Museum’s Second Saturday program All About Birds features Hunting with Birds, Birding for Children

All About Birds program Saturday to include Hunting with Birds and Birding for Children

The art of falconry is an ancient method of hunting first developed in Mesopotamia about 2000 BC.  The Union County Heritage Museum is hosting a program on falconry; on Saturday, April 13, 2024, 10 – 12 as Symeon Robbins, an avid Mississippi falconer, will talk about the centuries-old practice and all aspects of care, feeding, training and hunting with birds.

The Second Saturday program All About Birds will also feature local birding expert Jennie Davis presenting a program on Birding for Children.

Attendees will learn how to get into the sport and see a live hunting bird, to learn more about local birds, and there will be crafts for youth.

Hunting with birds is a regulated sport. In the United States, falconry is legal in all states except Hawaii, and in the District of Columbia. A falconer must have a state permit to practice the sport. Acquiring a falconry license in the United States requires an aspiring falconer to pass a written test, have equipment and facilities inspected, and serve a minimum of two years as an apprentice under a licensed falconer.

There are different species of raptors that can be used for hunting, so if you are interested in the sports here are starting points to ponder:

• Which bird do you want to begin with?
• What are you going to hunt for, and where are you going to hunt? Falconry kestrels hunt small birds, while the red-tailed hawk hunts ground quarry.
• Where are you going to house the bird?
• How are you going to transport the bird between the house and the hunt?

These programs are free and are presented as a part of the Museum Naturalist Program.  The museum is located at 114 Cleveland Street, New Albany, MS 38652. For more information call 662-538-0014.

Jill Smith, Director

Union County Heritage Museum

114 Cleveland Street

New Albany, MS 38652