Falconry is still widely practiced, and they are mainly used as working animals, for game hunting. Most falcons you will see tamed in such a way are peregrines and merlins. You need a special license to own a falcon, and you can never take one from the wild except by very specific permit. I have no idea where you would find one, but I strongly urge you not to use them as "pets." Though working birds can live longer in captivity, they need a lot of room and very specific training to be kept happy, healthy, and safe.
If you are interested in simply working with the birds, go to your nearest zoo or wildlife center; you can find information on all types of hawks, falcons, and eagles. Even vultures, if you're interested. Many zoos have bird shows, and you can volunteer to work with the animals. Wildlife centers, specifically breeding centers and rehabilitation clinics, deal with wild and hand-raised birds, and often accept volunteer work. |