Keep pigeons safe at home

Non-FALCONERS take note: This is the closest you’re likely to come to witnessing how big-winged birds hunt in the wild. On Nov. 13, peregrines, gyrfalcons, prairie falcons and hybrids of all three are expected to draw about 300 spectators to a muddy field in Bakersfield to watch the California Hawking Club’s annual Sky Trials. Starting at 8 a.m., three judges will stand in the center of the field; a single falconer, his helper and his dog enter the area. The falconer releases his bird, and the hawk “takes a pitch” or spirals upward, as high as 2,000 feet. “Sometimes they ‘sky out,’ ” says event organizer and falconer Rick Holderman of San Diego. “That means the bird gets so small you lose track of it.” The falconer then calls for his aide to release a pigeon and the falcon dives for it at speeds approaching 200 mph. “Typically the pigeon gets away,” Holderman says, noting the prey often wings into the crowd with the raptor in close pursuit. When the falconer signals for his bird with his voice, a whistle or a visual lure the trial is over. Judges rank the action on how well the bird pitches, how high it soars, how well it stays directly above the falconer regardless of wind conditions, how fast it comes down, how well it contacts with the pigeon, how well it pursues the pigeon and how well it comes home. Optimal weather: overcast, cool days (sunny, hot days make for sluggish birds). Spectators eager to see the action should arrive at the Doubletree Bakersfield by 6:30 a.m. for a shuttle bus to the field site. Those with a penchant for falconry can take a 4-hour beginner course (no bird required) for $30 from 8 a.m. to noon on Nov. 11 or crash the Raptor Research Foundation’s annual conference Nov. 10-13. Go to www.calhawkingclub.org.

-- Mary Forgione