Falconry at Ashford Castle

For our first day at the castle, we took a falconry lesson. It was tons of fun, and we will definitely be getting our falconry licenses at some point. We got to fly harris hawks (see pic above) for an hour and a half with a guide who was very knowledgeable. He had been working with raptors for over 30 years doing falconry, rehabilitation, etc. in multiple countries. We had lots to talk about since we had both worked in South Africa, and he gave me some good tips on places to work for and to avoid if I go back.

Above and below: me with an owl that we flew for demonstration. The owls learn less commands than the hawks.

It's amazing how easy it is to work with the raptors when you don't have to wrestle with them to get the job done like you do with wild birds. The commands and training they are capable of learning is quite impressive. They fly free during the walk, and follow you in the trees as you flush game out of the forest. Once a prey item is spotted, they catch it and bring it to you for reward. If you raise your glove from your side they land on it; when you step and move your hand the bird flies off again. They come to whistles as well. The training is entirely food-based. Praise and other secondary motivators don't work. A very simple system, and very effective.

Scott with the owl.

Below is part of the 350 acres of woodlands on the estate. They have several planned gardens like this onw, and the rest is acerage and golf course.

We did plenty of walking on the paths that circled the lake. We went so far that we ended up in someone else's back yard. I wouldn't mind having a castle for a neighbor. Or maybe as MY house.....

Since the sun was up so late, we took advantage to do quality, productive things.

Us being dorks making shadows. -Anna