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Falconry – Bloodsport or Alternative Form of Birding?

10,000 Birds

I catch a glimpse of a small rodent disappearing into a burrow. “Ground-squirrel&# shouts a falconer, thankful that the bird has missed as they can consume a squirrel in a minute or two, limiting their willingness to hunt further. The birds have missed. Moments later the male bird swoops towards a large cactus.

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Striding Snake-killers

10,000 Birds

The quills of the “Saqu Ettair” Secretarybirds feed on small lizards, insects, rodents, birds eggs and, of course, snakes. As do a diverse suite of other wildlife from lions and zebras to ground squirrels and meerkats. Coursers, larks, korhaans and other dry country specialists abound here.

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