Northern Saudi Falconers Ready Falcons For Upcoming Hunting Season

As the cooler winds of March herald the onset of the "Miqyad" season in Al-Jouf, northern Saudi Arabia, falconers prepare for a crucial period dedicated to the care and rejuvenation of their falcons. This seven-month phase, extending until October, is essential for the birds to undergo molting—a natural process where they shed old feathers for new ones, enhancing their capabilities for the upcoming hunting season.

Falconer Khalid Abdulrahman emphasizes the importance of this period, detailing the specialized care provided to facilitate the falcons' transformation. This includes housing them in cool, dark environments and offering a tailored diet to ensure optimal health. Following this phase of rest and rejuvenation, the falcons undergo intensive training to refine their flying and hunting skills, strengthening their bond with their falconers in preparation for hunting season from November to January.

Fawaz Al-Owaidah, another seasoned falconer, highlights falconry's deep cultural significance in the region, symbolizing bravery and strength. This ancient practice, with roots stretching across the Arabian Peninsula to Mesopotamia, Asia, and Europe, has evolved into a regulated sport in some countries. Falcons are renowned for their exceptional eyesight, capable of spotting prey from great heights and diving at speeds up to 200 kilometers per hour to capture it.

Abdulmusleh Al-Nadi points out the necessity of vigilant care for these majestic birds, as they are prone to various health issues. The Al-Jouf region is home to a thriving community of over 500 falconers who look after more than 1,000 falcons of different species. In recognition of its cultural significance, UNESCO listed "falconry – a living human heritage" on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, with Saudi Arabia being inscribed in 2021.

The practice of falconry in Saudi Arabia not only showcases the profound bond between humans and falcons but also underscores the commitment to preserving this age-old tradition as part of the world's intangible cultural heritage.

With inputs from SPA