I most certainly do intend to join in! Trying to figure out who specifically to get in touch with about it first.

As for what happened, it was a simple comment that I happened across while browsing the internet that talked about the Harris hawk and how it was the only social raptor, which made it easier to train. That piqued my curiosity, so I looked up a bit of info on the Harris hawk, which was how I discovered that falconry still existed. From there, I started looking up resources about falconry and what it entailed, to see if I could handle the commitment in terms of time, and if I would enjoy it.

That, in turn, led me to The Modern Apprentice, which I have been studying in my off time as a sort of working break. It also led me to Toby Bradshaw's site about Harris Hawks, and to the Coulson's site. After examining all of the above (I am in the middle of going back over TMA in order to start memorizing things) I have come to the conclusion that I can, and moreover that I would also enjoy it. I have since signed up for an associate's membership with the NJ Falconry Club, and am waiting to hear back from them. I am also looking to buy books to help me learn more, but the price tag for some of the better books mean I might have to wait a bit before getting the ones I want. All of them, anyway.

I have to say, if I had actually been educated as to the existence of this sport earlier I probably would have taken it up while still in my teens. Birds have pretty much always been my favorite kind of animal, and parrots and raptors in particular. That is kind of the reason I wish to become an ambassador for the sport in the future.