Medieval Falconer

Mark Booth presents an expansive view of Medieval or Renaissance Falconry, through costumed, historical presentation. Mark, through interactive format, discusses falconry; equipment and practice; types of birds; natural environmental history of the birds of prey; and, the relevance of falconry in days gone by and the student's contemporary world. Mark Booth, chief aviarist at the Indianapolis Zoo is a federally licensed Falconer. A presenter on Children's television programming in Indiana, Mark has presented with Caton Enterprises, Ltd. for two years.

Performance features:

• 2 tethered birds of prey
• Federally licensed falconer
• 45 minute presentation
• Question and answer session

Take Flight! The Medieval Falconer

Mark Booth brings to life the Medieval art of Falconry for students and teachers. Information on falcons and their habitat, the use of falcons in the Middle Ages for hunting, the importance of species preservation in our world and environmental issues are discusses during demonstration of the capabilities of the bird and trainer. Mark is dressed in authentic costume and has skilled interaction with children. Question and answer session is included. No flying involved; falcons are tethered and fly only short distance from perch to falconer's glove.

My Side of the Mountain

In the attire of a contemporary naturalist, Mark Booth brings the world of falconry and the study of birds to your student's doorstep. Springboarding from the novel and movie, “My Side of the Mountain,” Mark brings his birds, books and knowledge into the classroom. In his interactive discussion, he highlights environmental responsibility, importance of knowledge and care when working with birds, how one becomes a falconer, the importance of reading and education and highlights careers in animal care.