falcon jacketRoger Upton has been an enthusiastic falconer for more than fifty years. From the outset, he was fascinated by falconry in the deserts of Arabia. His opportunity came when he was asked to entertain two sheikhs form Abu Dhabi who were as intrigued by falconry in the West as he was by the great tradition and ancient heritage of falconry in Arabia.

arab falcon jacketA fine day’s hawking on the Wiltshire Downs, on the open high ground above Roger’s home led, the following spring, to an invitation to Abu Dhabi to meet the ruler, HH the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Together they enjoyed hunting houbara bustard. Since that time Roger has travelled the Middle East in search of the hawk trappers, the merchants, the hood makers and falconers, sharing with his Arab friends the excitement of this noble sport while learning and recording the traditions of Arab falconry.

Upton is the author of Arab Falconry: History of a Way of Life

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