This Band of Merry Men took to the field with four birds for a constrained display. It was a pea'n'thimble commentary which took one's attention from the paucity of bird knowledge and training. The birds were quite magnificent as were the costumes. A lot of sizzle, not much sausage, I am afraid.
Two Kestrels were paraded first. The second one was let go and did a magnificent loop above the field, but then disappeared. I have no idea if he returned. They said he would as he was hungry. Then came a Barn Owl who was tempted with a 'rabbit'. Finally, they trotted out a magnificent version of the Wedge-tailed Eagle. However, as a show, I much prefered the one outside Darwin last year, but it was all about the birds, not about the status they conveyed in Medieval times. A mismatch between me and the entertainment, I guess.
12 comments:
Those birds are wonderful! I especially like the top one and the seeing the eagle's wingspan in the bottom. As a kid, I read Hardy Boys mysteries, one of which hawking as part of the story line. I've been fascinated ever since; if I were ever to take up hunting, this is how I would want to do it. Don't know why.
I have seen such birds "at work" they are fascinating, so swift and precise and gracious!
Impressive. i also like the man's colorful interesting outfit
OMG!
I want one of those red bird hats!
How fabulous is that?
And what kind of rabbit do they call that?
It looks like a toilet roll!
Where's its legs?
Great shots. I didn't bother watching this, was wandering around the stalls instead, but everyone thought it was hilarious that 2 birds flew off and didn't come back. Apparently it happened the day before as well and they eventually found them in the park.
That bright red against the brilliant blue sky looks especially good.
What does the term pea-and-thimble mean, for the benefit of non-Australians? Small, I suppose. The birds are magnificent, the last picture particularly so.
What a feast for your camera lens Julie.
What a beautiful "cloak" the bird is wearing in the bottom shot. Wonderful to be so close up to their majesty.
A delight for the eye!
"Pea & Thimble" ... I do not think this is an Australian expression, Bob. It is the old fair-ground sleight of hand where onlookers have to guess under which thimble the pea is, about much shuffling around by the stall-holder especially accompanied by a garrulous commentary meant to blur the concentration of participants.
Wonderful captures Julie. Brought back memories of my time in Mongolia when I was able to hold one of these birds of prey. It was such an amazing and powerful experience to hold these beautiful creatures although I had very mixed emotions given the captivity of these birds.
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