Hunting With Falcons: How One City Man Found His Calling in the Wild | Short Film Showcase

As a kid growing up in Riverside, CA, Shawn Hayes began his life-long relationship with birds after finding and raising a young hawk in his neighborhood. Training and hunting with wild raptors ever since, he now travels the world sharing his expertise and techniques with others. This short film by Joshua Izenberg profiles Hayes and the close partnership he forms with his animals. “Falconry is not a sport, it’s not an art-it’s a way of life.”
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Hunting With Falcons: How One City Man Found His Calling in the Wild | Short Film Showcase
• Hunting With Falcons: ...
National Geographic
/ natgeo

[@christopherspringmann]

The best part? The falcon can simply fly away, that's it, thank you, Shawn and adios. Thus, their relationship is a tribute to affection and respect, one for the other. Very sweet and powerful.

[@thementhologist5348]

yup not slavery or force but mutual respect. this should be how u treat every single thing.

[@AD-wi9ou]

Christopher Springmann if it’s not hungry and it’s not trained well it will fly away

[@davoodehajiraj]

Christopher Springmann Ur comment is the best to describe this beautiful life of the guy

[@anthonymyers6485]

@@thementhologist5348 Nah let’s go back to Slavery

[@AdnantaTadewa]

When do you know u need to let it go?

[@hamcheese5043]

This man is truly amazing he did not even have the right materials at first to do falconing but he pulled through and now he is living the life he wants thank you for making these types of videos I enjoy everyone of them

[@NatGeo]

We're so glad you enjoyed, thanks for watching!

[@SportsNetwork1122]

u r right

[@markrigsby2107]

Ham Cheese His people said his people do Not do this.

[@rivalsoul9853]

@@markrigsby2107 what??????

[@janeE011]

@@rivalsoul9853 he meant to say that Shawn's neighborhood guys used to tell him the country,birds,rural life wasn't meant for "them",meaning urban dudes,blacks. Shawn said f**k that and went and did what he wanted. Bless!

[@swede5209]

My father was a falconer in the late 60’s before passing away at age 32. We always Prairie Falcons and Kestrels. I remember getting to feed the chicks beef heart dipped in egg yoke. My uncle had a Merlin one summer We lived in a tiny town in northwest Nebraska. This video brought back some great memories. Thank you.

[@Ludrsis]

R.I.P

[@APersonOnYouTubeX]

How he died

[@swede5209]

Leukemia

[@Iodestarr]

Thank you for sharing swede. Have you thought about becoming a falconer yourself?

[@xman69100]

Sometimes teachers supposed to be the ones that encourage you but they're the ones that bring you down but he didn't listen thank God

[@Linkophere]

Theo Nero the teacher was only trying to guide him down a path they knew they would surely be successful in. That's thier job and I praise the teacher for Doing it

[@markfloors6988]

Linkophere that's total BS, you should be taught to go after your dreams, and his wasn't even that high

[@chasedadolla2479]

Theo Nero he found his own path nobody can tell you what it is he just felt it and stuck with now he's here

[@taysfpv7646]

grade school teachers are absolute cancer

[@doodyhanks1]

@@Linkophere Some teachers are the most evil people.

[@cyndifoore7743]

I've always been interested in the relationship between people and their falcons, I wish this was an hour long.

[@greengreen7188]

"Falconry" not a sport, not an art, its a way of life. a man with a great purpose=)

[@allisonwilliams3714]

Thank you for highlighting the life of this extraordinary man. I have always loved raptors and wanted to work with them. God bless him for having the courage to follow his heart and what nature was calling him to do!

[@administrativeprofessionalsllc]

💚

[@Broadfieldpoint]

Shawn...This is an incredible story. I am a falconer in Washington and I also was raised in Calif in a small town. At the age of 12-13, I was also scrutinized for being different. Tremendous story. All the best to you.

[@johnh.watson5087]

cool dude. I kinda envy his lifestyle and perspective on life

[@tizzanash]

Wow I've met you! It was at a Flight Festa in Japan! I'm totally in love with these big magnificent birds and love what you do.

[@jinlim6575]

cia confirmed.

[@cosudu3002]

Shawn has a wonderful attitude. He is someone that make you want to befriend.

[@ben8509]

As a fellow falconer, hats off to you brother! The lifestyle is truly an amazing journey!

[@sunsolstar]

Wow...inspiring to see a human being and a wild animal working together

[@goktugblack]

The love for these kings of the sky is truly universal.

[@starrhawke]

What an absolutely amazing relationship. Such a beautiful soul. I love this. Such an awesome gift to be able to be apart of nature. To get away from the chaos' of everyday life and be out there. Thank you for sharing that with us.

[@naybobdenod]

I take my hat off to you sir. Sincerely JF ( UK )

[@SLACKLINEDUDE]

OMG jfk is still alive

[@jackieharris2854]

Most beautiful Relationship I really like that you’re not trying to take, just have a good relationship with a wild animal.

[@joshuashearer3781]

I was left speechless, emotional and in awe when the video ended. These are the special things in life that some people never have the opportunity to know exists. The story reassured me to believe in my dreams and know that anything is possible! Thank you!

