Falconry is the ancient sport of hunting wild quarry with a trained bird of prey. The practice didn’t arise in the American West until the late 1800s and early 1900s, although the practice was sporadic.
Spanish conquistadors noted indigenous people and Aztecs using trained raptors during the 16th century, and Christopher Columbus had one falconer in his party who hunted with hawks in what is now Haiti.
“Falconer” has been traditionally used to describe someone who flies a falcon. Hunting with a conditioned falconry bird was also called hawking of “gamehawking,” but those terms have fallen out of favor.
Raptors used in falconry include broadwings (Buteos and Parabuteos, which include Harris’s hawks), shortwings (Asturs and Accipiters, including hawks, goshawks and sparrowhawks), and longwings (Falcos, including peregrine falcons, kestrels, gyrfalcons and saker falcons).
In my upcoming historical western romance, The Falcon, the heroine is raising an abandoned prairie falcon fledgling, but as she has no experience in such an endeavor, she seeks out the introduction of a falconer from Argentina.
Prairie falcons are medium-sized falcons similar to peregrines located in Western North America. They might be better called desert falcons from their need for open space and arid dry habitats. They’re scrappy survivalists, with females much larger than males, and when trained well, they’re impressive hunters—aggressive, agile, and determined.
Mexico
December 1899
Josie Ryan’s connection to Texas runs deep, from the land to an almost preternatural kinship with the animals in the wild. This bond has led her to the edge of life and death, from saving a boy caught in a fire when she was eleven years old to being struck by lightning to a mountain lion attack that almost ended her life. The discovery of an abandoned falcon chick leads to a fierce attachment, but with only intuition to guide her, Josie struggles to train the wildest creature she’s ever encountered. When she learns of a man who could help, she’s determined to gain an introduction.
Mateo Almirón, El Halconero—The Falconer—and Argentine gaucho, is tasked with delivering two prized purebred Criollo mares to Matt Ryan, a man whose reputation casts a long shadow. Years ago, Ryan saved the life of Mateo’s father, and the horses will settle the longstanding debt, but when the exchange goes wrong, Mateo is entrusted with protecting Ryan’s daughter, Josie. Now Mateo and Josie must hide in the mountains of Northern Mexico where stories abound of Josie’s mother, a woman who lived among the Comanche and rose from the dead.
But in a place alive with superstition, Josie and her untamed falcon will give rise to a new legend …
Josie is the youngest child of Matt and Molly from The Wren (Book 1).
The Falcon will be available 9/22/2026. Pre-order now at Apple Books and Nook. It will also be available at Amazon, Kobo, and Google Play books on release day.
Have you ever seen a falcon, hawk or eagle in the wild? Or maybe a zoo or rescue center? Leave a comment and be entered to win an e-copy of Book 11 in the Wings of the West series, The Swan.
In Oklahoma Territory Malcolm Hardy has created enough distance from his questionable family name to find a quiet purpose to his days, but then Dr. Anna Ryan walks back into his life, and his hard-won peace is in jeopardy.
Kristy McCaffrey writes award-winning historical western romances with grit and emotion, along with contemporary adventure stories packed with romance and suspense. Her work is filled with compelling heroes, determined heroines, and her trademark mysticism. She lives in the desert north of Phoenix with her husband and rescue bulldog, Jeb. Learn more about her books at her website, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
Graphics courtesy of Deposit Photos. Book covers by Earthly Charms.
I see hawks regularly around the house.
I live close to the Conowingo Dam, considered the best place to see bald eagles east of the Mississippi. I see them while driving across the dam, and there are several places where people go on both sides of the Susquehanna to view them.
Denise – that’s wonderful! We have Harris’s Hawks near our house in the AZ desert and I love seeing them every day.
Never seen a falcon, but I have seen many eagles and Hawks.
Chrystal – they’re amazing birds!
I’ve seen eagles at the zoo. A few years ago people were saying that we had eagles in the area, but whether they were eagles or hawks I don’t know.
Karijean – it can be hard to tell the difference sometimes. We went to a National Geographic lecture a few years ago and there was a bird rescue organization in the lobby and they had several birds, mostly hawks. To see them up close was incredible. They’re much bigger and stronger looking than you realize from a distance.
I have seen eagles and hawks. I am not sure about a falcon.
Linda – I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a falcon either. We occassionally have sparrowhawks around our house. They’re smaller like a falcon, but not a falcon lol.
I have seen eagles, hawks and falcons in the wild. They are so beautiful.
Debra – so beautiful! Lately the Harris’s hawks in our area have been landing in front of our house because we have a bird feeder. It’s a thrill every time to see them so near.
We have both hawks and eagles in our area
Rhonda – it’s amazing how adaptable they are. I’ve seen bald eagles in a waterway in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
I have never seen a falcon but eagles and hawks I have seen before. We see hawks pretty often.
Quilt Lady – I imagine it’s easier to see hawks than the other two. They seem more prevalent in most places.
Hi Kristy, welcome back! We’re really glad to see you and find out more about your new book! How exciting to have #11 out in this series. I remember way back there when we both published our first book about the same time. I think the survival of man depends on birds. We need them. Here in West Texas we have a lot of hawks. I don’t think we have many falcons though. Mourning doves have built nests outside my office window and I love watching them. Very fascinating. Enjoy your visit and best wishes for your success.
Hi Linda – we’ve had a long publishing journey, haven’t we? I’m still a bit surprised when I’m able to finish another book. It always seems a bit insurmountable in the beginning of every story! We too have dove nests on our back porch and I keep a close eye on them. I’ve had to rescue some chicks that fall out occasionally, and clean out nests that don’t have viable eggs anymore. Thanks for having me at P&P. You all are always so welcoming!
thank you for this information. yes I have seen falcons and hawks in real life. I have seen real eagles in the zoos.
