’s annual meet this year. One issue we ran into was the fact Other than the small setbacks we faced, I feel that our been a great way to have that the town almost completely shut down when a small meet was an overall hit. We were honored to have two out- our voice heard, and so ice storm hit the area. On Sunday morning of this week- of-state falconers join us – Lauren McGough from Okla- far, appears to be much end meet, the bad weather started rolling in; the weather homa, and Jeff Fincher from Tennessee. Several falconers’ more effective than past was inclement to be sure, but not terrible by any means birds caught game. Another highlight of the weekend was experiences of CHC sub- that morning, and the roads were good by the afternoon. during one of our first hunting outings. After working the mitting citizen’s petitions. Unfortunately, some additional freezing rain and snow field and returning to our vehicles, we were greeted by Thank you, Roger, for that late afternoon and evening resulted in every single the awaiting, young, Wray Sheriff. He approached us as serving on this commit- restaurant in town closing their doors. The only place that we were all meandering back to our cars and told us that tee and being such a great kept their doors open was the local grocery store. Luckily, he had just received a call from the bridge-and-road man- voice for falconry! we had a handful of minutes after our day of hawking to ager about us. The caller told him that we were throwing Happy molting! get in before closing and grab some items. (It looked like beer bottles around. Well, of course he came out to inves- one of those “win a shopping spree” moments – “You tigate. What he found was about seven falconers hunting Deanna Curtis have 10 minutes to run through the store and fill your on the state land. We offered him some beer… okay, no CHC - President cart… and… go!”) Knowing we had microwaves in ev- we didn’t…jk. After a few questions and running checks ery room, our shoppers did a great job harvesting some on all of our driver’s licenses to make sure we were not quality microwaveable dinner treats – good job, runners! criminals (I guess we were all cleared), things were more Deanna Curtis and Lauren McGough had a great hunt together in Wray!

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Supreme Sight tandard perfect human vision is 20/20. Through care- types: cones for color vision and rods for nighttime ful studies, we have learned that the visual acuity of vision. As you can imagine, a Great Horned Owl's Smost hawks, eagles and falcons is about 20/4. In other retina is filled with rods. Diurnal birds of prey have words, what we can read at 4 feet they can read at about a far greater density of cones within the retina than 20 feet. (Figures 1A, B) The superior visual acuity is just humans. More cone cells equates to finer spatial one measure of the overall quality of sight. There are sev- resolution (200,000/mm2 in humans compared to eral components whereby the avian eye far surpasses the 1,000,000/mm2 in eagle fovea). Humans have three capabilities of the mammalian eye. types of cones targeted to detect certain wavelengths of light: red, blue, and green. This translates into the Birds have the largest eyes per body mass index in all ability to discriminate approximately one million col- the animal world and raptors proportionately still larger ors. Raptors have four cones -- an extra type, afford- amongst the birds. Bird of prey eyes are so large in fact that ing them vision to differentiate between 100 million they fill their orbital socket and have limited to no room color hues. Unlike humans, each avian cone contains for extra ocular muscles. (Figure 2) Raptors must turn their a single oil droplet. This helps further filter the precise heads, not their eyes, to scan their surroundings. Avian spectrum of color seen by an individual cell. (Figure 4) eyes are shaped flatter than mammalian eyes, which are For example, a raptor looking at a tree would perceive round like a basketball. This globose eye allows a greater six or more shades of varying green hues whereas aspect of the visual field to actually be in focus. humans would only distinguish two. We don't detect sexual plumage dimorphism between most species Anatomically, think about the eye in two sections: the front of raptors, but given their ability to detect colors we of the eye or anterior segment consisting of the iris and cannot, they likely do. This probably extends into the cornea and the back of the eye or posterior segment which ultraviolet spectrum as well. Ultraviolet light is reflect- is made up of the retina. The anterior segment is like the ed in rodent urine, so when we look at a winter field lens on the camera, and the film in the camera is the retina. and see uniformly brown, monochromatic dormant (Figure 3) The avian iris muscle (the colored part of the eye) grass, they see shades of UV intersecting trails of fresh is striated and reacts extremely quickly, precisely regulating lighter and darker urine the rodents and lagomorphs the amount of light entering the eye. The mammalian iris have left behind. Telltale train tracks for hunting suc- is smooth muscle and reacts more slowly. Think of it like cess! Vision in Raptors a fast aperture, or f stop, control on a camera. The other main anterior segment adaptation involves the cornea, the Once a cone detects a certain wavelength of light, it By: James C. Major Jr. M.D. Ph.D. clear portion of the eye over which you place your con- goes through processing. In humans, tens of thou- tact lens. In birds and mammals, the cornea, not the lens, sands of firing cones eventually lead to one neuronal does the majority of the focusing of light on the retina. The cell (ganglion cell) which forms the optic nerve that mammalian cornea is clear, fixed, and immobile. An eagle’s then enters the brain. Bird’s cones typically have a Eagle-eyed. Hawk-eyed. Synonyms for superb vision. Everyone has cornea is much clearer, almost invisible except under high much lower processing ratio, one cone to one gangli- long known that the vision in birds of prey is the best in the natural power microscope. A special muscle (Crampton's) inserts on cell, which enhances point-to-point discrimination. itself around the entire corneal circumference in birds, al- world. We, as falconers, have the privilege of experiencing this won- lowing the cornea to change shape instantly. Imagine hav- ing fine-tuned (free!) LASIK surgery, constantly and rapidly Additionally, light must pass through our retinal blood derful sense up close and personal. Just how good is our raptor's changing your focus as your gaze shifts from near to mid- supply to be perceived by the cones in the retina. dle to far. Raptors have moved the vessels out of the way so sight? What adaptations does the raptor eye have that we don't, their retina is avascular. There is less to block photons The retina is what really gives hawks their edge in quality of light striking the cones. An unusual avian structure, and what about their ocular anatomy allows them to see so well? of vision. Within the retina, there are two predominant cell the pecten, juts into the center of the eye, aiding ox- You're about to find out.

