Parahawking: Combining Paragliding With Falconry

Imagine the thrill of soaring through the skies, guided by a majestic bird of prey. Parahawking, a unique fusion of paragliding and falconry, offers just that. Originating in Nepal, this adventure pairs you with trained raptors such as Egyptian vultures and Harris's hawks, who assist you in finding thermal currents for an optimal flight.

You might wonder how such a symbiotic relationship between human and bird is cultivated and maintained. Let's explore the intricacies of this fascinating activity, from its origins and training processes to the conservation efforts that make it sustainable.

Key Takeaways

Parahawking, an activity that merges paragliding with falconry, allows trained birds to guide paragliders to thermals. Initiated by Scott Mason in Nepal in the early 2000s, it rapidly gained global recognition. Utilizing birds such as Egyptian vultures and Harris's hawks, trained via falconry techniques, the experience promotes bird conservation and eco-friendly tourism. Renowned parahawking locations include Nepal, Spain, and the United States, drawing adventurers from around the globe.

Origins of Parahawking

In the early 2000s, British falconer Scott Mason pioneered parahawking in Nepal, blending paragliding with falconry to create a unique adventure. Mason, driven by his passion for birds of prey and the exhilaration of flight, envisioned a way to combine these interests. He saw an opportunity to not only witness the beauty of these birds up close but also educate others about their behavior and conservation needs.

Parahawking provides a distinctive perspective on birds of prey in flight, offering insights that traditional birdwatching or falconry alone cannot. By training captive birds to guide paragliders through the skies, Mason created an interactive and educational experience. This innovative concept quickly gained traction, attracting adventurers and bird enthusiasts alike.

The success of parahawking in Nepal soon led to its expansion into other countries, including Spain and the United States. This growth enabled more people to experience the thrill of parahawking while fostering a deeper appreciation for birds of prey and their natural behaviors.

How Parahawking Works

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Parahawking combines the exhilaration of paragliding with the ancient practice of falconry, offering an educational and adventurous experience. During this activity, a trained bird of prey, such as a falcon, accompanies you in flight, guiding you to the best thermals to gain altitude. This not only enhances your flight but also provides an immersive lesson in understanding the bird's behavior and signals.

Scott Mason initiated this unique activity in Nepal, blending the thrill of paragliding with the ancient art of falconry. Participants not only enjoy breathtaking aerial views but also contribute to conservation efforts such as the Share the Sky campaign. Parahawking fosters a profound connection between humans and birds, raising awareness and appreciation for these magnificent animals and their ecological importance.

The Birds Involved

 

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While parahawking, you'll encounter remarkable raptors such as Egyptian vultures, black kites, and Harris's hawks. These birds aren't only captivating to observe but are also trained using specific techniques involving meat morsels and falconry methods. Understanding the types of raptors and their training enhances your appreciation for this unique fusion of sport and wildlife interaction.

Types of Raptors Used

When engaging in parahawking, you'll be guided by trained raptors such as Egyptian vultures, black kites, and Harris's hawks. These birds are selected for their exceptional soaring abilities and intelligence, making them ideal companions for this fusion of paragliding and falconry.

Each species brings unique traits that enhance the parahawking experience. Egyptian vultures are renowned for their excellent gliding skills and sharp eyesight, which enable them to identify thermal updrafts that paragliders can exploit to remain airborne.

Black kites are noted for their agile flight patterns and adaptability, allowing them to navigate various wind conditions effectively. Harris's hawks are highly social and trainable, making them dependable partners in the sky.

These raptors are typically sourced from specialized facilities like the Himalayan Raptor Rescue center, ensuring they receive proper care and expert training. Scott Mason, the innovator behind parahawking, works with a dedicated team to prepare these birds for their unique role. Parahawking has grown beyond Nepal to include countries such as Spain and the United States, demonstrating the versatility and appeal of different raptors in this exhilarating activity.

Bird Training Techniques

Training birds for parahawking involves a blend of traditional falconry and positive reinforcement with meat morsels. Birds such as Egyptian vultures, black kites, and Harris's hawks excel in this activity. These birds are often sourced from the Himalayan Raptor Rescue facility in Nepal and trained to follow paragliders.

Experienced handlers, part of Scott Mason's dedicated five-member team, use specific methodologies. Initially, they acclimatize the birds to human interaction and paragliding equipment. Positive reinforcement is then employed; birds that follow gliders correctly are rewarded with meat morsels, associating paragliding with a positive experience.

Training is frequent and consistent, ensuring the birds are comfortable and responsive in various flight conditions. This meticulous process is crucial for the safety and enjoyment of both birds and paragliders.

