What is Falconry?

  • Falconry is one of the oldest human-animal partnerships—evidence dates back at least 4,000-6,000 years where it originated in the steppes of Mongolia, the Middle East and Central Asia.

  • Originally a practical hunting method, falconry helped communities catch food in harsh climates and terrains.

  • Falcons, hawks, eagles and owls have all been used in falconry—different raptors for different prey and environments.

  • Falconry requires a special balance of training, trust, and freedom—birds typically fly free and return for rewards.

  • A falconry license is required to possess a raptor and are highly protected here in the United States under the Migratory Bird Act. Licenses and permits protect birds and wildlife populations with strict rules and regulations.

  • Falconry supports conservation—rehabilitation, captive breeding, and reintroduction programs have helped some raptor species recover.

  • Bonding time is crucial—falconry birds bond to their handler, not as pets but as cooperative partners in hunting.

  • Urban falconry is a growing practice called Abatement: trained raptors are used to humanely deter pest birds from airports, farms, and city buildings.

  • Modern falconry emphasizes respect for the bird’s welfare, wild instincts, and seasonal needs rather than dominance.

  • Visit CA Hawking Club for more info in what it takes to become a falconer in California.

NEWS SQAWKS & TIDBITS

March 14, 2026 Big day for SweetHawk! We spread our wings (literally) at Alisal Ranch Resort in Solvang, CA for our very first official birds of prey and falconry encounter — what an incredible way to kick off Spring! Guests were shuttled out to the Sycamore Grove in Alisal Ranch's back wilderness, where they got introduced to the art of falconry and made some new feathered friends along the way — including owls, a hawk, and a falcon. We'd call that a pretty magical afternoon! Every Saturday at 12pm, exclusively for Alisal’s guests.

February 2026 It's official — SweetHawk Falconry is now an LLC! We've taken the next step in making this milestone a reality.

Conservation Info:

RED-TAILED HAWKS STORY
Falconers play a big role in the conservation of these beautiful hawks. Only 20% make it to adulthood in the wild, due to car accidents, electrocution, starvation and poison like rodenticides people often use to kill mice and rats in their homes.

As Falconers, we are licensed to take a juvenile passage hawks out of the wild to help train and master their hunting skills. After a few seasons of hunting together, the falconer will release the hawk back into the wild as a confident and skillful hunter. Thus insuring more healthy and strong generations to come.

PERGRINE FALCON STORY

The recovery of the Peregrine Falcon is widely considered one of the greatest conservation success stories in history. Nearly wiped out by DDT pesticide pollution, these iconic raptors returned from the brink of extinction thanks largely to the efforts of Tom Cade, a master falconer, ornithologist, and professor.

  • The Comeback: By the 1960s, peregrines had completely vanished from the eastern United States. Tom Cade founded The Peregrine Fund in 1970 to combat this decline.

  • Pioneering Techniques: Cade utilized his expertise to develop captive breeding programs, successfully hatching thousands of falcons and releasing them into the wild using a method called "hacking".

  • Success: Thanks to these efforts, the Peregrine Falcon was officially removed from the U.S. Endangered Species List in 1999.

Below is a short documentary detailing the remarkable, hands-on conservation story of the Peregrine Falcon.

Beyond the Brink- YouTube 25 min