Yangon Urban Falconry.

I noticed this handsome bird soon after moving in to my new apartment. She hangs out at small security post on the main road. She's quite vocal and hard to miss. 

As it turns out, my friend and building-mate Jack has gotten to know Ceasar (sic), the local guy who has the the interesting hobby of falconry. I'd never met anyone who trained birds before. 

Actually, it's a bit more than a hobby for him. He trains and sells the birds and it's a small business. He's looking to promote the business, and Jack suggested we all get together, me with my camera, and shoot a video of the bird, which is a black kite. Sounded like fun to me.

The bird had a wonderful temperament. I mean, it rode along on the handlebars of the electric motorbike without squawking, literally or figuratively. When we got to a nice open area (adjacent to driving range), Yangon's ubiquitous crows erupted in alarm. One of those black scavengers dove at our raptor on her very first flight.

angry crows

Soon after, dozens of crows were circling, unified in wanting to drive out this intruder. It didn't seem to bother her. She flew around for an hour or so unperturbed by the raucous symphony of caws. 

So I've made the video. I hope it helps him out, and I'll certainly never forget the experience of having a bird-of-prey swoop down and land on my hand.