Falconry is the most sophisticated form of bird watching. This Sport of Kings uniquely offers falconers a chance to see hawks, falcons and eagles do what they were created to do - chase wild quarry. Additionally, falconers do more than simply observe hawks hunting; they actively participate in the adventures. Those adventures and the bonds formed with the birds of prey prompted this book. A Sophisticated Form of Hawk Watching is a collection of falconry stories showing many aspects of how falconers practice this ancient sport in the modern age. These stories cover a broad spectrum of experiences and emotions falconers encounter in this sport: Joy, excitement, fear, pain, satisfaction, anticipation, relief, laughter and love all flow from our relationships with these wonderful creatures. The 25 chapters share stories of young love, sheer bravery, companionship, loss, jackrabbit hawking, dog attacks, hawk trapping, field meets, dilemmas, conservation and much more. Some historical firsts are detailed too including: the invention of car-hawking, and the creation of removable anklets - that are now used around the world and featured in most falconry supply catalogs. Unique raptor writings also appear in these pages such as: a historical fiction piece of Genghis Khan hunting with golden eagles, spring raptor trapping and banding at Whitefish Point, a history-making rescue of a bald eagle with West Nile Virus and several zany dog stories in "Terrier Dreams." Other notable stories include: - "A Falconry Parable," sharing humorous insights into all "species" of falconers, - The fun "Jackrabbit Rescue," story showing a falconer's respect and compassion for prey, - "On Wings Like Eagles," presenting Isaiah 40:31 from a falconer's unique viewpoint, - "Dialogue 101," detailing an interesting conversation with a not-so-casual onlooker, - "Hoodwinking," displaying a humorous take on hood-making, and - "Animal Rights - Christian Morals," tackling a presumed conflict between Christian principles and hunting. Some of the chapters are updated from previously published articles and many stories are new works, such as "Fine Weather for Squirrels." These stories give you the inside look at a falconer's joys, trials and adventures. Enjoy the journey.
Kenn Filkins, of Sault Ste. Marie, MI, has written seven books, and edited (and wrote for) the award-winning hardcover book, Bond with the Wild: A Celebration of American Falconry. Filkins has been a falconer since 1980, and currently edits the North American Falconers' Association's magazine, Hawk Chalk, which is published three times a year. His other books include: Comfort Those Who Mourn: How to Preach Personalized Funeral Messages, A Comforting Word, Fly Fishing for Salmon & Steelhead of the Great Lakes, Characters of Calvary, and Seven Sayings One Friday.?Kenn as been a pastor for over 30 years, serving churches in Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. Filkins graduated with honors from Great Lakes Christian College in 1979, where he won the "Dracma Award" for Biblical language studies.?For 10 years, he has been the editor of the daily newspaper for the eastern third of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He has written hundreds of magazine articles on hunting, fishing, falconry and a wide variety of Christian topics. He has won writing and photography awards.
