Birds of prey play important roles in not only the ecosystems of Ireland but in many ecosystems across the globe. In the Aillwee Birds of Prey Center we had the amazing opportunity to become familiar with three of the twenty-five birds, all of which have been trained in falconry.
We were first introduced to a Harris Hawk. Native to southwestern United States, this hawk was trained to fly to the location the handler designated with an incentive of meat. As I sat in the bleachers the handlers wandered around the arena and throughout the crowd letting the Harris Hawk fly between two handlers as we learned more about this species.
During one of the hawk’s flights the handler was standing behind me and the hawk flew right past my face. I could feel the wind of its wings on my nose as it landed on the handlers’ arm. The audience was allowed to volunteer as a
handler and have a brief experience of calling the hawk to their arm. Several Saint Michael’s students volunteered and were able to see the incredible relationship and trust that forms between the hawk and handler. Having such a personal experience with the hawk allowed participants to examine their features and unique coloration.
The second bird that was brought out was the Lanner Falcon. These birds are built for speed and acute eyesight. Their native environment is the African continent. Due to their incredible eyesight they are adapted to dive silently through the air towards their prey at high speeds as a surprise attack. We watched as the handler used a decoy bird to act as the prey and show this diving behavior.
The falcon dove several times as we got the narrative of this species’ story until finally the handler allowed the falcon to capture the prey. One of the most important steps in handling birds is providing the incentive once a task is complete and so the handler quickly gave the falcon its reward. As the falcon spread its wings while perched and guarded its food we could see its unique coloration as well.
When comparing the coloration of the lanner falcon and the harris hawk, as well as the final bird we saw the Red Kite, all three of their genetic makeup of variable coloration and patterns provided an example of how each species uses camouflage to blend into their varying natural habitats.
The Red Kite had a unique story and importance
to Ireland. Along with the golden eagle and white-tailed eagle, the red kite is an example of a success story of rehabilitation into Ireland’s native habitat. All three species faced extinction from the country but due to conservationist efforts these birds have been regaining stability in Ireland after being reintroduced.
Native to Ireland and up into the rural Russian Mountains, Red Kites have a low energy expense and are extremely successful hunters. The particular Kite that we were introduced to was released from the mountain side from one of the handlers in the distance and it flew down to our viewing arena, being shy at first but then becoming more friendly as the presentation came to an end.
The practice of falconry and conservation efforts have worked together to help bring awareness to the importance of birds of prey in our ecosystems. While watching the presentation I felt both this sense of awe for the abilities the birds had but also the realization that it is so rare that we take time to reflect on their presence as well as many other species. Through demonstrations such as the Aillwee experience I always walk away with a feeling of respect, particularly respect for the creatures and their specific role they unintentionally play.
As people we have an understanding of what balance means. In the world around us balance isn’t always perfect but it is necessary for the success of the survival of the ecosystem. Many of our students expressed how incredible it felt to have that one-on-one experience with the birds. I feel that this is a very important aspect in educating people on species preservation. When we can connect human emotion to the issues many of these species are facing we can encourage people to notice and care.
Many of the birds within the Aillwee Birds of Prey Center were either once injured and are in rehabilitation or were raised in an effort to increase the population and used for conservation education. Stories such as the Red Kite’s are common everywhere around the world.
In America we have our famous American Bald Eagle whose rehabilitation success story has been ingrained in our understanding of ecosystem balance. The more that we push to care about species such as the ones we learned about and interacted with, the greater our understanding can be established of the importance of biodiversity as a fundamental element to ecosystem survival.
- Olivia Record
McCabe note: The lanner falcon is in the same genus as the peregrine falcon, often cited as the fastest animal on the planet. From our observations, the lanner falcon is no slouch in the speed department either!
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