This evening, I attended the Utah Falcon Association's annual "Eyass BBQ". (Eyass is the technical term for a very young falcon or hawk that hasn't yet learned to fly.) I met some friendly expert falconers, had some great food, and learned a lot!
From the outside, one might assume that falconers are kind of dormant in the spring and summer. But that's when mamas need to be left undisturbed while they are caring for their eggs, then their young. It's also the time that they molt (replace their feathers). So, late summer is a time for falconers to get back together, socialize, trade tips, and enjoy each others' young birds.
At a BBQ, you'd expect a lot of people photos, right? Well, I was almost completely drawn to the gorgeous raptors. So other attendees will have to provide snaps of the people in attendance.
Notes:
1. Some of the birds were being displayed with hoods still on in order to keep them calm. Because I love those eyes so much, I chose not to photograph the hooded birds this time.
2. The beautiful owl here is actually used more for education than falconry.
3. You can visit the association's site at: https://www.utahfalconers.com/
 |
| Siberian Eagle Owl, a subspecies of the Eurasian Eagle-Owl |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
 |
| Siberian Eagle Owl |
 |
| Siberian Eagle Owl |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
 |
| Gray Hawk |
 |
| Taita Falcon |
 |
| Harris Hawk |
 |
| Gyrmado, a hybrid of Gyr and Aplomado |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk |
 |
| Martin Tyner and Prairie Falcon |
 |
| Prairie Falcon |
 |
| Harris Hawk |
 |
| Siberian Eagle Owl, from behind |
 |
| Fund-raising Raffle Drawing |
 |
| Now THAT'S a tat! |
 |
| The 'nictitating membrane', a third eyelid, protects and moistens raptors' eyes. They are also present in fish, amphibians, reptiles and some mammals. |
 |
| Just like dogs need a trim, these birds need their beaks and talons carefully trimmed periodically. |
 |
| Laymen might call this a drill, but the technical term is 'dremel'. |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk - time for hooding |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk - a little reluctant to be hooded |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk - a little reluctant to be hooded |
 |
| Red-tailed Hawk - a little reluctant to be hooded |
 |
| Grymado |
Comments