Up in the foothills above the small town of Bokonbaev, the air was clear and warm the scenery breathtaking, the magnificent backdrop of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too peaks of the Tien Shan mountain range. All is calm in my world.
Then these fuckers arrived.
Invited of course, we are here to see an example of hunting with eagles, common throughout the nomadic tribes of the people of Central Asia (though no doubt this is just for visitors, and the falconers live in plush mansions and drive Mazda cars). But let's just enjoy the spectacle and leave the cynicism in my arse pocket.
Burkutchi, (also the name of the master hunter), or eagle hunting is, we were told still one of the most common, favourite, and profitable activities in Kyrgyzstan.( this little show, don't get me wrong, I loved it, but at $15 each, there were 14 of us, not a bad little earner for under an hours work).
There is also an annual eagle hunting festival held in the town every August bringing falconers from all over the republic.
The leather tomogo is worn at all times when not released to keep the bird calm.
In Kyrgyzstan, birds of prey have always been seen as very important. The eagle, they say, represents the soul of their great ancient founder and hero Manas who was able to feed entire villages by killing animals such as deer
As an introduction one of the youngster was sent high up onto the brow of the hill, on his arm the eagle, hooded, the traditional tomogo, to keep the bird tranquil .
Tomogo off and released the bird found its man without any problem
The beginning of the training carries a dangerous task, a Berkutchi, has to capture a wild eagle or remove a fledgling from its nest. Preferably a female, as they are larger than the male and are more aggressive in the hunt. Who doesn't love an aggressive female, I must book another session with Miss Whiplash!
In the hunting season, usually October to February they would venture out into the wilderness many times. The bird sitting on the hunter’s leather-gloved hand, wearing the traditional tomogo (a hood) to keep her calm.
Once the prey has been spotted the tomogo is removed and the decisive, deadly attack is over in moments.
As this next demonstration shows, can you spot the rabbit?
Okay okay okay, despite my cynicism, this was a fantastic display, the skilful hunter and the beautiful eagle working in harmony, as they have done for centuries.
Loved it.
Thanks for visiting my page, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. this is Stephen aka, @grindle, happily retired, travelling the world snapping away. My weapon of choice is currently a Nikon Z6(2).
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Hiya, @ybanezkim26 here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Travel Digest #2340.
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cheers @ybanezkim26 @worldmappin , thanks for this, it is always appreciated thank you
As always a major pleasure @grindle🐝🐝
😍
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Wow you saw the eagles 🦅 so cool.
It’s on my list to visit one day but not as a show. Just with the hunters going into the mountains one day.
Great captures 😊
Have a nice sunday!
cheers @littlebee4 , I got the impression it is all quite "commercial" now, but I am sure you would find a way to do it. Don't think I could face eating rabbit for days on end!!
happy new week
It is commercial, but there are still ways to find the locals and live with them for a while in the country side away from it all. See how they really go about their days.
Hahaha I understand.
Thanks @grindle 😊 enjoy yours.
👍
Ovation! Standing and very excited. You were there and you saw that so cool! Poor rabbit 😔
If you had put that hat on since I told you, you would now have a fierce lady on your arm and a mansion and a Mazda.
cheers @nanixxx thank you , guess I have never been lucky! ( I do drive a mazda car though lol)
Ah... yo no cambio mi bici por tu Mazda. 😜😁
😂, good deal, 😂
How exciting!
cheers @tamiem
Wow, really impressive and nice place. Thanks for sharing
cheers @houhou thanks for dropping in, glad you enjoyed
Without words, you are very brave to learn to treat and train others with this magical bird, not only for its claws but for its immense wisdom.
You are to be admired.
Greetings from Venezuela.
cheers @emily22 thanks for dropping in, I am glad you enjoyed
!PIZZA
What an awesome experience to watch nomads with eagles, hunting in a style used for centuries. Respect between animal and bird is phenomenal. Thanks for sharing an amazing experience!
!BEER
cheers @joanstewart
Always a pleasure!
👍
looked out the window at my car this morning, the windscreen is iced over...sheeeeeit it is only October , time to hibernate
When the heat arrives here I too will hibernate, will be happy by end of month home repair/painting task, Spring cleaning should all be done and dusted....
feet up and relax
Get out, let off steam before steaming moves arrive!
View or trade
BEER.Hey @grindle, here is a little bit of
BEERfrom @joanstewart for you. Enjoy it!Do you want to win SOME BEER together with your friends and draw the
BEERKING.Now that's interesting! Never really heard of this till now but it surely caught my attention!
cheers!! glad you enjoyed it was a wonderful spectacle
It must have been awesome to see it live, I remember seeing this in a documentary about Mongolia and I thought it was a tremendous spectacle!
cheers @sofathana , it was fascinating to be so close to the action yes, such majestic birds
Hello grindle!
It's nice to let you know that your article won 🥇 place.
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