[@davoodehajiraj]

Any one of us who knows this birds behaviour and nature , love to have one . I personally salute them when I see with all they wildness how sensitive & responsible they raise they chicks

[@truenorthtrout]

My daughter loves watching you with birds. Very cool.

[@YoungOil7]

Love this video and the falconer! Keep doing what you love my man!

[@kristine6996]

I live in the largest European region of birds of prey in France. Each time I watch them hovering in the sky it takes my breath away and I feel blessed and very rich...

[@rwv3n]

simply beautiful. we should all apply this outlook to anything in life: everything eventually leaves us at some point, don't hold back and hold on, let go.

[@dasthewitchboy]

This was. In every sense of the word. Profound.

[@Southwesternism]

I came here looking for a random clip of a falcon and left with a newfound interest and respect for falconry

[@TheMainManBD]

Sir thank you for loving birds. You're a great inspiration to many.

[@aliakber2k10]

That bird don't care what color I am. 💔

[@cornemouton2740]

Always need to make it a race issue.

[@terrencehead6213]

@@cornemouton2740 The bird don't care, but people like you always do!

[@markjoseph2423]

Of cours . They are color blind

[@deddth]

Corne Mouton And idiots like you always have to point that out.

[@MarcDaniels7]

@@cornemouton2740 Exactly. Racism is literally on life support getting it’s last source of sustenance from the media that brainwashes society into thinking it is “the penultimate issue of our day”.

[@nathanielmiller8313]

Wow, this video is beautiful.

[@cheongyei]

Very cool. So many folks don't live their dreams. A toast to those who do!!

[@UrMom_says]

That is awesome. He's a great speaker to explain and represent what it is to be a falconer

[@christinedewitt8346]

What a beautiful video and message. Thank you for sharing your glorious lifestyle! Wishing you every success with your birds and those you inspire!

[@Mkayexplores]

That was simply beautiful man. Came up from knowing nothing about falconry to an expert who advances his knowledge.

[@steelersgirl3063]

Wow what an amazing story!!! I got emotional!! I live in the desert too and see a lot of these beautiful birds flying all the time!!

[@echojulietanievas6169]

Much respect to this guy.... Partnership is the key word.

[@MrNferguson24]

Shawn Hayes really is an amazing man and it's great to see him getting some recognition. BTW, he has his own KZbin channel with a couple of cool videos.

[@davidheywood4082]

This guy is awesome.

[@TheFurriestOne]

That's mighty cool, dude has his head on straight! Respectable dedication!

[@yujinchoi528]

It is very inspirational story btw a wild animal and a person who supported wild life of their own. Beautiful and soar like falcon.

[@zar6268]

Who else got the chills from watching this?

[@Prendey]

Awesome video. Just wish it was longer and more in detail about Shawn and his birds. As an owner of parrots I can tell you that it takes a ton of dedication to have a relationship with a parrot. I can't imagine the dedication necessary with a raptor.

[@bourbonlover2713]

From one Master Falconer to another Master Falconer....great job. One on one, a partnership with our trusted charge.

[@yianchahdebanyas5083]

Dude. This is absolutely AMAZING. I LOVE THIS ....

[@HAWK_Ben_G]

Major Kudos to Mr. +Shawn Hayes Thank You +National Geographic for sharing!

[@falcosalmo3613]

Awesome. Went duck hawking with Shawn in Utah back in 1998. Flying a hybrid peregrine X prairie and a juvenile prairie over ponds. Was great fun and achievement. Falconry in the USA is blessed with great territories and game to make falconers birds ultimate hunters. Great memories. Time flies.

[@jvstinr6033]

My boy looking like booker t though

[@Jet818ify]

Jvstin R i thought so too lmao

[@Tacsmoker]

he does mixed with lenny henry

[@Noodlepony]

Jvstin R nah he looks more like King BOOKAH!

[@giggityeffyou]

Lmao I was about to comment that he looks like Booker T but figured I should check the comments first

[@SenderBudYerGood]

"Can you dig it, sucka?" lol

[@babbar123]

You Sir are living the life. Amazing way to appreciate nature.

[@NguyetNguyen-tm9in]

You are so admirable for what you're doing: living the life you want, caring about wild animals, and especially helping others to see the beauty of nature instead of falling into the traps of social evils like crime and drugs.

[@firelord4662]

If I had his financial opportunity I would love to do things like this and travel the world

[@samhiatt]

This inspires me. I need inspiration like this right now. Thank you.

[@jdubya8762]

Great humble human

[@AX7razor]

This guy is awesome, nothing but RESPECT!

[@ThereIsNoGodOnlyUs]

I love that they used a Builders And The Butchers song for this. Just happens to be one of my favorites from the band.

[@glennhynes5263]

Beautiful Prairie Falcon and a beautiful story.

[@clichebeats5517]

Watching this did good things to the heart

[@KBurchfiel]

Great story and a great film, thank you!

[@khalidhasan5938]

This inspiring video brings hope and bridges like-minded people of all backgrounds! I love it!