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Supreme Sight ~ Raptors Continued Figure 1A: A human’s vision flying thou- Fig 2 Fig 4 Fig 6D sands of feet above the countryside. Figure 1B: A typical raptor’s view at the ygenation to the highly metabolically active retina. same height. (Figure 3) Figure 2: Red-tailed hawk skull slice. No- Bird of prey’s larger, flatter, and longer shaped eye tice the proportionately large eyes com- focusing light on the retina results in greater magni- pared to the brain and the long globe fication than we can achieve. Focusing on an object shape. results in the image being placed on the bull’s-eye within the retina, the fovea. The fovea is area of best Figure 3: Cross section of the avian eye. visual acuity. Our fovea is broad like the bowl of a Light rays strike the cornea first then lens dish. The avian fovea is much steeper and extremely then retina along the back wall. cone cell rich. This steep-walled adaptation (convex- Fig 5 Fig 6E iclivate) allows the retina itself to act like a telephoto Figure 4: Oil droplets found in individual lens giving raptors an extra ten percent magnifica- cone cells located within the retina. They Fig 3 tion. (Figure 5) Another incredible difference is that serve to further enhance the wide spectrum all mammals, and humans of course, have only one of colors a bird experiences. fovea but raptors have two! (Figures 6A, B, C, D, E) It's hard for us to imagine, but contemplate being Figure 5: Convexiclivate fovea of a able to read a book in front of and beside you, simul- Red-tailed Hawk. The steep angled tem- poral fovea, or bull’s eye portion of the reti- taneously and both in perfect focus. Fig 6A na with the greatest visual acuity, enhances and magnifies the image. Superb vision is not enough for raptors; the speed at Fig 7A which they must process images is also necessarily Figure 6A: Surface of retina showing increased. Flicker fusion rate is the rate at which you two foveae: one nasal and one temporal. perceive an intermittent light stimulus. Ever heard a Notice the accordion shaped pecten, really good athlete say he could “see the baseball lac- which supplies blood to the retina. es rotating” before hitting the fastball? Time seemed Figures 6B and 6C: Hawk and Owl Fig 1A undergoing high resolution live animal im- aging (OCT or Optical Coherence To- mography) using light to penetrate the to slow down, as if in slow motion. A higher flicker fusion Fig 6B Fig 7B eye and return microscopic level anatomy rate increases the processing speed at which birds of prey details. (and maybe top athletes) deal with a very fast-moving and dynamic environment. Our flicker fusion rate is about 48 Figures 6D and 6E: close up views of cycles/sec, raptors are 173 cycles/sec - about 3.5 times both foveae showing the steeper walled faster. The images a bird’s optic nerve sends to the brain nasal fovea and the shallower temporal are directly tied to external motor actions and reactions. fovea. There is no time for additional processing or higher-or- der thinking as in humans. Many of a raptor’s rapid “deci- Figures 7A, B, & C: Eagle catching a fish and fovea use. sions” are made in the highly processed retina and not the cerebral cortex as in mammals. On initial approach the image is Fig 1B A: Fig 6C Fig 7C placed on the nasal or central fovea for a What about actually hunting? Raptors preferentially use magnified view. their bifoveate eyes during high-speed aerial pursuit. A B: The eagle gazes downward just pri- stoop begins with the falcon using the steep walled fovea or to the final strike and the image is now (nasal) to locate and initially pursue passing quarry. Visu- switched to the temporal fovea for im- al acuity would be very sharp, somewhat magnified, and proved depth perception. the head could maintain a fixed aerodynamic position for C: The temporal fovea is preferential- maximum speed and descent. As the gap between preda- ly used for lateral initial quarry pursuit (as tor and prey is quickly narrowed, the bird now shifts place- seen in Fig 7A). As the eagle looks straight ment of the quarry to the other fovea. This temporal fovea and downward, the image falls on the cen- possesses a distinct advantage over its retinal neighbor: tral or nasal fovea (as seen in Fig 7B).

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Supreme Sight ~ Raptors Continued Schwab MD of the University of California, Davis graciously shared many of his images as well as content. His book, Evo- lution’s Witness, is an extremely well researched and visually stereopsis – an improved depth perception using both appealing book that has become the source for all informa- eyes. (Figures 7A, B, C) This allows the raptor to quickly tion on animal vision. I highly recommend it as an addition discriminate prey movement, directional changes, and to your falconry library. Lastly, thanks always to my wife Anita spatial relationships immediately prior to the final strike. – she puts up with, and simultaneously does everything for me. Enough said. The raptor’s eye is superior to our mammalian eye in almost every anatomic and physiologic way (See Table References/Suggested Reading: 1). Next time you are out hunting your bird, stand in Schwab, I. Evolution’s Witness: How Eyes Evolved. Oxford University Press; 1st edition, 2011. amazement at his or her truly incredible sense – vision Martin, G.R., et al., Vision in Birds, in The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference. that is the pinnacle of adaptation throughout the animal 2008, Academic Press: New York. p. 25-52 world. Ruggeri M, Major JC Jr, McKeown C, Knighton RW, Puliafito CA, Jiao S. Retinal structure of birds of prey revealed by ultra-high resolution spectral-domain opti cal coherence tomography. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2010 Nov; 51(11):5789-95. Special thanks to my sponsor Jim Ince and fellow Hous- Tucker VA. The deep fovea, sideways vision and spiral flight paths in raptors. J Exp Biol. 2000 ton based falconers Chuck Redding and Mike Wiegel. Ivan Dec; 203(Pt 24): 3745-54. TABLE 1

