As a little girl, I always dreamed of riding horseback across the land with my bow and my trusty hunting hawk. I probably watched NOVA or read about Mongolian eagle hunters in National Geographic magazines, and fell in love with stories of King Arthur and his knights. As a young adult, I learned that it was possible even in modern times here at home to be a falconer. In 2018, my dream of pursuing falconry became a reality.

After spending nearly 2 months studying, almost every day for several hours per day, I took the falconry exam and passed. I was well-prepared, but glad I spent the time I did reading and studying because it was a very difficult test. I didn’t mind spending the couple hours every day. I thought about it as preparing to dedicate at least that much time every day to my bird.

This journal documents the pursuit of falconry for me, from the humble beginnings on into the unknown. I hope to share the ups and downs, and things I learn through this adventure. Perhaps others will enjoy my story, and maybe it will help another person along their falconry journey.

~ Sarah McCord