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So...where
to start! What a memorable event..for so many reasons, not least of which
was the absolutely awful weather all day Saturday and on Sunday
morning..rain, rain and more rain! But all was certainly not doom and gloom,
not by any means!
For all those that came the world over, this was the International Festival of Falconry coming of age..many lessons learned from two years ago, and much more effort put into what was anticipated, and turned out to be much more "geared up" than it's predecessor.
The brotherhood of falconry
came together from some 52 countries, from several continents, from far and
wide to cement our common bond , to compare our ways and methods, our
equipment and our birds.
This unique gathering put aside all barriers, including language, and saw a coming together of nations under the international banner of birds of prey.
From Germany, Austria, Italy
Spain and France to Japan, China and Korea - from Hungary to Poland, Russia,
Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia - From North America and Canada to New
Zealand, and certainly not forgetting our counterparts of the United Arab
Emirates, particularly Abu Dhabi, who invested a great deal in this event,
and put on a breathtakingly
They brought a taste of the east to Berkshire, in the style of a Bedouin camp, complete with camels, and left many bedazzled by their skills and crafts. Their hospitality to all visitors was second to none, ladies were painted with henna art on their arms, legs and hands, while the men sampled the coffee brewed on a genuine Bedouin camp fire!
Arena events were equally
spectacular, with Austria setting the pace with a superb display of
horseback falconry.. Dressed in their national costume, they were no less than spectacular! NRC were among the UK clubs in attendence on behalf of the Hawkboard of great Britain, and were honoured to take part. Visitors were invited into our section, including the hospitality area to the rear of the main stand, where refreshments were on offer, and there were several birds on the weathering area for the many photographers to capture. There was always a member or two on hand to meet and greet the public and to talk about the birds for those who had questions.
All the club tents were well
frequented by both national and international visitors, with many new bonds
being forged across the nations.
The final parade of nations was no less than spectacular, and all were proud to fly their countries flag at this most unique gathering of falconry nations. It's future in the UK is not certain at this point in time, and there was talk of holding the festival in another country next time, but wherever it may roam, long may it continue!
Check out the whole festival with NRC member Maralyn Marlow, who toured the sight getting photographs together for this site and a forthcoming NRC DVD.
John Tyas July 2009
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spectacular
display of horseback falconry as well as their fascinating traditions and
arts - even samples of fresh dates, sweets and their own style of coffee to
delight the palate. 
flying
three falcons at once to three horsemen, the birds chasing all three lures!
Several
birds were loaned to international falconers who were unable to bring their
own, including Khan, Julian Watson's Goshawk, who flew the flag for Korea on
this occasion!!
