The owl returned to the falconer’s gauntlet. “I’ll need some help. Are there any children out there who would like to be a part of the next demonstration?”
As children around the perimeter started jumping up and waving for attention, Emily asked her parents, “Can I?”
“Of course,” answered Peggy. “Now that Daddy told us you weigh too much for an owl to carry away.”
Emily jumped as close to the barrier as she could and waved hard at the male falconer who was walking along the edge selecting the helpers. He paused as he came near the bouncing youngster, waved her to him, and said, “You!”
“Well, now we know what Em will talk about on the first day back at school this fall,” said Alice.
“I’m so glad she got picked!” Peggy’s eyes followed her daughter as the falconer, Finley, had the children sit cross-legged in two rows, facing inward.
With the children almost in position, Brooke made another request to the crowd. “I also need four adults to be trees for us, no branches required.” In short order four tall adults had taken their places at the end of the two rows of children, on the side opposite from where Brooke and Gandalf stood. Finley took his place behind the “trees” and held out his gloved hand and padded arm.
“Children, each of you is a mouse who does not want to be Gandalf’s dinner. An owl can see the tiniest movement, so you must not wiggle, twitch, giggle, or talk. Try to sit so still that you can feel when Gandalf has flown over you.” The children glanced at each other and settled into their positions, nervousness on some faces and excitement on others as they became still.
“And ‘trees,’” Finley said, addressing the adults next to him, “you also need to stay as motionless as you can. Tree bark can withstand owl talons better than skin and cloth.”
Quiet settled over the crowd, each person fixing their eyes on the magnificent bird of prey. At the slightest of signals from his falconer, Gandalf leapt into the air, extending his four-foot wingspan to glide over the heads of the children. Obedient to the falconer’s instructions, the children sat as if frozen, the occasional lift of hair as the bird flew over them was the only sign of movement.
It seemed impossible that the large bird could fit between the “trees” as they stood a mere twelve inches apart. But Gandalf rolled back slightly, extended his feet, and landed on Finley’s arm in a movement so graceful it could almost be called dainty.
The children, adults, and audience drew in a collective gasp and broke into applause. Emily bounced up onto her knees and hugged herself, giggling with the girl next to her about feeling her hair lift when Gandalf flew over her. The falconers announced a brief intermission and dismissed the helpers. Emily danced across the field to her family and friends.
“That was the coolest thing, ever!” Emily gushed as she ducked under the flag barrier. “Did you see Gandalf poof my hair when he flew by?”
Ian pushed the stop button on his phone’s video camera. “Would you like to see it too, Emily?” He made sure the video was back to the beginning and waved the young girl over.
“What a great idea, Ian!” exclaimed Annie. “I was so entranced, I completely forgot about photos or anything.”
“So did I,” Alice laughed, pulling out her cellphone. “I’ll keep it out for the next part of the demonstration.”
Emily stood close to the mayor, watching as the great horned owl glided so very close to the top of her head. “I knew he was close, but … wow!”
Peggy leaned close and whispered to Wally, “Am I wrong or is this the first time Em’s been speechless since she spoke her first word?”
“Just might be,” Wally acknowledged, proud eyes on his daughter.
During the rest of the brief intermission, Ian passed his phone around so everyone could enjoy Emily’s experience once more. When the demonstration resumed, this time the main attraction was Athena, a golden eagle. Raised by Finley, the eagle made Gandalf look puny in comparison. The falconer raised his arm, and Athena spread her wings, flying in a circle around the field.
Ian raised his phone to video the giant bird of prey. “Now I really see why the falconers raise their birds from hatchlings. A bird that size could do serious damage.”
“It’s breathtaking,” murmured Annie. “I’ve seen plenty of bald eagles from a distance, but what a wonder it is to see a golden eagle this close.” Her eyes were riveted to the majestic bird and its handler.
“Did you hear what he just said?” asked Wally, amazement on his face. “That bird can dive at speeds up to 150 miles per hour! I’ve watched my share of fish hawks diving around the Gulf of Maine, but 150 miles per hour?” His mouth puckered, emitting a low whistle.