IFA Picnic 2011

It's been quite a while since I sat down to blog. That typically means that I'm stressed out. Well stressed out doesn't begin to describe my emotional state of being lately. Luckily there are things that help with stress. For me it's getting outdoors and enjoying nature. It's a good reminder that with all the world-crushing things going on in my life, things keep on doing what they do in nature the same as they always have and at just about the same pace. It gives me a little perspective and lightens my load.

Last weekend was the Indiana Falconer's Association Picnic where we all get together and enjoy chatting and eating and looking at some beautiful birds. We had a special guest speaker this year; the President of NAFA (North American Falconry Association), Larry Dickerson. I was actually pretty put off by his presentation. He drives all the way from North Carolina to talk to us, stands up and introduces himself and then puts on a 20 minute slide show while he excuses himself to use the bathroom. He didn't have anything productive to say and really gave me a poor perspective of the guy whose supposed to be the "governing force" behind falconry in Washington DC.

Anyhow, the food was great and the birds were pretty, which more than made up for his presentation. Here are some pictures of the birds at this year's picnic.

Red-Tail Hawk

Antique Eagle Hood and accessories

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

Goshawk

Goshawk

Silver Gyrfalcon

Silver Gyrfalcon (just took off his hood so he looks a little funny)

Tiercel American Kestrel

Peregrine Falcon

Goshawk

Red-Tail Hawk

Goshawk

Goshawk in an exercise flight/quarry

Goshawk

American Kestrel with tidbits still on his beak