Falconers flock to demonstrate skills, raise conservation issues

ALEXANDRIA, Egypt - In the heart of the golden desert, dozens of enthusiastic falconers and their raptors marked the sixth edition of World Falconry Day.

As the sun started to rise in Alexandria's Borg El Arab, north of Cairo, Hani Ibrahim carefully watched his falcon soaring through the skies and swooping down speedily to catch a pigeon the man had released.

"The relationship between my falcon and I is unique ... I spent a long time to train him and we are kind of close friends now," Ibrahim said after his bird landed on his gloved fist.

Ibrahim said the event, which is marked annually on Nov 16 worldwide, is meant to spread awareness about birds of prey through carrying out a number of activities such as demonstrations, discussions and practical workshops.

"We have been holding this event for three years now and every year more people join us to know more about these majestic birds," Ibrahim said.

Ibrahim, who has been a falconer for more than 30 years, said that Egyptian peers and falconry clubs adopt the principles of the International Association for Falconry, which are dedicated to the preservation of the ancient art of falconry.

"As the IAF stipulates, preserving falconry involves maintaining not only the traditional culture that builds practical skills of empathy with animals, but also the conservation of raptors and their prey," Ibrahim said as visitors over sand dunes watched falcons and hawks hovering overhead.

Ancient and modern

Sayed al-Sayed, one of the organizers and administration of the "Egyptian Sniper" falconry group on Facebook, said the event was co-organized by four falconry clubs in Egypt and held under the patronage of the IAF as Egypt is a member of the organization.

Sayed said falconers display ancient and modern training techniques during the two-day event, with demonstrations of falcons flying in the heart of the desert.

He added that such events are also important for falconers who meet here as they exchange experiences that can help them in the future.

"In addition, these events also help ordinary people get knowledge about this art that is an authentic part of our culture," Sayed said, adding that one of the main goals of falconers in Egypt is helping and rehabilitating migrant birds and releasing them so they can fly back to their habitats.

Hamada Ismail, a college student from Cairo, traveled to Alexandria with his friends to learn more about falconry.

"I love falconry ... I think I'm going to raise a hawk soon," Ismail said.

Xinhua