Like Son, Like Father
Falconry in the Family
Text by Joanne M. Anderson Photos courtesy of Jennifer L. Davis
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In a reversal of following in footsteps, Marc Manley indulged himself in falconry after his son, Kennet, pursued the ancient sport in high school. “Kennet began his apprenticeship in 2014, and after watching him, driving to meets and observing the fascinating raptors and their relationships with their handlers, I wanted to participate,” Marc recalls. The time required every day is substantial, and Kennet’s pursuit went on hold when he went to college. But, the Manley home was not without a hawk as Marc stepped into the world of trained raptors. Sport Overview Falconry is an ancient sport recorded in Japan in 244 AD, and woven in a tapestry showing King Harold with a trained raptor on a visit to William of Normandy in 1064. The North American Falconers Association (n-a-f-a.com) was established in 1961 “to encourage the proper practice of the 38
NRV MAGAZINE
sport of falconry and the wise use and conservation of birds of prey.” Raptors are medium to large birds which prey on other animals, even small birds, for sustenance. Generally they hunt living critters like mammals, insects and fish and do not dine off carcasses. Vultures are an exception. They possess incredible vision for seeing living food sources while in flight from on high. Their feet have talons which both capture and kill their meals. The word “raptor” comes from Latin where “rapio” means to “take by force”. Keeping a wild raptor is regulated by state and federal laws. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service test covers basic biology plus care and handling of raptors. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has a falconry permit exam with more than 100 questions. Its housing and equipment must be approved by a biologist from the department before one can trap a bird. According to Marc: “Falconry is considered the most regulated sport in the US, if not the world.” Jul y/Aug
2022