The success of this training has enabled parahawking to expand beyond Nepal to countries like Spain and the United States. This global reach demonstrates the effectiveness of these bird training techniques, making the unique activity accessible to more adventure enthusiasts.

Training Process

In parahawking, specialized trainers use meat morsels and falconry techniques to teach birds, such as Egyptian vultures and black kites, to soar alongside paragliders. These birds come from the Himalayan Raptor Rescue facility, ensuring they receive proper care before training begins.

The training process is designed to build a strong bond between the birds and their trainers, which is crucial for successful parahawking flights. This process includes several key steps:

1. Initial Bonding: Establishing trust with the bird through positive reinforcement, primarily using food rewards.
2. Flight Training: Gradually introducing the bird to flying with a paraglider, starting with short distances and increasing over time.
3. Navigation Skills: Teaching the bird to follow the paraglider and respond to specific cues, ensuring they remain close during the flight.
4. Advanced Maneuvers: Training the bird to perform more complex flight patterns and return to the trainer's glove on command.

Scott Mason's team, consisting of five dedicated members, meticulously trains each bird, capturing global interest and leading to parahawking operations in countries like Spain and the United States. This unique combination of nature and adventure offers an unparalleled experience.

Safety Measures

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Ensuring the safety of both paragliders and birds is paramount in parahawking. Certified pilots and specialized equipment play crucial roles in achieving this. Pilots undergo rigorous training in both paragliding and falconry, ensuring a seamless and secure experience. Specialized equipment like harnesses and safety lines further enhance flight safety. Falcons are meticulously trained to respond accurately to commands and maintain controlled flight patterns.Each parahawking session begins with a thorough pre-flight safety briefing. This briefing covers all necessary safety protocols, emergency procedures, and proper interaction with the birds. Weather conditions are closely monitored to ensure flights occur only in ideal conditions, minimizing risks.Here's a summary of the safety measures in place:

These measures ensure a safe and enjoyable parahawking experience for both humans and birds.

Conservation Efforts

When you participate in parahawking, you're not just enjoying a unique adventure; you're actively supporting vulture conservation. Each flight contributes $10 towards protecting these endangered birds and promoting sustainable tourism.

Protecting Endangered Bird Species

By choosing parahawking, you directly support crucial conservation efforts to protect endangered vulture species. Each flight contributes $10 towards safeguarding these magnificent birds, providing a tangible way to aid their survival.Himalayan Raptor Rescue, a leading organization in these efforts, focuses on saving vultures and other raptors from extinction. Through parahawking, you help fund initiatives that combat threats such as the deadly veterinary drug Diclofenac, which has severely impacted vulture populations.Scott Mason's organization launched the Share the Sky campaign to raise awareness and funds for vulture conservation. Positive interactions between humans and raptors during parahawking flights not only educate but also foster a deeper appreciation for these birds. Mason's team uses falconry techniques to train birds like Egyptian vultures, black kites, and Harris's hawks, ensuring they're well-prepared for parahawking activities.Here's how your participation makes a difference:

1. Funding Conservation: $10 from each flight supports vulture protection.
2. Raising Awareness: The Share the Sky campaign educates the public about vulture conservation.
3. Combating Threats: Initiatives focus on eliminating risks like Diclofenac.
4. Human-Raptor Bonding: Positive interactions during flights encourage deeper understanding and protection of these species.

Sustainable Tourism Practices

Engaging in parahawking not only supports vulture conservation but also promotes sustainable tourism practices that benefit local communities and ecosystems. Each flight contributes $10 directly to the protection of these threatened birds, aiding in their conservation and supporting local efforts.Scott Mason's Share the Sky campaign is a key component of these sustainable practices. By focusing on vulture conservation and addressing threats like the veterinary drug Diclofenac, the campaign underscores the importance of human-wildlife coexistence. Participating in parahawking fosters positive interactions between humans and raptors, which is crucial for sustainable tourism.Trained birds, such as Egyptian vultures and black kites, play a vital role in raising awareness and funds for conservation. Mason's team, which includes five dedicated members, has expanded parahawking activities to Spain and the U.S., turning it into a global initiative.

