Falconry

I have been interested in birds all my life.  I began training falcons when I was 12 years old.  My first bird was a kestrel and, later, came a sparrowhawk.  I used to visit the Welsh Mountain Zoo where I became friends with master falconer Laurent de Bastyai, who encouraged my interest in falconry.

Upon joining the Welsh Hawking Club, I met Harry Robinson, who had also been a falconer at the Welsh Mountain Zoo for many years.  From him, I learned more about the art of falconry and flying large birds, such as peregrines.  Like many sports, falconry and its techniques and instruments are continually evolving.

Now, many years on, my love of the sport has never diminished and it is as fascinating today as it has been through the ages.

It is always a pleasure to encourage young falconers continuing the traditions of this age-old sport.