Gyrfalcon

by Emma Ford
Reviewed by Eric Tabb, Boise, ID

This book comes to me like wild gyrs do; rarely, suddenly, silent and gray—not to be kept. But what a stirring of the heart and imagination they provide, for a few moments. With support from Robert Bagley, Ms. Ford has produced a literary feat befitting its subject. Every single one of the 191 pages unveils a fresh glossy set of thoughts and images over which readers can linger.

Mr. Bagley begins with a structural and complementary Forward, then author/falconer Ford follows with an impassioned Preface—but wait. Here is a full-page painted collage by Anthony Rhodes showing a young white gyr in eight grooming poses, followed by another of a gray gyr showing another eight images of stretch and primp known only to one who has watched falcons in repose for hours. Yet another page stares back at you with seven different attitudes of a black gyr in play and seriousness. Mr. Rhodes graces this work with 34 of his paintings from full-page portraits to small chapter-heading vignettes. Andrew Ellis’ work is always welcome, no worshipped. Such a gift! He contributes 19 masterpieces. Various photographers have given us 155 color gyr gems. Another 34 historic reproductions of gyr art and early photography give us a chronological look at man’s infatuation with the subject over civilized time.

In chapters 1 and 2, Emma Ford introduces the reader to gyrfalcons in nature and physiology, followed by the history of gyrfalcons in art and literature, primarily in the western world with rich essays and quotes from gyrphiles of all kinds.

Dr. Tom Cade provides a scholarly third chapter about the species adaption to its harsh arctic habitat. Not so scholarly though, that the reader feels any letdown in mystique and adventure. Not many men could have written this important section with so much credible enthusiasm.

Chapter 4 will make any falconer’s bird lust go off the charts with many beautiful photos of big, fat baby gyr chicks (eyases, I know) in their arctic eyries.

Chapter 5 deals with the gyr as an ultimate avian predator. Field observations from Frank Beebe and Dick Musser help illustrate the wonder of this status.

At this point I should mention how much I enjoyed the way the paragraphs of secondary contributing authors were italicized, in contrast to the primary writer’s formal print. It elegantly gives the impression of high classic quality along with the very thick glossy paper. The gray silk bookmark ribbon included is pretty snazzy, too.

Chapter 6 is a historical account of man’s efforts to obtain and/or study gyrfalcons in their remote native habitats. These expand upon earlier NAFA Journal articles on the McFassen/Turner expedition in 1951 and Mattox’s banding trip in 1967. I don’t know whether to be really mad or really impressed by the earlier saga. Perhaps both. The pictures are bigger and in color unlike those in the NAFA article from the late 60s. While this effort mirrors many previous expeditions through history to obtain this precious commodity, the waste and the arrogance makes me sad. I suppose its recounting has a place in a book dedicated to gyr worship primarily to show why some governments have such deep-rooted opposition to gyr harvest by strangers.

Chapters 7 and 8 compare the use of the gyrfalcon for falconry in ancient through modern times. This can only be considered partial information or rather only a portion of the whole global picture. The gyr’s place in grand-scale czarist Russian and Eastern falconry are only briefly mentioned. What we barely know to have been gyrworship beyond comprehension will continue to remain largely a mystery.

Chapters 9 and 10 were masterfully written by Robert B. Berry describing his own involvement with gyrfalcons as hunters and breeders since the 60s. Beautifully done! It is that complete story we have been waiting for—Mr. Berry gives the reader a reality check about the special health needs of the species kept in temperate climates. I had fun reading Bob’s chapters for several reasons. It reminded me of watching Jim Weaver treat some eyas gyrs, almost daily in an antibiotic fog closet to prevent the dreaded asper in warm, humid upstate New York. The picture of Jim and Frank Bond in Ungava Bay in 1972 (taken by Bob) recalls fond memories of that same summer at Cornell when I bunked with a group of confiscated gyrs from an earlier illegal expedition by others. Keeping gyrfalcons alive, much less vigorous, in the southern latitudes is a challenge, never done better than by Bob and his colleagues.

Emma pulls us gently out of this feast of grand photos and experienced words in chapter 11 with some thoughtful thoughts about the future of the gyrfalcon. Then Bob Berry stirs the imagination again with an eloquent finale titled, “The Hunt.” More spectacular photos and words to leave a proper final impression.

I enjoyed this book immensely, but like the only gyrfalcon I’ve had, I had to give it back before I wanted to. Get one (of these books) while you can.

market published books. I do think that Gyrfalcon has been published differently and may be around for a while – or so I’ve been told!! It is a ‘must have’ for anyone remotely interested in gyrfalcons.
 

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This review was originally published in American Falconry magazine, and is reprinted with permission.