Lori – I’m so happy you enjoyed my blog. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Kristy – we have lots of eagles, osprey, hawks, and many other birds in central Minnesota. They are very fascinating to watch. I have a friend who has a falcon and is involved in falconry. He handles the falcon and takes it in field trips. So interesting. He lives that bird!
I enjoyed your blog.
Kathy – how neat about your friend. Falconry sounds very rewarding but I imagine a huge commitment. I bet you have a lot of wildlife in Minnesota!
I’ve seen plenty of hawks here in Eastern Finland. I’m not sure if I’ve seen any eagles, though. Once I saw some hawk flying with an adder in his claws. Another time I saw a fieldfare flying as fast as he could and screaming his head off. A moment later I saw a Hen harrier flying after the fieldfare. I’m guessing the fieldfare was screaming to other fieldfares and other thrushes to make sure their poop bombs were ready.
Minna – An adder? Wow. My husband and I once saw a mortally wounded rattlesnake on the road near our house, likely sliced open by a bird of prey. I didn’t know what a fieldfare or Hen harrier, so looked them up. I always like learning about new birds. Thanks!
Yes, we regularly see hawks, several different ones, here on our farm. I have also seen bald eagles and golden eagles in other states. We have bald eagles here on occasion but see them regularly when we visit our daughter in Georgia or go to Guntersville State Park. We saw lots and lots of them in Alaska. All of them are beautiful.
Can’t wait to read your book, sounds fascinating and I am already wondering what caused them to flee to the mountains.
Sarah – I just returned from a trip to Alaska with my family and we saw several bald eagles. Stunning creatures! And I hope you like the book when it releases. 🙂
Yes, I have. I first read about falconry in a book by Lori Wick. It was fascinating. Thank you for sharing with us.
Barbara – falconry is definitely fascinating!
have seen hawks
It’s hard to miss that shadow when passes over you. 🙂
We have several hawks flying around. I have seen them with a snake and a squ
Ann – I’m always surprised when I see them with a snake, which isn’t often.
I’ve seen eagles?at Dollywood Eagle? Rescue Center in Tennessee.
Thank you,
Julie Bullock
Julie – I had no idea there was such a great rescue center at Dollywood. I’ll have to go sometime.
Hi, yes, there in West Texas where I live we have hawks, we have big hawks and smaller hawks. When my husband and I take our pup in the mornings we have seen at least one. We have seen them on electric lines or posts and they have had a bird in their beak, I have also seen them when I am watering our plants in the backyard flying in the sky sometimes little birds or doves will take off all of a sudden scared and then we know there is a hawk around and there usually is. I am not entering this ebook giveaway as I am not tech savvy, but Thank you. Have a Blessed and safe 4th of July.
Alicia – I see them around my bird feeders in both the front yard and back yard, definitely drawn to the smaller birds feeding. Happy 4th to you too!!
Yes, hawks and bald eagle, and golden Eagles.
Bridgette – that’s wonderful!!
I really enjoyed the information about falconry- we have a pair of Coopers Hawks that have nested in and around the the woods in our backyard. We love watching and listening to them. I have also seen Bald Eagles in the wild- they are so majestic.
Patti – I love the vocalizations as well!!
Yes I’ve seen several hawks in the wild
that book looks and sounds like a good read looking forward to reading book
Happy July 4
Crystal – thanks so much for your interest!
We have a variety of hawks on our farm. American kestrels are also common in the winter. We have had Golden Eagles in the past but I haven’t seen any recently. Once in awhile a Bald Eagle will fly over us and that is exciting to see. I don’t think I have seen a falcon unless it was a bird I couldn’t identify even with the help of my four bird books. 🙂
Alice – I think you’re right about it being difficult to see a falcon. It’s much easier to spot a hawk or eagle.
We have been lucky enough to see many hawks and eagles in the wild, in rehab facilities, and in zoos. We had a Merlin or kestrel nesting in the large oak in front of our house for several years. (I am afraid the neighbor across the street shot them all.). The nesting site they used was taken over by barn owls, which were delightful to watch. Unfortunately, the oak collapsed in a storm, killing the nestlings. I see a kestrel every so often sitting on the telephone wires near our home. We have seen many osprey, golden eagles, and bald eagles in the wild. On one trip out West, We saw lover 25 large hawks of several breeds perched on telephone pole in less than 5 miles. It just so happened we were there during their annual fall migration to Central and South America. I have watched falconry demonstrations and was lucky enough to be selected to catch one on my gloved arm.
Patricia – you’ve seen so much. How wonderful! But how terrible about your neighbor shooting birds. And the collapse of the nest is heartbreaking. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I have never seen a falcon, but lots of eagles since we live near the Mississippi River. We love watching birds, and it would be really cool to see falcons. I love to take pictures of birds.
Julie – me too, although good photos can be hard to get. But I keep trying.
I have Hawks in my neighborhood so i see them often. I don’t mind them except when we have bunny nest in our back yard and imagine u know why. I have seen bald Eagles a few time by the Connecticut river such beautiful majestic bird. I so glad to have seen them in the wild.
Sandy – they’re wonderful to see but I’m with you about the hunting lol. Hard to watch.
Hawks regularly fly over our area. I always pray the colony of feral/stray cats are safe. Especially the kittens! It’s said a bald eagle was spotted at the swamp. The swamp is like 15-20 minutes down the road close to the airport. That would be awesome to see. No falcons that I am aware of. Love to watch them circling and drifting on the air currents.
Pattie – it’s always a concern with small pets with birds of prey around. The hawks used to keep an eye on our dog Lily, a medium-sized chocolate lab. Of course they could never get her, but I was always a little concerned they were considering it.