A falcon soars through the air having locked on to its prey – once it’s near, in a swift motion, within a snap of your finger the falcon grabs its prey with its strong and sharp claws! See this spectacle up-close and personal during your time in Qatar. Read on to know more.
Falconry – what is it?
Falconry is an ancient hunting practice that uses birds of prey especially falcons to hunt animals in their natural habitat. With people becoming more modernized, using these birds to hunt for food has changed and today it has become a sport and part of the culture of people in the Middle East.
Falcons
Though there are over 40 different species of falcons fond around the globe, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrines), Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) are the most commonly used falcon varieties in falconry. Falcons are highly efficient and extremely fast flyers. They can reach flight speeds up to a whopping 390 km/h. And can catch their prey in mid-air.
Falconry in Qatar
In Qatar, falconry is more than a hobby and a sport – It is an obsession that has been spread nationwide! During winter months, from December to February is the time when the climatic conditions become ideal for falcon races and hunting contests. Winning falcons are considered priced possessions and symbols of status here.
Witnessing falcons
If you happen to visit Qatar during these months you could also witness these events up-close and personal. Falcon shows are also included in exclusive desert tour packages in Doha and if you are stationed at any of the 5 star hotels in Doha the likes of Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara you could reach out to the front desk to obtain more details on how to get aboard a desert safari or to see a falconry contest.
Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+
