Please take a moment to read this page if you plan
to attend one of our functions. It will help you to understand what
happens and prepare you for the field conditions you will face. Our goal
is to help you enjoy attending.
What to expect
Summer Picnic: Our summer picnic is a social gathering where
falconers, family members and friends come from all over Virginia and some
neighboring states for a day of fun, good food and to swap stories. Weather
permitting, birds are usually on display. This is not a field meet so none
of the birds of prey will be flying free or hunting. Lunch is usually
catered for a reasonable fee or you can bring your own unless otherwise
specified. There is a short General Membership/Business meeting held in
the afternoon followed by an auction and awards are given for art, equipment etc.
All are invited. Attire is casual but beware the weather is very
unpredictable so be prepared! Also bring a comfortable chair.
Field Meets: Field meets are where we gather to hunt with our
birds usually from Friday - Sunday. Meets are in January and February so
if you plan to attend you should plan for cold, rain/snow and windy weather.
Falconers that hunt with hawks will usually be pursuing rabbits
or squirrels so you may be going through briars and dense brush. A good
pair of briar pants or denim jeans, tough coat and a good pair of field boots
will help keep you comfortable and allow you to follow the action.
Falconers that hunt with falcons will usually pursue ducks so
prepare for swampy wet conditions. A good pair of rubber boots added to
the above list should suffice.
Who should come?
All are invited but keep in mind there can be some rough conditions as stated above.
Kids and/or elderly should be able to handle prolonged time in the field and
sometimes a good degree of patience as everything doesn't always go as planned.
We have had young and old alike at our Field Meets and can usually show everyone
a good time.
How to act around our trained Birds of Prey
Like any animal, birds of prey usually don't have the desire to harm anyone
and seek to flee if they are pressured. Some species, individuals or birds
just starting training are
more shy or spooky than others so never approach a perched bird without asking
permission. If you are near a bird that starts "bating" (trying to fly away)
back up a few steps until the bird calms down. When approaching someone with a bird of prey on their
fist, approach on the opposite side of the bird and ask the falconer if coming
closer is OK.
We get lots of requests to pet the hawks but birds of prey don't like to be
petted. You may see a falconer that seems to be petting a bird but they are
usually straightening out feathers, checking the bird or training. Similarly, we get
many requests to hold the birds but for safety and regulatory reasons it is not
allowed.
Can I take Photos?
As stated above, some species or individuals are more shy or spooky than
others so the protocol is to ask before taking pictures, but it is almost always
permitted.
Can pets attend?
The usual answer is no, I'll explain why.
Our hawks, falcons and dogs are very special to us and usually
have hundreds if not thousands of hours of training in them. (Many
falconers use pointing or flushing dogs as part of the team.) One bad
experience with a guests dog can cause a bird to distrust or become aggressive
to all dogs from then on, this could completely destroy the bird and dog team. There is also the chance
your dog can injure or kill
one of our birds or be injured themselves so it's best if you leave them home.
How should I dress?
See the "What to Expect" section above
