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Fannia Cassius' Orontes Falconry Retreat

Hunting with birds of prey probably originated with the nomadic peoples of the Asiatic plains. The nomads used their tame falcons to help procure the food necessary for survival, in perhaps one of the first methods of hunting ever used by man.
Later, falconry developed into a sport, and this fascinating co-operation between man and bird is one of the oldest of all open-air pastimes.
Falconry has long been regarded as a noble art. The falconer was seen as a figure of authority - mounted on his horse, surrounded by his hunting companions and with his falcon descending from the sky to rest on his hand. As he controlled his falcon, so he controlled his territory.
Throughout history the falcon has been the symbol of high birth and luxury, and its care and training have always been given particular importance.
It is known as a superlative hunter, and is particularly valuable in the desert and savannah, where climatic conditions are extreme and no protection from the elements is available. Here, the falcon can pursue its prey from a great distance, and with a speed and accuracy second to none.
The chief falconer is a highly respected individual who is responsible for the birds' daily training and care. The falcon requires much human contact and careful attention on a daily basis, or it will quickly grow wild and therefore unreliable.
When hunting, an experienced falconer drives his bird ahead to pursue the prey, following at speed to ensure that he is on the spot within a few seconds of the falcon's landing of the game. It is essential that the falcon's talons are well placed in the prey before it lands.The falconer also needs to ensure that there is no fighting between the falcon and its prey, to avoid injury to the bird.
In falconry, the splendid gyrfalcon is much prized for its size and the handsome appearance of its grey-white plumage. The peregrine falcon has darker, brown-and-cream plumage, and can pursue its prey at a tremendous rate, often achieving speeds of over 200km/h, making it the fastest of all living creatures.

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