When I saw Johann entering my story, it was clear that he was a hunter. But it was also clear that on his forearm he was carrying a bird of prey. He was still “too far in my mind” for me to see what kind of bird it was, but I was certain he was a bird trainer.
When I first started researching birds, the one that clearly jumped out was the Harris Hawk.
Harris Hawk in flight, John Pow
Today it is one of the most commonly used birds of prey in falconry, as it is the easiest to train. Harris Hawks, unlike other birds of prey, often hunt in groups, which means they are used to cooperating with other members of the team. Just like dogs, who are pack animals and accustomed to working together, they are easier to train than, for example, cats, who are solitary animals (apart from lions).
Image taken by John Pow
So, I had written chapters with a Harris Hawk on Johann’s arm—until I realized that the Harris Hawk arrived to Europe only in the 19th century. Unless I created a complicated story about Johann getting his hawk from his uncle, Bailiff Stürler of Castle Lenzburg, who in turn got it from his friend Karl (aka King Charles IV), it would have been difficult to place a Harris Hawk in 1700s Switzerland.
(I actually did write it, but decided to delete it. Asking my readers to suspend their disbelief would have been too much.)
So, even though the Harris Hawk looks awesome, I had to find a new bird of prey.
Falco peregrinus in Humber Bay Park West in Toronto, Mykola Swarnyk
The Peregrine Falcon is a lovely bird as well and it is often used in falconry too, but I wanted something larger on Johann’s arm.
The Golden Eagle, for example, is very large and even native to Switzerland, but with an average wingspan of 2.3 m (7 feet) and a weight of 6-7 kg (11 lb), it is too heavy to simply sit on someone’s forearm.
Also, it is rarely used for training.
Wild golden eagle in flight at Pfyn-Finges, Switzerland (Giles Laurent)
So my search continued.
Until I realized I didn’t need to look far at all.
I only needed to listen.
My building is right on the edge of the city, with meadows and forests just behind it, and the shriek of the bird of prey I hear many times a day is that of the Red Kite.
And with its white head, golden eyes and forked tail, it is a magnificent bird as well.
Red Kite, Switzerland Tourism
So, in the end, it was decided: Johann’s bird turned out to be a Red Kite. And although it is not necessarily as easy to train as a Harris Hawk, it is used – and quite successfully so – in falconry as well.
Greg Brown, a Swiss photographer, managed to take several beautiful images of the red kite in his neighbourhood.
Taken by G.Brown
So, what did you think of Johann’s pet?
For any questions or comments, please write back. I am always happy to hear from my readers.
Until next time, take good care of yourself!