Falconry is the traditional activity of keeping and training
falcons and other raptors to take quarry in its natural state.
Originally a way of obtaining food, falconry is today identified
with camaraderie and sharing rather than subsistence. Falconry
is mainly found along migration flyways and corridors, and is
practised by people of all ages, men and women, amateurs and
professionals. Falconers develop a strong relationship and
spiritual bond with their birds, and commitment is required to
breed, train, handle and fly the falcons. Falconry is
transmitted from generation to generation as a cultural
tradition by a variety of means, including mentoring, learning
within families, or formalized training in clubs. In Mongolia,
Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, for
example, falconers take their children to the desert and train
them to handle the bird and build a relationship of trust with
it. While falconers come from different backgrounds, they share
common values, traditions and practice