The relationship
between BIRD OF PREY and man is an ancient one, traceable some
4000 years
or more into human history. Birds of Prey have graced the tribal
banners and the emblems of nations
from the Egyptians, the ancient Greeks, the Roman Empire, the
American Indians, to the nations
of today. Birds of Prey have long captured the imagination and
inspired the minds of humankind.
HORUS
ANCIENT EGYPTIAN
GOD and WARRIOR
For information on Horus
click the icon
TO VIEW AN ARTWORK OF HORUS
CLICK THIS ICON
Unique in this relationship is the Art of Falconry. The relationship
between the falconer
and the winged hunter transcends even the relationship between
humankind and the canines.
In the spiritual values of the American Indians, to touch an Eagle
is to become one with the
Great Spirit, and have one's prayers carried into the spiritual
world. It is with this reverence
that the Conservancy of the Phoenix views and supports Falconry
and the relationship between
the human companion and the feathered people.
"....Birds
make their nest in circles, for theirs is the same religion as
ours...."
- BLACK ELK -
OGLALA SIOUX HOLY MAN
FALCONRY
"Falconry is an adventure.
It is the experience of tuning in to the ancient, primitive cycle
of nature.
It is witnessing nature at close range. It is not unnatural to
capture a hawk
and kill game with her. That is eminently natural. It is unnatural,
and unethical,
to remove a creature from the wild and from the natural order.
Falconry allows
us to share in the trials and triumphs of our bird. Falconry allows
us to begin to
to see what it means to be wild and free and continually at risk.
Every day is a
struggle to survive in the wild, to eat, or be eaten. Everything
that lives is a potential
meal for other animal. There are no guarantees in nature, no reprieves,
and little luck.
"Civilization" removes much of our concern for, and
awareness of, these realities.
Falconry helps us to focus not only on our relationship with nature,
but also on ideas
that are higher."
FROM
"THE FALCONER'S APPRENTICE"
By William C. Oakes
