Page 101 - WDT MAGAZINE IRELAND ISSUE WINTER 2018

To signal Sausage to fly, you merely straightened
and raised the gloved arm, and she would gracefully
glide into the air to a tree limb she had picked out. In
some places, the forest was so thick with branches and
moss that we had to search to find. But she had a bell
tied to her foot which gave her away. To get her back
Mary simply held out her glove with a closed fist up,
and Sausage would return, sure that treats would be
forthcoming.
At first, it’s a little disconcerting to have a large raptor
with outstretched talons coming full speed toward you.
But soon we didn’t even flinch. Our instructor talked
to us about the hawks’ exceptional eyesight, speed
and agility and how they were trained by the Falconry
School. They have never lost a bird on a walk -- well
at least not forever. A few have stayed out overnight,
but they always come home. Guess there’s a dearth of
chicken heads in the forest.
We had been walking for more than an hour, and it
was time to get Sausage home to rest. As we walked
out of the Falconry School, another couple was just
beginning their adventure, one of them transporting a
huge owl. I had a sudden attack of bird envy; maybe
next time.
It’s not necessary to stay at Ashford Castle or the
Lodge to try your hand (so to speak) at Falconry, but it
is highly recommended that you make an appointment.
Folks come from far and near for this great experience.
Readers will learn more about our culinary adventure
here on Page 126.

Sausages looks down from the tree
to see if Ron has any chicken heads
in his glove. Left: Our young instruc-
tor gives Ron and Sausages passing
grades and we are both happy. Birds
can’t smile.

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