An Observer's Guide to Hawk-Watching: Finding, Enjoying and Understanding Birds of Prey

Have you ever wondered where that Red-tailed Hawk nests or why its always on that lamp standard? Have you ever been curious as to where the best place to find a Bald Eagle might be, or what keeps leaving that pile of feathers in the yard by the bird feeder- a Cooper’s Hawk perhaps?

 In, The Art of Hawk-Watching, by internationally recognized and lifelong hawk-watcher, Joe Roy III, the answers to some of these questions and much more are covered. Transcending the standard guide format, this book, by virtue of the author’s intimate experience with birds of prey, takes a much more holistic approach to not only finding, identifying, and observing birds of prey, but perhaps more importantly, to understanding them as well.

The book is engaging and packed with information and tips including a discussion of the craft of “tuning in”, by developing an awareness of one’s environmental surroundings, as a means of locating birds of prey. It also delves into forensic components, including everything from castings, to guano, prey carcasses, and other bits of evidence that can produce a mountain of pertinent information if one knows where, and what to look for, and how to analyze what is, or isn’t found.

The book concludes with a frank discussion of ecological imperatives and discusses how as amateur and professional raptor enthusiasts, we can all play a part in raptor conservation.

Joe Roy III is a professional falconer/lecturer with decades of experience. He is currently employed as the Resident Falconer at the coastal resort, Terranea, in southern California. Joe and his birds have been featured in newsprint, magazines, television and on the internet (where CNN Money dubbed him the “Falcon Whisperer”). Joe’s interest in birds of prey spans a lifetime, having been sparked when he was as a young boy after becoming acquainted with a professional falconer living next-door. This generous neighbor began patiently teaching Joe the intricacies of the ancient craft of falconry. Joe has subsequently trained and hunted with a wide variety of birds of prey, as well as having trained hundreds of captive bred falcons. Today, Joe is internationally recognized as a raptor expert, whose books and articles have been circulated around the globe. Safe to say, Joe’s childhood passion for raptors is alive and well, and he takes great pleasure in teaching others about these amazing creatures, all the while enthusiastically promoting a raptor conservation ethos.