Several years ago, when I became interested in the Coopers Hawks that lived in the tree above my home, I looked for a book about the interesting birds.

In doing so, I found that Coopers Hawks were birds used in the sport of Falconry. I was astonished that Falconry was still practiced in modern times. 

I cross referenced Coopers Hawks and Falconry and found Harry McElroy’s book “Desert Hawking”. To get the book, which was only printed on demand, I emailed Harry himself.

Harry returned my email right away. He told me about his interest in Cooper’s Hawks and sent me an autographed copy of his book.

The book was mind blowing! I had discovered an entirely new subculture, in which humans and wild raptors could interact. 

I read Harry’s book cover to cover, with an appendix of falconry vocabulary terms as a reference.

I was thrilled when Harry invited me to visit and go horseback riding and hawking with him. Unfortunately, COVID hit before I could pay him a visit. Harry’s age put him at risk for serious illness.

And the rest is indeed history. I have just finished my 2 year Falconry Apprenticeship, and I am now a General Falconer. Falconry has turned out to be the single greatest experience of my adult life.

And Harry started it all. With encouragement and the ultimate reference book containing decades of experience and information. 

And I am sure that I am only one of many people for whom Harry did the same thing. 

Thank you from all of us Harry. And happy hawking in heaven.

Karen L. Marrs