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27 May 2010 | Deluun Sum, Mongolia (47.8677, 90.6981)
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On our second day, after suffering a tea hangover from our welcome meals, we finally met the eagle. Although she did not have a name, she was as much part of the family as any one of the kids (not even the dog slept inside!).
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The hunter introduces us to the eagle, which sleeps in the bedroom with the family and was definitely not happy about us waking her up.
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We all enjoy a meal together with the eagle. From this, I learned that when an eagle begs for food, you give it what it wants. Hanging on the wall, you can also see some of the 44 foxes she caught this last winter.
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The eagle-hunter as he gazes lovingly into his pet’s eye.
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These talons can do some serious damage if given a chance to clinch the flesh, which she tries on me in a bit.
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I am desperate to make friends and cuddle with the bird but she wants nothing to do with me.
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I finally get to hold her, and sure enough, she digs her talons into my arm.
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The hunter is mounting up to bring his eagle for a horse ride. She was about as excited as a dog when pulling out the leash for a walk.
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It was amazing to see how the eagle is literally a cherished part of the family and earns her keep by hunting for precious meat during the winter. Sadly, this ends our time in the Kazakh area of Mongolia and now we start our two-week drive to the capital, Ulaanbaatar.
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Tags:
bird,
drive,
eagle,
food,
foxes,
friend,
hangover,
happy,
hunter,
kazakh,
kids,
meal,
mongolia,
sleep,
tea
