February 08, 2008
The Falconer - For Pops
On post (base) today getting taxes done and picking up our mail when we saw this guy. A friendly, quiet German man walking around in his wintry lederhosen with his falcon, dog and ferrets. He was getting a few rabbits from the overly populated area and it was fascinating to watch. Not that I wanted to (or could) get up close, mind you. The ferret would get the rabbits out of their holes and the falcon caught them. The falcon would get a bit of the rabbit and the rest went in the man's pouch. Tasty, eh? In this picture he is laughing at me - the crazy American who has stopped to ask permission for a photo. He turned from laughing to keep on eye on his falcon and he's holding one of his ferrets and has the other in that carrier. I didn't see the dog until we were just driving away but a quick glance looked like some kind of Irish Wolfhound/Great Dane. I am not against hunting as long as it's for eating and it's not endangered. This seemed like a mighty cool way to go about it.
We've been listening to My Side of the Mountain non-stop on CD the past few weeks. We've read the rest of the series too - so Hattie and Eli have playing Peregrine Falcon games and they really liked your post about the falcon.
And Hattie the rabbit lover even draws pictures where the falcon is carrying the rabbit it has caught (although the rabbit has a radio and is calling for help). I'll try to scan one and send it to you.
We think about you and yours often and I know you understand the business of life that keeps me from being more in touch. Much love...
Posted by: JenniferCS at February 8, 2008 02:14 AMThat was really interesting but I'm wondering did the falcon kill the rabbit or did the man kill it after the falcon brought it to him? I'm ignorant about Falcon hunting. That's a great picture of the man.
Posted by: G'ma at February 8, 2008 04:13 PMJust an after thought, but I would like to see hatties drawing so can you scan it and put it on your blog?
Posted by: G'ma at February 8, 2008 04:16 PMA Falcon, A Ferret, and a Fox Hound...I got to get me some of those...Thanks Chell!!
Posted by: POPS at February 9, 2008 12:20 AMThank you for stopping by my blog and entering the OWOH giveaway, especially with such a kind comment - good luck!
Posted by: Kelly at February 10, 2008 12:36 AMI never knew ferrets had a use like that!!
Posted by: Latharia at February 10, 2008 12:53 AM