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he MFHT held its medical practice and is having he NAFA weathering yard has always been a way trying to escape. The Illinois Falconers Association was pre-season business a ball flying his Canadian ana- for me to give something back to the club. It's been afield with meets in Bourbonais in November 2016, and Tmeeting at Mass Wildlife tum tiercel. This bird and my a chance to meet everyone, share in their flights, Bloomington, IL in December 2016 and January 2017. Headquarters in Westborough. female are both from the same T Among the items discussed breeder and are first-rate game as well as gain some different insights on a number of issues over the years. I have always enjoyed it immense- My apprentice, Colton Myers, trapped a new “girl” - a late was an update on our efforts hawks. Damian also gave me ly and won't be far away. While I'm serving as the Great passage red-tail that came in at 1475 grams empty and to secure a legal passage per- a tutorial on my new GPS Lakes Director, my son, Brandon, will be taking over the round as a butterball. The smile that a new bird brings egrine take. John Tobin has from Marshall Radio. What a 'Sheriff's' position at the meets. The crew will remain the just never gets old. been working with state au- revolutionary innovation. GPS same. I think I'll go trap a Red-tail and get a bunny pin in thorities who have expressed adds a whole new dimension Kearney, NE. I know Larry Mill- no objection to our petition. to our sport. I am old enough er and others were to remember when all we had While my season ended in late December with my pere- headed to the Spring Tom Riley produced draft were bells and lots of intestinal grines more interested in breeding than hunting, it looks Rendezvous at the changes to our constitution for fortitude. Joe Gomes passed like plenty of others were kicking it in the fields: Archives of Falconry member review. We will dis- his field and written test for on March 11, 2017, cuss and vote at our next busi- general falconer and promptly • Indiana – Stephanie and Caroline Thomson were to honor those who ness meeting. went out and trapped a nice fe- smoking bunnies and cigars (big grin) with Randy Ben- have left us. The fal- male passage coops. Word is, net. Also saw Dwayne Wilhite doing population control conry family lost several members this past year. I had The club also welcomed our he is putting lots of starlings in on the bunnies. The Indiana Falconers famous Fall picnic the privilege of meeting a few of them over the years and six new associate members, the bag. He is also successfully is set for August 19, 2017. will raise a glass in memory on March 11. If you ever Tony Pirella, Warren Nash, taking cottontails and squirrels have the opportunity to attend the Rendezvous, it is truly Serik White, Adrian Mazagon- Bill Johnston, Dave Peltier with Bill's white gyr on duck with his trusty red-tail. Joe ap- • Wisconsin – Dianne Moller sent word that the Wis- an inspiring and humbling experience. walla, along with Ryan and Ju- prenticed under my good friend, consin Winter Meet was February 4, 2017, where Gary lia Kevin Rice. Dave Peltier. Dave flies two goshawks, Brewer was the guest speaker and squirrel hawking was Also, in March, my wife, Kim, traveled to the Emerald Isle a North American female named Fannie the topic. Dave Noble has been in the field taking more and visited Dromoland Castle and their falconry hawk Three field meets were scheduled, No- Mae and a female Fin, named Ellie Mae. breathtaking photos of bunny and squirrel hawking. walk. There should be plenty of pictures from this in my vember 19th squirrel roundup in West- Out every day, these birds epitomize next report. ern Mass, December 17th at Rocco’s what a goshawk can do. Suffice it to • Michigan – The Michigan Hawking Club also had their Farm in Central Mass, and a mid- Janu- say, Dave does not often purchase hawk Field Meet and Auction on February 4, 2017 in Lansing, As your director, please don't hesitate to call or email ary duck hunt on Cape Cod. food! One of the ducks that his big Fin MI. me with your comments and concerns. I'm here to be took this year was a hybrid black x mal- your voice to NAFA. Please let me know of Club news The lack of appreciable snow this year lard banded in Newfoundland, Canada, • Ohio – I'm sure everything was hot and heavy just like and dates with any pictures, and good hawking stories has allowed Mass Falconers an oppor- a distance of some 800 miles from the the other states; however, I didn't hear of any specifics are always welcome. Hope everyone had a good season, tunity to frequently get out with their cranberry bogs of Cape Cod. when this went to press. spent with the best of birds, dogs and friends. birds. Arthur Menezes, busy with his young family and career, still had time in At this writing, the season is on the ebb. the field with his red-tail, putting bunnies Most of us had a good year with abun- • Illinois – The Great Lakes Falconers Association hosted Dave Peltier and Ellie Mae several meets: one in December in Kankakee, IL; January “Out beyond ideas of wrong doing and right doing, there is a and squirrels in the bag. Wendy Pavlicek dant game and opportunities. We look for- was in Bloomington, IL, and the final meet of the season field. I'll meet you there.” ~ Rumi has fallen in love with her new Harris’s ward to new birds, and club picnics. It’s in Champagne, IL on February 11, 2017. I heard at the hawk. After successfully flying red-tails for many years, also rumored that Dave has a new 19-foot saltwater fish- last meet, “the bunnies were running into each other” she is learning something about hunting with a semi-so- ing boat. Maybe Striped Bass is on the menu. Richard M Borquist cial hawk. Damian Folch has taken time out of his busy

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Photos & Text by: Mark WIlliams Living in the Arabian Gulf, you are exposed to and experience many new and interesting things. The relatively new-found wealth is inescapable here and as a result, all the very best of offerings seem to be present - from Bugatti sports cars (costing the price of a homestead in the USA), to yachts that are worth more than the annual GDP of some small countries. Falconry is no exception in both scale and magnitude. Indeed, it is woven into the very fabric of the Arabic culture, and the immense wealth here has served to facilitate some incredible opportunities, and fund some amazing falcon breeding and falconry-related projects.

