2008 News and Information
The World’s Oldest Flying Show Comes to Richmond
11 August 2008The flying aerobatics of falconry were pleasing crowds hundreds of years before the invention of modern aircraft. On August 17, 2008 you have an opportunity to come and witness this ancient art as part of the Raptors in Richmond series.
Practiced worldwide, falconry, or hawking as it is sometimes referred to, is a sport which uses trained birds of prey (raptors) to hunt or pursue game for humans. This sport – or art – is historically associated with the socially elite. In feudal Japan, falconry, or takagari, was popular with certain ranks of samurai. In medieval Europe, it was the domain of nobility – lower classes were forbidden to own these precious birds.
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008 Time: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Location: Terra Nova Rural Park, 2631 Westminster Highway Admission: Free
In Richmond, modern falconers provide crucial security to landfill workers who venture into seagull territory. Falconers use their highly trained birds to fend off seagulls, saving workers from bombardment by anxious gulls.
The Falconry Show provides a chance to learn more about this ancient sport. Birds, including the endangered peregrine falcon, will be on display for photographs and close-up encounters. Expert falconers will conduct three flying demonstrations at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The Raptors in Richmond series of events are hosted by the City of Richmond in partnership with the Richmond Nature Park Society. This series educates participants and enables them to get up close and personal with some of the fabulous birds of prey that make Richmond their home.
For more information on this event or other upcoming Raptors in Richmond events, please contact the Richmond Nature Park at 604-718-6188 or visit www.richmond.ca/begreen.
