Female Saudi falconer chronicles her journey in falcon training

Amina Al-Anzi, a falconer from the Northern Borders of Saudi Arabia, has shared her experiences raising and training falcons, highlighting the Kingdom’s enduring connection to its ancestral traditions. Her journey reflects a transition from childhood fascination to disciplined expertise grounded in patience, learning, and incremental skill-building.

Al-Anzi told local authorities that her interest in falcons began at festivals during her childhood. “Once I obtained my first bird, I began working with it gradually, one stage at a time,” she said, emphasizing the importance of progressive training.

She recalled that early stages of falcon training were accompanied by apprehension, particularly fears that the bird might escape or fail to return. Over time, however, consistent practice and systematic approaches helped overcome these concerns.

Mastering falcon handling, Al-Anzi noted, requires considerable effort and dedication. She highlighted “malwah” — lure-based pursuit training — as one of the most challenging aspects of preparing falcons for hunting and controlling their behavior. Developing trust between falcon and handler, she said, demands patience and repeated practice.

Al-Anzi focuses on “Gyr pure” falcons, a species known for its temperament and difficulty in training. Despite the challenges, she has successfully conditioned these birds, which have now become her preferred companions and are fully integrated into her daily routine.

She has accumulated extensive knowledge in falconry, which she plans to further develop while participating in the upcoming Falcon Festival in Turaif. Al-Anzi aims to preserve and promote this cultural heritage, sharing her passion and expertise with younger generations.