Jonathan's big falconry excursion

Jonathan has been interested in the art of falconry for a very long time, so as a birthday gift last July I got him what is called a "Hawk Walk" at West Coast Falconry.  As falconry is traditionally done in fall and winter, he had to wait until now to take the course; it was a two-hour educational experience talking all about the types of birds and the history of the sport, culminating in a walk where he actually did faux hunting.  The original plan was that we would go together - instead, due to that pesky bed rest, he traveled there on his own last week, and another classmate was good enough to take some pictures of him.

Falcons at rest.

 The two instructors.

 Demonstrating proper calling and take-off/landing techniques.

Walking along the path.  See the hawk flying in the middle?

 One of the ways to train a hawk to land on your fist is to be holding some food.  Here the bird is extremely interested in Jonathan's treat.

The instructors said he was a natural. :)