"I'm invited to falconry." No, these are not the words of a 16th-century courtier. Any resident or guest of the capital can say so today. Since 2010, a falconry museum has been operating in the Moscow region. Professional falconers, trained birds, observance of all traditions and complete immersion in the atmosphere of the ancient art of hunting. And this is only one of the areas of work of the center, located in a picturesque place 20 kilometers from Moscow.
Falconry Basics
Historians suggest that the tradition of hunting with falcons originated around the 13th century BC in China. At the beginning of the new millennium, falconry became popular in Japan and Korea and spread further across the continent. It is believed that Genghis Khan himself was a connoisseur and lover of her.
In Europe, hunting with the help of gyrfalcons has been known since about the 5th century. Its connoisseurs were Charlemagne and Frederick I Barbarossa. From the 15th century, falconry became the privilege of the nobility, acquiring signs of ceremonial. A whole court is formedhierarchy. The king hunts with a gyrfalcon, princes and dukes with a peregrine falcon, other members of the nobility were en titled to a hawk.
In Russia, falconry appeared, apparently, thanks to the Khazar nomads. Falcons and hawks are mentioned in the spiritual writings of Vladimir Monomakh. At the court of Ivan the Terrible there were several hundred birds, even taxes from merchants were often taken in pigeons for falcons.
Today this type of hunting is popular in more than 80 countries, it is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.
Falconry Center
Traditions of hunting with the help of hawks and falcons are being revived in Russia today. The author of the project was Konstantin Sokolov, a member of the international organization of falconers, the developer of the program for the revival of the rules and traditions of hunting with birds.
On his initiative, the Falconry Center in Mytishchi was established almost ten years ago. It is spread over an area of 20 hectares of the Khlebnikov forest park near the Samoryadovka River.
Professional falconers, trainers, ecologists, art critics work in the center. It has everything you need for lovers of nature, culture, history and animal lovers.
Among the main activities of the Museum Center:
- development and promotion of falconry traditions as part of cultural heritage;
- research, analytical, publishing activities in the field of environmental education;
- exhibition work, organization of performances, creative meetings;
- creation and replenishment of a library of publications and manuals dedicated to falconry, collection of relevant artifacts;
- educational work (lectures, excursions, workshops, seminars).
The center also houses a falconry school, an equestrian club, an eco-park, a museum, training grounds and a children's camp.
Museum Complex
The Museum of Nature and Falconry combines tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Initially, the exposition was located in a small hut. On the first floor there was a video library and the exhibition "Nature around us", and on the second floor there was an exposition dedicated to the history and traditions of European, Asian, American, Arab and Japanese falconry.
During the work, the number of exhibits has increased so much that the Asian part of the collection of the falconry museum was moved to a separate … building. Or rather, in an exact copy of the Mongolian yurt, the ancient dwelling of nomadic falconers!
Today the museum has more than 750 exhibits from about 40 countries. These are falconer's ammunition, national hunting costumes, sculptures, books, engravings. The school of falconry operates at the museum. Birds of prey (falcons, hawks, owls, eagles) live in a special Falcon Yard, instructors and guides train. Visitors can not only take part in an interactive tour, but also try themselves as a falconer.
Excursions and programs
Once having stopped at the museum of nature and falconry of the village of Lyskovofor a couple of hours to get acquainted, you can become a regular guest. After all, the range of exciting activities offered to guests is very wide. First of all, we are talking about excursion programs:
- visiting the museum and getting to know the history of falconry;
- participation in the training of hunting birds in the falconry yard, photo sessions with them;
- communication with different farm animals in the zoo;
- team games and quests for adults and children;
- archery and archery games;
- visiting the dog club "Lucky Dogs" and walking with sled, shepherd, hunting dogs.
Employees of the center offer visitors thematic excursion programs: "Falconry of the Great Steppe", "Hunting of all times and peoples". As well as excursions-quests: "Around the world on falcon wings"; "Secrets of falconry".
You must sign up for the program in advance by contacting the center by phone or e-mail.
Equestrian Club
To take a leisurely ride or learn to gait? The choice is up to the guests of the center. The equestrian club of the Museum of Falconry creates all conditions for this. Among the services provided by the club:
- horseback riding;
- professional riding training;
- photo shoot programs;
- Training Course "Skillful Horseman".
