This selection from a medieval manuscript describes the different social roles that are connected with the different birds that are used in falconry. “An Eagle for an Emperor, a Gyrfalcon for a King a Peregrine for a Prince, a Saker for a Knight, a Merlin for a Lady a Goshawk for a Yeoman, a Sparrowhawk for a Priest, a Musket for a Holy water Clerk, a Kestrel for a Knave.” - The Book of Saint Albans c.
Falcons are generally used to catch smaller species of birds while some birds of prey are used to catch rabbits or squirrels. Dating back to ancient Egypt and the Asian Steppes, falconry as a practice involves the domestication of falcons, and a few other types of birds of prey, for the purpose of hunting small game for sport. The practice of falconry is at least three thousand years old. Peregrine Falcons may represent travel, adventure, navigation, pilgrimages, or safe homecomings. The name “Peregrine” comes from “ peregrin,” which is Latin for “traveler.” This name is given to these falcons because of their exceedingly long migration routes. The Peregrine Falcon is a major symbol of conservation, environmental responsibility, and hope. They were removed from the endangered species list and remain a ubiquitous presence in much of the United States to this day. It took a while, but by the 1999, the Peregrine Falcon had made one of the most incredible comebacks in the history of wildlife conservation. Captive-raised birds were reintroduced to the wild and closely monitored. Around that time, though, DDT was finally banned and conservation efforts began to focus on the dwindling Peregrine population. By 1975, only 324 pairs of Peregrine Falcons remained in the entirety of the United States. This means that birds with high exposure to DDT, like those at the top of the food chain, could not produce eggshells strong enough to withstand the weight of the incubating parent, or even the chick inside. DDT affects the way that birds’ bodies metabolize and distribute calcium. Thanks to the widespread use of DDT, a now-banned pesticide which is recognized for causing steep population declines in several American bird species during the mid-twentieth century, Peregrine Falcons were unable to sustain their previous populations. You might not know it today, but the iconic Peregrine Falcon once came very close to vanishing from the United States. Read on to learn all about the wisdom of the falcon!
In this article, we’ll examine the history of falconry, the mythology connected with falcons across various cultures, and the many fascinating lessons that we can learn from these incredible birds of prey. The history of humans and falcons together is long and storied with cultures all over the world engaging in this ancient hunting practice. Swift and deadly on the wing, the falcon is associated with speed, acuity, strength, and skill. As wild animals and as companions to humans, falcons are best known for their incredible hunting skills.
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