[@sylpascale7673]

I loved it, great video, Shawn is amazing

[@bearheart2009]

Wow, this is so cool. I'd never thought about how unique this kind of relationship is with an animal.

[@NatGeo]

We love sharing inspiring stories from all around the world.

[@Ridikuluzt]

Awesome video! Very encouraging! Don’t ever let anyone tell you what you should do in life! Follow your dreams! Those that encourage and support your dreams are the ones you should be thankful for!

[@cawakening]

I came across a place in Washington that trains birds of prey and makes the regalia for falconry for customers all over the world and it is neat not just to see the birds but to see the bond between species and as a parrot and just general bird enthusiast I respect this guys path in life

[@lilblkewe]

I'd like to visit this place. Do you remember the name?

[@cawakening]

@@lilblkewe I do not it was years ago but it was in Yelm, WA. I also found it interesting that they said the majority of customers buying their falconry merchandise were from the Middle East. We allow for falconry in Washington as a form of hunting I've never seen it done but I would have thought that other states do it too and it was pretty shocking to hear that other countries do it more than we do.

[@MrChristbait]

Well that was the best thing I've seen for a while!

[@JustMe-01]

What a fascinating story! thanks for sharing

[@roberthowse6337]

Fantastic, Very Interesting, Thanks

[@JohnSmith-yz7uw]

This was superb! Awesome is not a big enough word.

[@williamwallace2278]

Cool dude. Appears extremely contented with life

[@btaylor2192]

Such a wholesome fella

[@deannakoa3]

I'm proud of you bro .....now this what I wanna see !😍

[@dsm02c]

Just awesome. Thanks for the video.

[@wgsmcw2012]

Omg, love this! Wish I could do this!

[@cncarrowsmiths1040]

Excellent story. My compliments to you and your mom for getting out there!

[@carlosrueda5386]

He won the game of life

[@Urban2222]

You’re blessed having that bird as pet ❤

[@sonicHometeam]

Allways wanted one of these birds so cool great job man rly relatable 👍🏻

[@laughtoohard9655]

This guy's awesome! I love the outdoors just as much, but my love is fishing.

[@gregmckown8443]

Absolute great video my friend.

[@deannakoa3]

Outstanding video . I'm learning myself now

[@angelorosario8417]

Nice to see somebody find and live their passion! Feed your passion! Btw, I heard Shawn is a Rodeo Clown in the rodeo circuit season! The brotha sure has enough drama & adventure in his life! Good for him! I did enjoy this video, Thanks National Geographic!

[@ahnnahayes9022]

It brings Happy 😊 😢 to my eyes to watch these videos. That's my brother living-breathing His Passion. Just like Mom taught us all! I remember going to the train yard with him & sweeping up bird feed that spilled from the tankers to feed his birds. Something so simple means a lot to me cuz that's my Bro! I love you for that & staying True to You! Be Blessed!

[@jlotrujillo]

Awesome people doing awesome things, again!! Love this stuff

[@weets69]

Wow. Awesome brah. Great vid and beautiful bird.

[@Will-Parr]

Amazing story. Thank you and God Bless

[@davethompson5899]

Educational and very inspiring! thanks!

[@Bobpaule]

Awesome video, great hobby, it shows you can do a lot if you have the flame of passion burning in you.

[@dianadominguez2758]

absolutely mesmerizing !

[@wyattwinston8924]

Keep going strong. Loved this

[@jeremyedwards5950]

Absolutely amazing. makes me want to take up another hobby. keep up the awesome work. peace, Jeremy

[@abrahamjaramillo5136]

Jeremy Edwards by by

[@bercl]

we need more of him

[@bfgtech48]

That is one inspirational brother.

[@shadow2947]

This dude is awesome and his hawk is beautiful

[@BearPapa49]

Thanks for the video . I always as a kid watched animal videos . I am 54 and I like birds of prey. I’ve gone to museums just to look at raptors . I may just put some time into looking into it . I have the time to do this .

[@djpetenice]

Best video ive seen on youtube in awhile thats inspired me

[@matsfreedom]

"...that's the peak, other than catching a Prairie Chicken". I know exactly what you mean! Nice video, Shawn. Falconry chose me when I was 11 years old and I've been at it now for 47 years. Nothing else like it.

[@retiloveyouisraelbo8988]

Very inspiring, thank You.

[@cozyrules1457]

This guys awesome I love it ! That's how we should all look at life

[@deankrakauer7046]

Love you Shawn, miss you guys. We had some lively times

[@quorumlab]

Love this lifestyle with the falcons

[@drugpeclo3780]

Love birds of prey. Such majestic savages

[@mikepolupan357]

Cool dude. Much respect !

[@iphone2web]

Really enjoyed this.

[@wallsride1163]

utterly brilliant

[@calemal-shaikhly4354]

Beautiful!

[@davidseals352]

I too would read books and not understand what to do. Finally I met a falconer who taught me more in the first month than books had taught me in five years. I started out with a Red-tail as well. It’s probably the best bird to start with. I no longer practice the way of life required by a falconer. I’m so happy you stayed with it. If you ever come to San Diego I’d love to go into the field with you.