Educating the Public

Engaging in parahawking offers a unique and interactive way for the public to learn about bird conservation efforts. This activity combines the thrill of paragliding with the ancient art of falconry, providing an educational platform for conservation.Here's how parahawking contributes to conservation:

1. Raising Awareness: Participants are directly exposed to the challenges faced by raptors and other birds of prey, highlighting environmental issues impacting these species.
2. Funding Conservation: Revenue generated from parahawking activities often supports various conservation projects, aiding in the protection of endangered species and habitat preservation.
3. Research and Monitoring: Parahawking operations frequently participate in research and monitoring, collecting valuable data on raptor behavior and health, which benefits the scientific community.
4. Promoting Eco-Tourism: Parahawking encourages sustainable practices and eco-tourism, benefiting local communities and boosting their awareness and involvement in conservation efforts.

Popular Destinations

For parahawking enthusiasts, Nepal stands as a premier destination where this unique sport was pioneered by Scott Mason. His expertise has established Nepal as a haven for breathtaking flights over the Himalayas, offering the rare experience of soaring alongside trained birds of prey. This blend of paragliding and falconry creates a thrilling adventure that appeals to both novices and seasoned paragliders.Spain also offers exceptional parahawking opportunities, thanks to Mason's team extending their expertise to this beautiful European locale. Here, participants can glide over stunning landscapes and enjoy the harmonious interaction with raptors. Spain's favorable weather and diverse terrains make it an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking an exhilarating experience.In the United States, the Total Raptor eXperience provides parahawking adventures at Torrey Pines Gliderport in San Diego. Known for its coastal cliffs and vast ocean views, this location offers a unique and picturesque backdrop for your flight.The growing interest in parahawking has led to its expansion across various countries, reflecting the increasing global demand for this extraordinary activity. Whether you're in Asia, Europe, or North America, parahawking promises an unforgettable and thrilling adventure.

Participant Experiences

 

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When you participate in parahawking, you experience the exhilarating sensation of soaring through the sky with a trained bird of prey right by your side. This adventure isn't only thrilling but also deeply enriching for nature lovers. The sight of a majestic raptor gliding effortlessly alongside you offers a unique perspective on these magnificent creatures' behavior and flight patterns.

Participants often describe their parahawking experience as awe-inspiring and unforgettable. You'll develop a profound appreciation for the beauty and skills of trained falcons, and the connection you foster with these birds is truly special.

Here are some highlights of what you can expect:

1. Up-Close Interaction: Flying in close proximity to a trained bird of prey allows you to observe its movements and behaviors in a way that's impossible from the ground.
2. Educational Insight: Learn about the training and care of these raptors from experienced falconers.
3. Awe-Inspiring Views: Enjoy breathtaking landscapes as you soar through the sky, enhancing your appreciation for nature.
4. Unforgettable Memories: Capture the unique experience of parahawking with photos and videos to share with friends and family.

Nature lovers will cherish this extraordinary adventure, which combines the thrill of paragliding with the elegance of falconry.

Booking Your Adventure

To begin your parahawking experience, contact Total Raptor eXperience to schedule a session at one of their beautiful locations, such as Torrey Pines Gliderport or Ramona, CA. You can reach them via email at info@totalraptorexperience.com or by phone at (619) 535-7307. The booking process is simple, ensuring you're prepared for an unforgettable adventure.

For the best experience, visit their website to explore parahawking opportunities, book a session, and learn about their services. By subscribing to Total Raptor eXperience, you'll receive updates on future parahawking adventures and a congratulatory message upon successful subscription.

Here's a quick guide to help you with the booking process:

Staying connected with the parahawking community is easy. Follow Total Raptor eXperience on social media to engage with other enthusiasts and share your experiences. Securing your parahawking session ensures you're part of a community that blends adventure with the beauty of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Controversy With Falconry?

The controversy with falconry centers on animal welfare and ethical practices. Concerns include potential cruelty and the illegal possession of endangered birds, which has sparked significant debate within the falconry community.

Why Is Falconry Illegal in Australia?

Falconry is illegal in Australia to protect native bird species and wildlife populations. This regulation is enforced under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 to maintain the country's unique ecological balance.

What Do You Call Someone Who Does Falconry?

A person who practices falconry is called a falconer. Falconers train and hunt with birds of prey like falcons and hawks, developing a close bond through extensive training, handling, and flying.

Do Falconers Make Money?

Yes, falconers can make money through various avenues such as demonstrations, educational programs, pest control, hunting expeditions, bird training, and selling specialized equipment. The income potential depends on the falconer's expertise, reputation, and the demand for their services.

Conclusion

Experience an adventure like no other with Parahawking! Soar through the skies alongside trained birds of prey, forging an unforgettable connection with nature. Guided by majestic raptors, you'll feel the exhilaration of paragliding while supporting bird conservation efforts. Book your parahawking adventure now and create lifelong memories. Embrace the thrill and majesty of parahawking today!