Countdown to Goodbye . . . and New Friends

It is mid May, and my last educational talk is next weekend in Marshfield. Very soon I shall be releasing my two birds, and send them on their way. They shall return to the wild, with little effect on them for their months in captivity. For each, it was a guaranteed survival through the winter. They will quickly forget their training, and return to their pre-trap state . . . wild, and free.

As the season has ended, I have made the acquaintance of a man who is wanting to get into falconry. His name is Phil Yurtis. He has contacted Dave Noble, my former sponsor, and has been asking lots of questions, and preparing to enter this sport. He has already passed his written test, and is currently getting his equipment assembled. He has not firmly established who his sponsor will be, but it is possible that Dave might take him on as an apprentice. I've been exchanging e-mails with him for the last month.

Today he brought his family to my home, and I took them to meet Bill Oakes. A very nice family! A very nice visit. I let him hold Abby, and his wife and children each held Rigel. I remember myself just a few years ago, wanting very much to hold a bird, not having one of my own yet, but not daring to ask Dave if I could hold his bird. That first opportunity is one never to be forgotton.

I hope to follow Phil's progress as he gets his license, and goes through his apprenticeship. It would be nice to have a new hawking bud . . . one close to my age and experience.

Good Luck Phil!