Walking takes place not only on the parade ground under the supervision of a coach, but also in the picturesque surroundings of the center. Riding lessons for all ages. Trained people live in the cluband friendly horses, which are fairly freely kept, as well as the favorite of the public, the donkey Bantik.
Training programs (2-day and 6-day) allow you to learn in detail about the rules of feeding and keeping horses, cleaning and saddle, methods of treatment. Those who complete the training receive a certificate.
Quest Club
This club of the Falconry Museum develops special programs for children and teenagers. They include interaction with hunting birds, excursions in the ecological park, themed games, outdoor competitions and teamwork.
For children 5-9 years old, an educational open-air quest "The Secret of the Chest" is offered. The game lasts more than 2 hours and takes place on the territory of the ecopark. Participants get acquainted with the history and traditions of falconry in a fascinating way.
Older children (10-14 years old) can become participants in the All Year Round quest. After getting acquainted with the hunting birds and a sightseeing tour, there is a division into teams participating in the game-journey. The program ends with a photo shoot with birds of prey and tea drinking.
Young Falconer
You can not only come to the Falconry Museum for a 2-hour excursion, but also stay here for a week. During the summer holidays, a children's camp for children aged 9-15 operates on the basis of the center. "Young Falconer" is daily adventures, outdoor walks, communication with animals, living in yurts, learning the basics of falconry, educational quests and competitions, he althy food (based on farm products).
The camp program providespartial rejection of the use of modern technologies, the formation of life skills in nature, the ability to interact with the flora and fauna. Children will be able to learn how to ride a horse, train hunting birds and dogs, shoot from a bow, cook food on a fire. All this under the strict guidance of coaches, counselors, medical staff.
Holidays and events
A significant part of the positive feedback about the Museum of Falconry is associated with the opportunity to organize a holiday on its territory for every taste.
In addition to mobile and educational games and quests, suitable for both corporate parties and children's birthdays or graduations, there are also scenarios for themed holidays.
The graduation program for fourth-graders includes three stages: an excursion, a quest and a picnic. During the excursion, schoolchildren learn about falconry, horses, guess riddles, play with animals. Then outdoor games and competitions in the park, after which a treat in nature or in a yurt.
From March 1 to March 17, 2019, Maslenitsa is planned to be celebrated. The program includes not only pancakes, sleigh rides and horseback riding, but also excursions, game programs, a falconry lesson, participation in the “Shrovetide feeding” of birds of prey.
Bow and arrows
Hunting with a bow is akin to art. You need to be able to take into account the speed and direction of the wind, the trajectory of the prey, the weight of the arrow and the tension of the bowstring. You can try yourself in this difficult task in the archery range of the Museum of Falconry.
OnIn a special training area, the instructors of the center introduce guests to all the intricacies of archery, select special equipment. Master classes are available from experienced trainers. Shooting allows you to relieve stress, improve coordination and eye. Suitable for all ages.
You can also try your hand at Archery tag team tactical archery game. The goal is to hit the opponent with a soft arrow. Such hits are painless. You can enjoy fresh air and adrenaline. Can be played in large teams and small groups. Thematic range of scenarios: from the traditional "wall to wall" to strategies with search and capture. Age restrictions - from 11 years old.
Anticafe, farm, dog club
The Falconry Museum in Mytishchi is full of surprises. In addition to all of the above, there are many other interesting places.
Hunting dogs were often used in falconry. Usually they were cops, trained to work in conjunction with birds. You can get to know them better by visiting the Happy Dogs Club. Now five pets live in it: a husky, a Bernese mountain dog and three pointers, who are being trained for field hunting. Guests can play with the dogs, take them for a walk or participate in cannicros (riding discipline, during which the dog pulls the running athlete behind him by a special belt).
The center also has its own farm, which allows guests to purchase natural products: chicken and quail eggs, goatmilk, lamb. Goats, geese, indoutas, sheep and rabbits are also bred.
Would you like to have tea in a real Mongolian yurt? At your service anti-cafe "Yurta", accommodating up to 20 people.
Reviews about the center
There are places where it's hard to find a negative one among reviews. This also applies to reviews of the Falconry Museum.
Guests of the center note the amazing friendly atmosphere, the meaningfulness of the excursions and the dedication of managers and employees to their work: “it is impossible to remain indifferent when you see this nature, these amazing birds and animals.” Visitors emphasize that on the territory of the center everyone can find what they like, learn a lot of new and interesting things.
Parents agree that a variety of activities, amazing animals and nature can distract young visitors from the center from any gadgets.
