Falconry at The Homestead

[Paul Hamilton]

We had a family weekend in the mountains of Virginia with my brother and sister in law the week before Christmas.  My nephew tried to make it but left too late and was turned back by impassible roads.  The rest of us had a wonderful time, beginning with falconry.

http://www.blip.tv/file/3036486?filename=Phamilton-FalconryAtTheHomestead843.mov

The snow did not stop until the following night, producing a beautiful winter world that got us all in the mood for the holidays.  It was great reading A Christmas Carol aloud with whiteout conditions outside our windows.

Paul

[Donna]

What an exciting movie Paul...I really enjoyed the whole thing. Tex was so cool. You all were so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience this. Loved the snow too. Thanks.

[Carol P.]

Excellent video Paul.  What a wonderful opportunity for you and your family.  I just loved watching the Harris Hawk follow along with the group as you walked through the snowy woods.  Thanks for sharing this with us.   

[dale]

Paul, I just loved watching both this terrific bird and the genuinely wonderful video documenting your time with her. The closeups of Tex apparently trying to get a fix on what you (her "family" of the moment) were up to were great. That is exactly how they attend to each other's movements when they hunt in a group. It was funny for me to see a Harris' in the snow, as the only ones I've ever seen were in the desert - but she sure didn't seem to mind! Thanks so much for sharing this.

[Annette]

Hi Paul,

a beautiful video.


Greetings
Annette

[Judi]

Paul, I just loved watching both this terrific bird and the genuinely wonderful video documenting your time with her. The closeups of Tex apparently trying to get a fix on what you (her "family" of the moment) were up to were great. That is exactly how they attend to each other's movements when they hunt in a group. It was funny for me to see a Harris' in the snow, as the only ones I've ever seen were in the desert - but she sure didn't seem to mind! Thanks so much for sharing this.

  to what Dale says!  Tex sure did look like she was having a lot of fun following along.  And Boy!  Was it snowing by the time you finished!

Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[Patti from Kentucky]

Paul, it sounded like the hawk was wearing bells...if so, why?

[Paul Hamilton]

Patti,

Tex was wearing bells to make it easier for the falconer to follow her movements.  In addition, he can tell by the sound whether she is flying, standing still, or preening.

Paul

[valhalla]

   Tex is beautiful and Catherine must be pretty strong to hold her for as long as she did!  Wonderful video and thank you for sharing.  Mary asked a question about what section of VA you were in and we didn't hear the answer.  I'm curious - what part of VA were you in?  Thanks - Janet

[Paul Hamilton]

The Homestead is in Hot Springs, Bath County, VA.  It is in the Allegheny Mountains, just a few miles from the West Virginia border.  Tha answer that Mary got was "Valley and Ridge Region," which is the geographic province.

http://www.thehomestead.com/index.cfm

It's at an elevation of over 2,000 feet, so the climate is similar to that of southern New England. 

Paul

PS -- Hot news item: after being missing for several months, Zuzu is back.  She is on the feeder now.  We now have a fire in the fireplace and a flying squirrel at the window, which is all we really need.

[valhalla]

Hot news item: after being missing for several months, Zuzu is back.  She is on the feeder now.  We now have a fire in the fireplace and a flying squirrel at the window, which is all we really need.

   Pictures will be forthcoming???   

[Paul Hamilton]

Hot news item: after being missing for several months, Zuzu is back.  She is on the feeder now.  We now have a fire in the fireplace and a flying squirrel at the window, which is all we really need.

   Pictures will be forthcoming???   

Done.

Paul

[dale]

ooh. flying squirrel butt. nice.

[valhalla]

Hot news item: after being missing for several months, Zuzu is back.  She is on the feeder now.  We now have a fire in the fireplace and a flying squirrel at the window, which is all we really need.

   Pictures will be forthcoming???   

Done.

Paul

WooHoo!  Thanks Paul - I love this little squirrel!