Peregrine Spring: A Master Falconer's Extraordinary Life with Birds of Prey

As a resident of Deering, NH and a friend of the Cowans, I have to admit I only bought this book because it features local places and people. But I found it a fascinating story. Nancy is a great story-teller, and I especially enjoy her sense of humor, down-to-earth pragmatism, and the simplicity of her prose. The books reads as fiction at times, and Nancy draws you through a series of funny, hair-raising, and beautiful tales at a nice quick pace. I finished the book in a day and plan to go back and read it again soon.

What I most appreciate about a book is good writing and this book is superbly written. I was able to enjoy vicariously Nancy Cowan’s fascinating experiences with birds of prey, and I especially appreciated her confessions and explanations of her errors and mindset during many of those incidents. I liked the way she knew her birds were not pets, but she made clear that they had a place in her heart.Although I was raised in a family of hunters, my inner-bunny-hugger prompted me to question the ethics of falconry. I was surprised at the stringent protocols for both the sport and the rehabilitation of injured wild birds, which earned my respect. I also recalled the words of Joseph Campbell who said, “All life feeds on life,” a mystery which is at the heart of many myths.

I bought this book as soon as I returned home from a Falconry Workshop at the NH School of Falconry, hoping to extend the soul-quenching experience of my time spent with Nancy and her birds. It has done so, in spades.Nancy is an engaging storyteller, both on and off the page. But the book is about more than the wonderful stories she tells; it transmits the deep, abiding respect she has for the creatures with whom she shares her life, as well as her fervent commitment to their stewardship. It's a love story of the highest order, depicting a palpable reverence for the bond created by understanding and aligning natural instincts.The natural world has always served to connect me with my higher self. Peregrine Spring has done that as well as any walk in the woods or along the shore. A true gift.

If you are even just remotely interested in raptors, you should read this book. I could not put it down, and was so energized by it. The stories of Nancy and her birds (and her husband and his birds) were fascinating, inspiring, and pulled at my heart strings. Reading her words, I felt like I was there with her and her dog and her glorious birds on a hunt. Upon finishing, I promptly called her THE NEXT DAY and scheduled a visit to her beloved NH School of falconry. I think I smiled too much because now my face hurts. I learned more about raptors and their spirit in this book that I'd dreamed of and am so glad the NH School is under 2 hours away from me. I cannot wait for her next book, which she is currently writing.The book itself came in perfect condition and she happily signed it for me when we met, which was also incredible.

Living in New Hampshire we are not unfamiliar with seeing birds of prey in our sky. Wanting to learn more, I found that there is a school in our state that teaches the craft of Falconry. Before I took a class (which was incredible....but that’s another review), I purchased the book Peregrine Spring. I wanted to get a look into the world of falconry before I took the course. So glad I made the purchase. Nancy’s book takes you thru her story of how she started in falconry, how she gained knowledge thru her experiences with her raptors, and gives insights as to why it has held mankind’s interest thru the centuries. Forty concise chapters hold your attention as you learn of the lives of her birds, her joys, her losses. Even if you do not take her course this book is a great read. You will learn so much, both of how and why it is done, but more importantly, the bond you will come to see and feel between bird and mankind.

I have been honored to know Nancy for years as a student on the wing. I am delighted to finally have on page some of her most memorable times with teaching and sharing the art of falconry. I picked up this book and was engrossed from page one where she celebrates the beauty of a gyrfalcon to the last finishing line of embracing a peregrine spring. Her words fly off the page with a profound craft for describing perfectly the world of the winged creatures she has become a guardian of for decades. Without hesitation, I recommend this book for the avid nature lover, conservationist, aspiring falconry student, and those in awe of the raptor world. There are those who possess an ability to write and convey so eloquently their experience on a written page. There are fewer who can write on paper the 'knowingness' and intimacy of the human-bird-dog relationship. Nancy Cowan is a master steward in both. Her ability to articulate the ancient alliance and bond of bird and human is truly special. I am so grateful she shares such glimpses and chapters of her life through this book.

This book introduces and gives the reader a glimpse into falconry, falconers and the raptors (birds of prey) they are devoted to and love. A knowledgeable account and informative read. It introduces the reader to the licensing process, the falconer and the raptors. Ms Cowan describes each of her raptors, including a Peregrine falcon and several Hawks, Harris's and Redtailed. She describes how she acquired her raptors, the training process, the unique differences and personalities displayed by each, the walk and the hunt. This was a very interesting read. I enjoyed and was delighted at the many experiences she had with these raptors. I also cried and empathized with her sadness at the loss of of one of her birds. This was an easy read and very informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the style of her writing and her enthusiasm in introducing the sport, art, science and passion of falconry. I highly recommend this book. It will wet your appetite to to learn more and possibly participate in the experience of falconry.

A warm, beautifully written tale of the development of an adept falconer. This book is a page turner, even to a non falconer. It shows falconry as the bumpy ride that it is, of successful highs and gutting lows of loss. It is extremely honest, even down to sharing the errors that scar the hearts of the best falconers. Wonderful