The Falconry Experience
Working for Hershey Entertainment & Resorts has its benefits. When I worked there in 2005, I had a free overnight stay at The Hotel Hershey, a beautiful, historical luxury resort. A lot changed in the four years, from the office building where Central Reservations is located to the different packages and experiences guests can have with their stays. My lovely manager, Michelle, made it possible for me to take part in The Falconry Experience, which is something new offered through The Hotel Hershey and Zoo America. What made it even better? Dan and his camera came along!
Very few resorts in the northeast have programs where guests can interact with birds of prey; in fact, the Hotel Hershey is the only resort in Pennsylvania that offers this option. Jack Hubley, a master falconer who works with Zoo America and does an animal-related segment on our local news, leads the program. He provides a background on the history of falconry–which is over 4,000 years old and likely began in Asia–and how it works as a method for hunting. Birds of prey don’t love their masters like a hound dog; they love meat. Guests meet the birds, too, which is both exciting and a bit sad. There are several Harris hawks, a peregrine falcon and a golden eagle caged and eager to demonstrate their hunting skills. The birds aren’t mistreated by any means, though. While they may not love their master, the master falconer does regard the birds with a great deal of respect.
After the lesson, there is a demonstration. The lucky bird selected to show off his skills chases a leather lure with a bit of meat on a course similar to what one might see at a greyhound race. Mr. Hubley mentioned that he has to change this course every couple of weeks because the birds memorize it. Lightning, the bird chosen to show us his stuff, snagged his mouse meat toward the end of the circuit. It’s amazing to see a bird that is completely free of any tether just hang out and obey its master, even though he’s mainly obeying the mouse meat and quail pieces.
The big draw for The Falconry Experience, however, is the actual interaction with the bird. Since this program is relatively new and has several time slots each day, we were the only two guests. Of course, Dan volunteered me to go first. As someone who’s had a mild fear of birds for as long as I can remember, I wasn’t completely sure of myself. After Mr. Hubley’s lesson, I was in charge of calling Lightning to my arm with a piece of quail thigh. The first landing was a bit frightening, and I closed my eyes. But with each of the three landings, I gained a bit more confidence. By the third and final catch, I had some face to face time with Mr. Lightning, my new friend. Dan’s turn with Lightning was similar to mine, but with worse pictures (because I took them). And as our shuttle back to The Hotel Hershey arrived, rain drops started to fall. Our perfect experience ended with perfect timing.
