Egyptians celebrate falconry heritage

A Bedouin boy holds a falcon after using a pigeon to hunt in the desert during World Falconry Day at Borg al-Arab desert in Alexandria, Egypt, November 17, 2018. Picture taken November 17, 2018. (Reuters)

A member of Al Qannas Al Masry releases his falcon during a celebration by Egyptian clubs and austringers on World Falconry Day at Borg al-Arab desert in Alexandria, Egypt, November 17, 2018. (Reuters)

A member of EGY Falconer Club releases his falcon during a celebration by Egyptian clubs and austringers on World Falconry Day at Borg al-Arab desert in Alexandria, Egypt, November 17, 2018. (Reuters)

Yasser al-Khawanky feeds his hunting Golden eagle during a celebration by Egyptian clubs and austringers on World Falconry Day at Borg al-Arab desert in Alexandria, Egypt, November 17, 2018. Picture taken November 17, 2018. (Reuters)

• Under the slogan "Egypt ... Where It All Began", the birds of prey of the Egy Falconer Club soared through the clear blue skies

CAIRO: Egyptian falconers gathered in the desert of Borg al-Arab near Alexandria to celebrate World Falconry Day, hoping to increase awareness of the sport and help preserve the ancient tradition.
Under the slogan "Egypt ... Where It All Began", the birds of prey of the Egy Falconer Club, which organised the event on Saturday, soared through the clear blue skies and showed off their hunting skills, swooping on pigeons or rabbits.
Mohamed Mowafy, a member of the club, said falconry in Egypt dated back to the ancient Egyptians' worship of the falcon-headed god Horus.
The celebration brought together falconers from across Egypt and included a competition that featured more than 10 types of birds of prey, including a two-year-old golden eagle owned by Yasser al-Khawanky.
Among the younger competitors was 11-year-old Ammar, who said he was introduced to falconry by his father at the age of seven. Ammar named his light-feathered Shaheen falcon "Ashqar", meaning blond.