Falconry, a historic sport
Courtesy photo Scott Dinger, master falconer, works with a male Peales falcon, a subspecies of peregrine falcon. Born in May and named Chunk, the raptor is in his juvenile plumage.
Master Falconer Scott Dinger will present an inside look at raptors this weekend at the Community Library Network at Post Falls.
The free presentation will take place Saturday, March 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the library, 821 N. Spokane St.
Accompanied by experienced falconers Matt Von Dereau and Elena Murzyn, Dinger will trace the sport of falconry from its beginnings, thousands of years ago.
The presentation will also cover raptor biology, giving the audience information about feeding and breeding behaviors. Dinger and his friends will bring their hunting partners, peregrine falcons.
“Working with birds of prey means spending time with them every day,” Dinger said. The effort put into the bonding is worthwhile, Dinger said, as falcons can live about 30 years with humans.
“For the most part, the birds we have are mostly wild and merely tolerate our presence,” he said.
Dinger wants to educate the public about the sport even if they don’t like hunting.
He will bring tools of the trade for people to enjoy such as hoods and other equipment.
No registration is required to attend.