​Some call the falconry community a family.  A family of hunter-conservationists that protect and defend raptors and the natural world. The following snap shots are a glimpse of the gathering of falconers and our hunting partners, new and old, that met in Tucson, AZ January 24-27, 2019 for the annual Desert Hawking Classic hosted by the AFA.  We hope to see you again in 2020! 

Photos courtesy of Paul Schnell, AZ's Raptor Experience, LLC

A Michigan visitor poses with 'Odin', male Harris's hawk

One of several Meet coordinators Lydia Stinchfield with her Harris's hawk

Falconer/kestrel researcher Jon Orona with his family and kestrel

IN falconer Brad Pafford with his 3x intermewed Red-tailed hawk

Jerry Ostwinkle brought his gorgeous Ornate Hawk-eagle

Jerry accepts Honorable Lifetime Membership Award from AFA President Kaiser

Finnish goshawk on gauntlet

Dr. Jennifer Coulson presentation on Harris's Hawks at the 2019 Arizona Falconers Association Desert Hawking Classic.

Dr. Lauren McGough describes her experience hunting game in south africa with a Crowned Eagle at the 2019 Arizona Falconers Association Desert Hawking Classic.

John Bostwick presenting the Apprentice Workshop at the 2019 Arizona Falconers Association Desert Hawking Classic

Jon Orona updates members of the Arizona Falconers Association at the 2019 Desert Hawking Classic on the American Kestrel Nest Box Project.

The Director of Global Conservation, Chris Parish gives a talk on The North American Non Lead Partnership at the 2019 Arizona Falconers Association Desert Hawking Classic.

Neil Balchan tells the Arizona Falconers Association what its like to practice falconry in Canada at the 2019 Desert Hawking Classic.