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he Arabian Gulf continues to government) and therefore come be the ultimate destination across many unique and expensive Tfor the very best falcons that falcons. One falcon that stands out breeders can produce from around is the golden saker, a bird that I the world, as their customers only started to hear about when I are willing to pay top dollar for relocated to Dubai in 2013 for my them. Hacked birds are always job. Personally, the saker would a preference and gyrs and gyr- not be my first choice of falcon. hybrids seem the most prevalent However, as mentioned, they - although that too is region- are the traditional bird here along specific within the Gulf. To this day with the peregrine, until the past it seems Saudi Arabia and Qatar decade when they lost ground are the biggest consumers of the with the introduction of gyrs and wild saker and wild peregrine gyr-hybrids. The saker in particular (Shaheen). There is also still a has the advantage of being very strong traditional following of the adapted to the hot desert climate use of wild (Whahesh) passage and while not as fast as a gyr, they falcons, most of which are released seem to have that diesel motor that at the end of the season. just keeps on going …following their quarry at a steady pace for Inevitably, in my role here in the miles until it puts in and they close GCC (Gulf Co-operative Countries), the deal on the ground. Ironically, I get to meet many interesting and gyr x sakers are not popular nor varied people (including heads of held in as high esteem.

There is no denying that these golden properly, they seem ready to tackle large traditional quarry like houbara. The two different birds I saw hunt both in saker’s are not hard to look at. It is basically Kuwait and Dubai were very switched on to the houbara a genetic mutation of the common saker, they were flown at. In the Gulf many falcons are given bagged poultry, like large domestic chickens and turkeys, supposedly first discovered in Mongolia and to build confidence to tackle houbara.

brought to Dubai to sell to the royal family Like all things, the economy scale of supply and demand members many years ago. dictates the prices of these rare, unusual falcons. It is frankly a vanity purchase and while their plumage is I’m no geneticist but it is caused by one “Dilute” gene, a striking, the feathers appear very fine and delicate, if not Z chromosome which is one of two sex chromosomes brittle - certainly in their first year and I’m told subsequent found in birds (Z & W). Because it’s a sex chromosome years this does not change. They molt out the same unique it dictates the sex of the bird and the female has one Z color but can fade over the season. I suspect the feathers and one W sex chromosome whereas the male only has are not very tolerant of UV light and lose color over the two Z chromosomes. Sex linked genes follow different season, which is considered desirable in some cases. pattern of inheritance in males and females. It was first At the beginning we saw them fetch prices of around said that only the females have this coloration however $225,000 US for a nice color/marked specimen, although I have since seen photos of two males that had golden with the advent of additional breeders now, those prices plumage. Ultimately these birds got into the hands of a will inevitably come down as the novelty also wears off. few breeders and then selective breeding produced the However, since it’s a short window of good times for the birds we see today. few breeders, combined with the costs of obtaining their stock, perhaps for the foreseeable future these birds will The females are not large, perhaps about the size of likely remain beyond the reach of most…certainly outside an average gyrkin (1050 grams). Yet, when introduced of the Gulf.

