The Untold Legacy of Falconry in North America: From Early Settlers to Modern Enthusiasts

Falconry is an ancient sport that beautifully merges the skill of training birds of prey with the excitement of hunting. Though often associated with Europe, falconry has rich roots in North American history, shaped by the experiences of early settlers and the growing community of modern enthusiasts. This post explores falconry's journey, from its beginnings with early settlers to its resurgence in the 20th century, revealing a vibrant cultural and personal legacy.

Early Influences on Falconry

When early American settlers arrived, survival was their primary focus. Yet, evidence suggests that falconry began to emerge. In 1622, Thomas Morton, a settler in New England, described hawks and falconry in his writings. While priorities centred on basic survival, Morton's records hint at falconry's early presence in America, if only in a limited way.

Another fascinating case comes from the 1650s, when Jan Baptist sent for a falcon from Holland and successfully hunted around the Hudson Valley. This demonstrates a gradual acceptance of falconry in the New World. Additionally, reports of a hawk trained by a captain during Hernán Cortés's conquests in Mexico reflect early European interest in falconry, illustrating its potential significance as newcomers adapted to their surroundings.

The Spanish Influence on Falconry in Mexico

Among the early Europeans, Spanish settlers prominently practised falconry. As Spain's interest in the sport declined, its noble class found enjoyment in the New World. One prominent figure was Velasco, the first Viceroy of New Spain, who notably travelled with a tamed falcon on his fist. His involvement in falconry extended to ensuring his son had a royal falconer, showcasing the sport's cultural significance in early colonial life.

Records indicate that falconry became a social fixture in Spanish-occupied areas. Spanish settlers even utilised falcons for pest control in crops, helping manage populations of birds and small mammals that threatened agriculture. This blend of sport and practicality further solidified falconry’s role in colonial society.

The Revival of Falconry in the Twentieth Century

Jumping to the 20th century, falconry saw a revitalisation in North America. Colonel R. L. “Luff” Meredith is often recognised as the "father" of American falconry, rekindling interest in the sport and inspiring figures such as Dr. Robert M. “Doc” Stabler, Alva Nye, and the Craighead brothers, Frank and John.

In the 1940s, these enthusiasts united to form the Falconers’ Association of North America. Though World War II momentarily interrupted their momentum, this organisation laid the groundwork for a collaborative falconry community. During this time, the use of peregrine falcons became popular. The peregrines were taken from local eyries, but falconry for them in those early years was mere possession of hawks, because they did not advance to the stage of hunting game until much later for some of them. Their countryside was not suitable for longwing falconry.

Though Meredith had visited British and European falconers and the Craigheads spent several months hawking and hunting with an Indian prince, actual hawking for the most part escaped these men as the logical step after training a bird. In the 1960s, after the founding of the North American Falconers Association (NAFA), true game hawking exploded across the continent and the ubiquitous red-tailed hawk became a mainstay and a decade later the Harris hawk was “discovered”.

In Mexico, Guillermo José Tapia was the president of the Asociación Mexicana de Cetrería, formed in the 1940s. Later in 1964 Robeto Behar became involved in falconry and had the opportunity to travel and contact international falconers – Renz Waller, Kinya Nakajima and Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente.

The Modern Falconry Landscape

Today, falconry thrives across Canada, the USA, and Mexico, supported by a dedicated community passionate about the sport and its historical roots. On the western shores of North America, numerous organisations focus on wildlife conservation and educating new falconers.

Modern falconry merges time-honoured traditions with current practices. For instance, falconers adhere to strict regulations that ensure the well-being of both birds and ecosystems. Cultural festivals frequently showcase falconry, celebrating its rich history and the artistic skill involved.

The bond between falconers and their birds goes beyond mere companionship. Each flight symbolises a shared respect for nature and hunting. Falconers invest hours into training and learning bird behaviour, enhancing their experiences while honouring the traditions of previous generations.

Challenges and Conservation

Despite the colourful legacy of falconry, it encounters significant challenges today, including habitat loss and misunderstandings surrounding hunting practices. However, many within the falconry community lead conservation initiatives. They passionately advocate for the sustainable management of wildlife based on decades of accumulated knowledge.

Modern falconers engage in workshops, educational programs, and community outreach. These efforts not only promote falconry but also emphasise their commitment to wildlife preservation. By merging traditional practices with contemporary ecological awareness, they bridge the gap between past and present, ensuring the survival of both the sport and the wildlife it relies upon.

Legacy of a Timeless Tradition

From early accounts chronicling settlers’ challenges to the organised revival in the 20th century, the legacy of falconry in North America embodies resilience and a deep respect for nature. The relationship between humans and wildlife spans centuries, prompting modern falconers to honour and sustain a tradition shaped by their forebears.

Falconry remains a symbol of cultural heritage in North America. The interplay of past and present creates a captivating narrative that celebrates the art of falconry. Enthusiasts continue to carry this legacy forward, ensuring that as the years roll on, the spirit of falconry will soar ever higher.

A trained falcon poised for flight in the wild.