Renaissance Fair 2. Bird of Prey
photo essay by Nancy Hopkins
(to start at begining, click )

I looked skyward to see two crows flying above a hawk. The crows were safe and brave while above. Below the hawk was the killing zone of its talons and beak. The hawk kept circling, seemingly oblivious to the black bird's crackling and screams. All at once, the hawk threw back its wings and fell from the sky like it was a stone. Below a mouse, or squirrel, or maybe even a rabbit was probably in trouble. Just as the bird fell behind a nearby tent, there was a blood curdling scream. I ran around the tent, not sure I really wanted to see what had happened.

The bird was sitting, staring at something that could only be called a Cat Woman. Hanging from the prancing Cat Woman's mouth was the mouse, I assumed the bird had been after. She was prancing around, bragging about her winning the mouse price, tossing the still living mouse around...when the mouse got away and scurried under the tent. "Serves her right," I thought.

Just then there was a voice calling "Joey, Joey." The bird immediately took flight.

I started walking in the same direction the bird had flown.Just beyond the trees I saw the Hawk on the hands of a very muscular man. As I approached them, I found the way the hunter stroked and talked to his bird to be full of love. I noticed the bird seemed to put his head out to accept the hood the Hunter held. He kept softly talking and then took the hood off again. A moment later and the bird was flying away again, free to leave, but for some reason it chose to stay in partnership with the man.

I noticed another bird, hooded and resting quietly. The Hunter noticed my approach and said, "Good day, My Lady." He bowed my way.

"Good afternoon. Do they mind the hoods?"

"No, I suspect there is a sense of security in the darkness behind the hood. They trust I will protect them and I trust they will come back."

He had picked up the second bird and said, "This guy I call Clown. A moment later Clown's hood was off and the bird was flying free. The Hunter picked up a piece of fur saying, "This is my version of a rabbit. Watch."

The fur was attached to a piece of rope and

the Hunter began twirling around, with the rabbit lure flying just above the ground. The bird had to make a half-dozen attempts before it snagged the fur.

"Do they hunt for you?" I asked.

"Oh, no, My Lady. The only one who can hunt these forests are the King and his Court. These birds belong to the King."

Just at that moment, there was a commotion on the far side of the meadow and a mist seemed to appear and dump out horses with riders dressed in silver, carrying flags.

Yes, it appeared as if Medieval Knights were approaching on horse back. I turned to say something to the Hunter and he was no where to be seen. When I turned back to the knights, the vacant meadow was now lined with bleachers and a viewing stand had magically been erected across from where I stood, dumbfounded.

To continue see 1. A Land Long Gone.
2. Birds of Prey........3. Joust........4. Vendors

http://ren-fest.com/