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sive “reset” of the power structures in Washington, DC surveillance equipment with its automated video analyt- and in some states. Instead of reflexively reacting to our ics and wireless reporting capabilities, combined with our personal political persuasions, be that anger or joy, we increasingly litigious and thus risk-adverse society, puts should instead recognize, exploit and act on the opportu- access to even that vacant field next to a shopping center nities this opens up for us. at risk. And this is without mentioning local government passing “anti-hunting” ordinances, either based on safety Think of it as that moment when your intransigent raptor, concerns (firearms) or local sentiments. which, with feathers fluffed and foot pulled up, is utterly ignoring you while perched on a pole or tree. Suddenly, Rural landowners are increasingly aware of and treat it bends over, raises its tail and mutes! Chuckle! We’ve their harvestable wildlife as another source of income all been there. The opportunity to exploit this “reset” of through hunting-rights leases. Any of you who either on your raptor’s mind is usually brief. Quickly we swing and your own or while attending a large gathering of falcon- throw the lure, or blow the whistle and extend the gaunt- ers such as the NAFA Meet, know the difficulties in co- let, often with the desired result. ordinating land acquisition, where high dollar deer and Getting to “Yes!” such new and/or differing or diver- vious.” Vigilance and preparation al- gent thoughts to modify your own? low for both protection from possi- upland game leasing is increasingly popular and/or prev- So, what are some specific opportunities that the political alent. Our activity is seen as a direct interference during hen I ran for Direc- Did you find satisfaction in achieving ble calamities and the appropriation a worthwhile goal with the help of and enjoyment of the fruits of oppor- changes can bring to us? I see several. Perhaps most the actual hunting season on the leased ground, and a tor-at-Large in 2009, I fre- important is that several members of the First Family are disturbance of the property and game prior to the start of quently mentioned in my others? Many hands do not only tunities. Here are two examples of W make light the work, but build re- some that could impact falconry. avid hunters and outdoorsmen. Garnering an acquain- the season on leased property – both of which affect the campaigning appeals the phrase: tanceship with them that can be grown into a friendship, ability of the landowner to lease his property and what he Getting to “Yes!” and explained that lationships, friendships and grand- er capabilities only achievable by a No doubt many of you read that which would give us persuasive access to many places of can charge for it. “Yes!” was the answer to The Ques- bureaucratic and legislative power, is desirable. I person- tion, “Is This Good for Falconry and cohesive group of like minds and this is the last season for the Ring- hearts. ling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Cir- ally have a passing acquaintanceship with the VP, as well You may practice, or dream of someday practicing, some Its Resources in General, and NAFA as others in Indiana politics who can reach out to him. of the more difficult, expensive and time-consuming ver- and Its Members in Particular?” I cus. After 140 years they are clos- Why did I begin this month’s report ing down, in no small part because Oh, and the wife of his recently elected successor to the sions of our sport. Take my word for it, “dirt hawking” is said this would be my main guide Governor’s seat in Indiana is a certified NRA instructor. way cheaper in both time and money, and fits into work, as to how I would address matters with this message? Because I be- of the relentless attacks of animal lieve that in the fast-approaching rights groups. While some of the All of these might open channels to the seats of power family and living in an urban/suburban community far brought by me or before me as a Di- that we’ve wished for, but never had. better and easier, than wanting to fly far-ranging, high-fly- rector-at-Large. future our community may be tested concerns of such groups could have in ways we haven’t been for some some validity, their opposition to the ing longwings. What are some specific goals we might seek if such sym- Eight years later I remain firmly com- time and that opportunities will pres- circus was rooted in more deeply ent themselves, both of which will held extremist convictions. These pathetic communication channels can be opened? I see Far too often we want to get what we want by forcing mitted to this approach. With our na- two that easily rise to the top of a long list. The newly someone else to “give it” to us. Political power and in- tion having come through one of the require our individual, corporate and convictions have not changed, and leadership awareness of, and coop- with this “success” they are no doubt elected President has committed to cutting unnecessary fluence can sometimes get legal “clubs” to use for such most contentious and hard-fought and/or excessively complicated and/or burdensome reg- purposes, both for and against us. But such methods are national and state election seasons erative will to act on, if falconry is not now emboldened to use their con- just to survive, but to thrive. siderable fiscal and political power ulations . . . without ignoring the requirement for the ba- never cheap, easy, or without the potential for building in history, I have a heartfelt desire for sic protection that engendered the laws/regulations. resentful “pushback” by those put under a coercive law you to consider this in our dealings to find a new group or activity to set Again, why am I asking for this mo- about to destroy. or regulation. with each other and those outside Since the Federal regulation of falconry provides the min- our community. ment of self and group reflection and examination? Tsunamis offer All of the hunting sports are decid- imal standards the states must meet, this should be of No, it’s always far better, cheaper and more enduring to an excellent illustration. They begin edly on their prospect list, and they paramount importance to us. We currently operate un- get voluntary interest and “buy-in” to supporting what we Can you look in the mirror and say der regulations that exhibit complex and administratively want – Getting to “Yes!” Fortunately, our raptors, on our “Yes!” is the answer to The Question with a powerful geological force of are likely to begin probing for weak unexpected, even unknown, origin spots to begin such an attack. We burdensome rules and language that is far beyond any gauntlets or flown free and returning to gauntlet or lure, as it applies to your falconry? If so, actual regulatory need. This often puts us under a bur- are a near-hypnotic means to get people’s attention . . . did you find yourself having exer- that arises unseen beneath a distant must remain vigilant and aware of calm ocean surface. But the result of any activities by such groups against densome and regulatory thumb that requires expensive and . . . often . . . cooperation, even “investment.” cised self-discipline and holding your and time-consuming administrative and field action by behavior and words fast to character this force, a monstrous wall of water, our sisters and brethren in the field will soon be racing towards faraway sports. We must have our battle state governments. With budgets and manpower under Let’s make 2017-20 a time to be remembered - when and bedrock principles? Had your ever-increasing pressure, any way to reduce such regu- NAFA, the state clubs, and individual falconers did more ears and minds been open to the land masses. Undetected and un- plans drawn and the resources and prepared for, the property and very means to rapidly deploy them. Better lation should be welcomed by all. Our efforts to simplify than ever to achieve a whole bunch of “Yes!” answers suggestions of others, and seized eagle take are another example. to The Question, “Is This Good for Falconry and Its Re- upon what could help or improve lives of inhabitants of these islands yet, we should be acting to discour- and/or shorelines are in mortal dan- age such attacks – a sound defensive sources in General, and NAFA and Its Members in Par- your falconry and you as a represen- The actual practice of our sport depends on the availabil- ticular?” Write me, the other Director-at-Large, your Re- tative of our art and sport? ger. strategy can prevent the chaos and cost of an all-out “war.” ity of quarry and access to the land such quarry lives on. gional Director and our officers with not just your ideas, In retrospect, most calamities, and Lots of obstacles exist and are increasing for both. For but what you’ll do to help us make them reality. A clean Were you moved to perhaps com- example, the ever-increasing amount of modern video molt and a clean mews to all! promise your own position, or use sometimes opportunities, seem “ob- The recent elections provided a mas-

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hese skillful im- Falconry and the many birds involved, make incredible ages were creat- subjects for art. Ted and submitted by NAFA member/art- In hopes of stepping up my ist, Richard Theissen. game and better my tech- When asked about how niques, I enrolled at Dakota County Technical College in he started in art, here is illustration. what he had to say: On my second summer I was born and raised in break, I attended a wildlife southern Minnesota. My art symposium in Acadia Na- childhood could be described tional Park in Maine. as very different from most of my classmates. Lately, I have participated in several art festivals in many From an early age I was ex- areas of southern Minnesota. posed to the outdoors by my father. Whether we were fish- My artwork has been juried ing or canoeing, I began to into at least six shows now. cultivate an appreciation for This past fiscal year has been nature. The real life-changer especially fruitful for me. My came when I was twelve and duck-wing study was jur- legally able to hunt water- ied into a show in Cincinnati fowl. After the first bird was where there were 354 en- harvested and brought into tries, and only 11 were ac- the boat, I was enamored by cepted. In September of this the feather patterns, colors, year, my Peregrine Falcon shapes, etc. I was hooked painting was awarded a Mer- from then on. Artistically, I it Award in the 24th annual felt the need to start drawing Prairie Lakes Regional Arts them. Some years later, I re- Juried Show. ceived a gift of a watercolor set and was able to realize In March of last year, I was my desire to start painting. awarded a grant by the Prai- rie Lakes Regional Arts Coun- In 1989, as I was looking cil. The grant money has to get references for doing allowed me to purchase art some bird of prey drawings supplies to create a larger and paintings at the Universi- body of work. ty of Minnesota Raptor Cen- ter, I ran into a falconer who If anyone is interested in any rekindled my desire to get of these images, prints are into falconry. available. My email is: rtheis- [email protected] Since doing so, I've created several pieces for different individuals, as well as orga- Richard Theissen nizations.

