It felt like Christmas morning all over again. I spotted a package waiting in my office and I could hardly wait to open it. Our raptor handling gloves are starting to looking worn, so I was excited to see the brand new glove that I had ordered. It slid out of the envelope and I marveled at the smooth leather. But my excitement soon gave way to disappointment as I noticed they had sent a right-handed glove.
I instantly knew I would have to return the glove and quickly sent an email to the company requesting an exchange. But it made me wonder: why do we only use our left hands to handle the birds?
It may seem counterintuitive for a right-handed person like me to use my left hand for raptor handling. But my gloved left hand is simply a perch - it just has to remain stable while the bird sits on my fist. That means my right hand is free to attach a leash, tie one-handed knots, check the bird's feet, or other tasks that require dexterity.
Theoretically I could use a right-handed glove, but I would have to completely re-learn everything. It would be like me trying to write with my left hand - I could probably do it, but it would take longer and look more awkward.
Handling handedness is also based in tradition. Raptor handling is almost always learned directly through experience with a trained falconer or educator. Everything I know about raptor care I learned from on-the-job training at internships. New falconers can only obtain a permit if they sign on with a sponsor (a master falconer willing to take them under their wing). Most of us use left-handed gloves largely because that's how we were trained by our mentors.
The origins of the tradition go even farther back to the Middle Ages. When falconry was introduced to Europe, it became a sign of social status and people would often bring their birds to meals. The bird would perch at the dinner table on the handler's left fist, leaving the right hand free for the socialite to eat. (Imagine trying to eat soup with your non-dominant hand and you'll understand the falconer's handling preference!)
Interestingly, the tradition varies in the Middle East where falconry originated. Falconers there often use their right hand as a perch, perhaps more logical based on the different equipment they use and their hunting techniques on horseback.
Luckily the falconry company quickly sent a left-handed glove. Now that I have this lovely, pristine gauntlet, I am afraid to use it! But soon enough it will be worn in by my hand and Carson's talons.
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