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and fascinated. It was such a treat! So wonderful to enjoy on-site meet activities. Dawn Grisco- McCullough, FHF some good, old-fashioned story telling. A great big thank Secretary, for taking care of getting flyers and announce- you to Mr. Hoddy and his associate Don McCullough for ments for the meet put together. A very huge thank you making the trip down for our meet. We look forward to to Michael Craig, FHF Treasurer, and his wife Cathy, for seeing you both again. tracking all of the reservations for both the meet and the banquet, for handling the caterer, and for handling all of I want to thank NAFA and all of the wonderful sponsors the financial business with the members, the meet at- for their donations to our raffle and silent auction. There tendees and the Plantation Inn. You both were the hub in are too many to list here, but let’s just say if you can think the wheel that made this whole thing go round. of an outlet that provides falconry equipment, food or books and DVDs, they donated to our meet! We had over Lastly, I would like to thank KT Topash for your two years six tables of items – that’s over 36 feet - taking up an en- of service as the FHF President, for help in selecting a tire wall of our banquet hall of amazing items! The fund- great venue for our meet, and your assistance in orga- raising was very successful and we thank everyone who nizing vendor donations and activities. It was a pleasure participated in the silent auction and raffles. The FHF uses having you as our President; along with the support from these funds to provide venues for our picnics, workshops your wife, Hollie, and son, Cole, our club grew and pros- and meets at no charge to our members. Without your pered. Thank you to your whole family for your work and support, we couldn’t do it all! dedication to the Florida Hawking Fraternity.

This seems the perfect opportunity to introduce our of- In the upcoming months as the molt approaches, keep ficers who worked so hard behind the scenes to make an eye out for regional picnics and apprentice/equipment this all happen. Neal Ottoway, FHF President, thank you workshops. We’re planning to have early summer activ- so much for working diligently with vendors to secure ities to give people the chance to be ready well ahead of the plethora of items for our fundraisers. Trish Amador, trapping season. Visit us at flahawking.org - click events FHF Vice President, for arranging the guest speaker and and news to check our calendar.

inter in our state is almost ing up the freezer with mottled and course on Saturday, squirrel hunting always ideal for hawking, merganser duck. The Topash family on Sunday morning, weathering ar- Wand this year has been have also been racking up the game eas for our birds, and a phenomenal exceptionally pleasant. The beautiful numbers with their two red-tailed custom banquet meal on Saturday weather has provided our falcon- hawks and a female Harris’s hawk, night. ers with ideal conditions to have a with everyone taking game into the fantastic season taking game. Most double digits. Sixteen-year-old, Cole The meet was well attended with notable is Dawn Grisco-McCullough. Topash, is really representing the over 30 people and several birds. Dawn and her female, 2x inter- youth in Florida, taking lots of rab- The days were a bit windy and the mewed red-tailed hawk, Sonja, have bits, a squirrel, and some feathered game was quite savvy, as there were taken tons of game at the time of quarry! He’s having a great season local birds-of- prey aplenty. Lots of this writing with a few more weeks with his hunting team, which in- falconers had some exciting chas- left in the season! Steve Peacock is cludes the family’s one-year-old Ger- es, but alas, there were only a few having a great season with his new man short-haired pointer, Trooper. catches. That’s why we call it hunt- gyr-hybrid, Sheldon. The team is fill- ing, not catching! In January, the FHF held its winter meet at the beautiful Plantation Inn Mr. Steve Hoddy of Earthquest was in Crystal River, FL. This picturesque our guest speaker. It was such an resort, loaded with southern charm honor to have him and his Andean and hospitality, was a fantastic ven- Condor, Stormy. What a bird! Due to ue. With activities available to ac- a technical glitch, Steve had to give commodate the whole family, they his presentation on the fly. The won- went out of their way to make us feel derful stories of his adventures in fal- at home. The resort provided us with conry and condor conservation had exclusive access to a nine-hole golf everyone in the room entertained

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A TALE OF CLOSE FRIENDS and Extreme Desert Hawking

ur 2017 hawking trip to Hawking trips are memory makers. Hawking trips also allow an intense Kingman, Arizona, is a tale While hunts back home seem to all focus on the hawks. They provide Oof close fellowship and ex- run together, the brain serves as a the perfect opportunity to polish off treme desert hawking. We first trav- movie projector for hawking trips, rough edges and whittle away at eled to Kingman in 2012, to visit replaying the best flights for years to or perhaps even solve behavioral Harry and Beth McElroy in their new come. Last year’s trip to Kingman, problems. The younger, less experi- home on the hill, to meet up with for the Arizona Falconers Associa- enced hawks develop tremendously other falconry friends, and to hunt tion’s 2016 Desert Hawking Classic during trips, learning to make the Jenn Coulson and Kali’s in the desert. Since then, we’ve re- and the NAFA regional meet, pro- most of their unique talents and catch of the day. turned almost every year for more vided a wealth of “film clip” high- abilities. Photo by Tom Coulson of the same. lights, making us eager to return.

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ingman is a long haul for us, 25 hours to be exact. The breathtaking scenery keeps us Kgoing, particularly the stretch of I-40 run- ning through New Mexico and Arizona. Each vista a postcard, we cruise past many places we long to visit when we don’t have 10 hungry hawks on board - the Cuervo ghost town, kivas, pueblos, petroglyphs, the Painted Desert, the Petrified For- est, Two Guns, and the Kaibab forest, to name a few.

For the seven days that we were in Kingman, we hunted four times a day, hunting with three Harris’s hawks at a time. We flew all 10 hawks each day, with some individuals hunting twice in one day. We carried the hawks on T-perches because the Bob Armbruster, and Coco on a Gambel’s Quail. open terrain lacked suitable natural perches and, Photo by Mary Armbruster. unlike the glove, the T-perch affords the hawk a The locals are hardcore hawkers as well. Harry McElroy 360-degree view (Coulson and Coulson 2012). On more hunted quail daily, always from horseback. He alternat- than one occasion, jacks allowed us to pass them before ed between flying a male Harris’s Hawk and a gyr-Ap- flushing. Thanks to the T-perches, backdoor tactics didn’t lo hybrid. When he flew the hawk, Jamaica Smith ac- necessarily mean escape. companied him, also on horseback, and flew her male Harris’s Hawk, Elvis, an accomplished quail hawk. When Craig Golden of California hunted his three male Harris’s Harry flew the falcon, Boomer, his wife Beth accompa- Hawks in the mornings. Craig carried a flushing stick and nied him, also on horseback. Pointing dogs assisted in the hawks followed along, perching on the low, desert locating quail. On the days when Jamaica was not hunt- Pictured left to right. Front row: Mary Armbruster, Jennifer Coulson, Harry McElroy, Beth McElroy, Deborah Smith. scrub. The young male, Dexter, out of Craig’s breeding ing with Harry, she and her husband Greg flew two fe- Back row: Pam Hessey, Charlie Kaiser, Bob Armbruster, Craig Golden, Jamaica Smith, Greg Smith, Tom Coulson. Photo: Jennifer Coulson project, took his first jacks in Kingman. After feeding the male Harris’s hawks on jacks. When Jamaica hunted with trio up on the last kill, Craig would join either Bob and become more hyperactive at feeding time. Tom hides in The only thing that could possibly outdo the feasting was Harry, Greg flew his female Cooper’s hawk on quail and Mary or Harry and Jamaica, or Tom and Jenn for the af- the bathroom and cuts up each hawk’s meal into tidbits the revelry and story-telling, augmented by Craig Gold- rabbits. Pam Hessey and Charlie Kaiser flew three male ternoon hunts, armed only with a camera. in the bathtub. Jenn weighs the hawk, calls out its weight en’s private stash of California wines. Craig tried to get Harris’s hawks together and one singly on cottontails and to Tom, grabs the hawk’s tarsi so that it can’t foot the the money-shot of Harry’s gyr-aplo falcon on a Gambel’s. jacks. While the rest of us hunted mostly in the valley on Bob Armbruster of California brought five Harris’s Hawks food, and the plate of food magically appears under the As he moved in to frame the shot, Boomer took one look the flats, they preferred the sandstone canyons. and two vizslas. He and his wife, Mary, hunted with two hawk’s chin. The hawk gobbles down the food and goes at Craig and hauled the quail to the next county. Harry sets of hawks on jacks and cottontails. Bob carried a back into the hawk box. The more rambunctious hawks faked a grimace in response to Craig’s tale, but he really We (Tom and Jenn) would meet up with Bob and Mary T-perch and Mary a flushing stick. Then, the last hunt of may need to also be tucked under an arm before feeding, just takes that sort of thing in stride. It’s not because he’s for lunch, usually in the field. It was a good time to share the day focused on quail, with two vizslas and Coco, a especially on the last days of the trip. The operation takes mellowed with age; he has always been level-headed. It food and tales of the morning hunts. We usually complain male Harris’s hawk, who caught a quail on most days. 30 minutes. It’s a highly efficient way to feed 10 hawks takes a mountain of trouble to raise his hackles. about the ones that got away, but that concern quickly while on the road, and expediency meant we had was quickly put into perspective once we learned time to get cleaned up for the evening’s gathering. Evenings included updates on Heather. The falconry Harry McElroy hunting on horseback that our longtime friend and falconer, Heath- Photo by: Craig Golden community is truly at its best when one of its own is in er Gast, was seriously injured in a car accident. Every night we enjoyed a banquet-style dinner party at need. Like a close-knit family, we discussed how each Heather was riding in the passenger seat and had a local falconer’s home. We brought boiled shrimp and might help find temporary homes for Heather’s falconry taken the brunt of the impact, with bones in both Mardi Gras king cake for the first night. Harry McElroy birds, horses and dogs, and contribute to the GoFundMe lower legs and ankles broken. Knowing Heath- grew up in coastal Texas, and his ability to put over a crop account that Oklahoma falconer, Krys Langevin, set up in er was in a hospital bed made each rabbit count of shrimp without it going sour is astounding. Another her name. The generosity shown by the falconry com- more and every day bittersweet. night Craig provided tri-tip that Charlie grilled masterfully. munity is both heartwarming and inspiring! This meal was topped off with Pam Hessey’s chocolate Our travel mode included cleaning the 10 hawk mousse, which is to die for. Beth McElroy’s Mexican-style Every day while out hawking we would wave to a cou- boxes at least once a day, and weighing each feast included homemade turkey enchiladas, topped with ple in their sixties driving around the desert in a white hawk in the morning and evening. We fed the both red and green sauces, and Posole soup. One night jeep. One day on our mid-morning break they pulled hawks at about 5:30 p.m. It’s a good thing this is at the Smith’s, Craig cooked his own wild-caught Pacif- up beside our truck. They are the only members of the all done behind closed doors because it is not al- ic salmon. The core group was joined on a few nights Hualapai Tribe we have met on all of our Kingman trips. ways pretty. As the trip progresses, certain hawks by local falconers Ran Hanks, Jeff Parker, and Richard With big, welcoming smiles, they asked what we were Brunotte, and Jamaica’s future apprentice, Quinn Reaves. doing. Duly impressed with our hawk, Una, both stroked

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smoothly for the most part largely be- cause we were hunting in open country her back gently. Tom asked if there was any place on their in relatively safe spots. drives where they noticed more rabbits. Happy to serve the hawks, they exclaimed, “Yes, over there!” and pointed Kingman, our third and final hawking eastward. We headed straight to their spot and caught five trip of the season, was an opportune jacks in a little over an hour. That was the best jack hunt of time to assess each hawk. At home it is the trip, and not something that happens often. more difficult to observe certain charac- teristics because the cover is thick, vis- ibility is resultantly poor, the flights are not as far, and we don’t have jacks or Craig Golden and Tom Coulson with hawks Kali, Banshee and Fergie. cottontails. Photo by Jennifer Coulson. While our old hawks held their own, From the perspective of two scientists, there’s no such the young ones showed substantial thing as horseshoes bringing luck. The dramatic differenc- improvement. Both Pepper (a juve- es in the amount of game our hawks caught on several nile) and Fay (in her second year) hunts must have a rational explanation. One primary dif- were now riding the T-perch steadily, ference related to habitat. The density and species of des- even on windy days. Dragon (in her ert scrub plants providing cover probably had the great- third year) was no longer self-hunting, est influence on hawk success or failure. The washes that which was an annoying habit for two were thickly lined with spreading, mesquite-like catclaw falconers supremely interested in group acacia (Acacia [Senegalia] greggii) were challenging for the hunting and cooperation. All 10 hawks hawks. These plants also tore up the falconers! While the were consistent on jacks. Pepper, who hawks did manage to catch a few jacks in the middle of had been out of commission for a few these thorny tangles, for the most part they were safe ha- weeks recovering from a cracked keel, vens for jacks and cottontails. Other areas blanketed with was back on her game, catching up to the spiny, grayish-green blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissi- jacks uphill and upwind. Kali (anoth- ma) also proved challenging for the hawks, but to a lesser er juvenile) connected on jacks like a extent. This sage-like, low shrub provides the perfect cov heat-seeking missile.

On the drive home Jenn spied two half-grown coyotes huddled together beside I-40. In the early morning light, Una, Tipitina, and Fay in Kingman, Arizona, 2017. Photo by Jennifer Coulson. their worried eyes and bent-down ears are accustomed to thick cover. At home we deal told a story of loss and uncertainty. A with briars (Rubus spp.), trumpet creeper (Campsis radi- harassing raven swooped over them, adding insult to cans) tangles, goldenrod (Solidago sp.), and giant ragweed injury. Jenn thought they looked sad, and Tom replied (Ambrosia trifida). One of the main reasons we hunt with matter-of-factly, “There’s a dead adult beside them on the a group is that one hawk hunting alone is not likely to be highway.” Many predators have rough lives; their intense successful in most of our Louisiana hunting spots. We focus on the hunt often puts them in harm’s way. We felt could use dogs instead, but we prefer the excitement of a immensely fortunate that our hawks had made it through cooperating group of hawks. On hawking trips out west, the trip without injury. having an extra hawk or two usually helps with holding Harris’s Hawks stooping on a jackrabbit in Hualapai Valley. Tom and Jenn Coulson hunting with hawks Dragon, Tipitina and large, powerful hares. In addition, hunting the hawks to- This trip to Kingman was our fifth, and it won’t be our Photo by Jennifer Coulson. Pepper. Photo by Craig Golden. gether helps us to judge them on a more equal playing last. We can say with certainty that we’ll be returning to er for rabbits. Where blackbrush is growing in high densi- field, which is important to our selective breeding pro- Kingman again. On the last day of January, a worn, rusty horseshoe made ty, there just isn’t enough open ground to give the hawks gram (Coulson and Coulson 2012). its way into Jenn’s game bag. Pre-horseshoe, we had much of a chance. We still caught jacks and cottontails in Literature Cited hunted with three hawks (our A-team) that flew strong- these areas, but our catch rates were lower. The Kingman conclave of falconers took a respectable Coulson, J. O. and T. D. Coulson. 2012. The Harris’s Hawk Revo ly and deliberately, no messing about. All were trying as amount of game in one week. The final tally was 102 lution. Parabuteo Publishing, Pearl River, Louisiana. hard or harder than they ever had and yet no jacks were These observations support our “challenging habitats hy- lagomorphs and 11 birds, broken down as follows: 69 Coulson, J. O. and T. D. Coulson. 2013. Reexamining cooperative brought to bag. Post-horseshoe, the next batch of three pothesis” to explain one benefit of Harris’s Hawks hunting black-tailed jackrabbits, 33 desert cottontails, 9 Gam- hunting in Harris’s Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus): large hawks (our second string), hunting on the opposite side of in groups (Coulson and Coulson 2013). We and our hawks bel’s Quail and 2 miscellaneous birds. The hawking went prey or challenging habitats? The Auk 130:548–552. the road, caught three jacks and four cottontails.

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reetings all from Austin, Texas. I hope everyone pointer. I do love the English pointers, but the kind of is having a happy hawking season. Another duck hawking and shooting I am going to do leans toward the Gseason is being put to bed here in the Lone Star choice of GSP. State. I have heard mixed reviews from across the state about duck numbers and inconsistency in finding good For many years we have been anxiously awaiting the re- slips, however we have had a lot of water over the last sults of the flyway council’s decision to allow the increase few years so that may have the ducks spread out state- of take for Tundra Peregrines. On Tuesday, February 14, wide. It’s also believed that the mild winter did not push 2017, we were informed that the flyway councils have down many birds. Either way, falconers who wanted to approved a significant increase in take for Tundra Pere- provide good slips went out and made it happen for their grines pending the acceptance of the radioisotope study birds as good falconers always do. findings. Provided that the study findings are accepted quickly, the increase in Tundra peregrine take may go into Rabbit and quail numbers were quite plentiful where effect as soon as Fall 2017. there was good habitat. In fact, it would have been dif- ficult to go afield this season and not run into a covey or This is fantastic news and enough cannot be said about two regardless of what you were chasing. A couple of fal- the collaborative efforts of dedicated NAFA officers who coners in Central Texas witnessed a covey of bobwhites have worked countless hours with the USFWS to make in an old stomping ground where they had not heard nor this happen. There are so many to thank. It goes to seen a bobwhite in decades. Quail numbers were really show that if you work hard towards a common goal you up this year. I think it’s time to start a new birddog pup in can achieve anything. hopes of future good years. I cannot decide on the breed just yet but I am leaning toward a German Short-haired Chris Godfrey Director at Large - Texas Hawking Association

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