In
Come Fly With Me
, Mark Joseph Good, recipient of two Governor's Distinguished Service Awards, the Florida Park Service Heroism Award, and the National Park Service Award of Valor, gives us a glimpse into his demanding, challenging, and very rewarding life as a master falconer. Through engaging, insightful anecdotes, you will meet many of the raptors he has worked--and bonded--with throughout the years. One such bird is Thorin Oakenshield, a rare Eurasian Eagle Owl whose tale is one of intrigue involving the illegal pet trade, smugglers, and government secrecy.
The ancient sport of falconry, the art of hunting with a trained bird of prey to catch live quarry, has a long history, from the Mongol Empire to medieval Europe and beyond. Today, falconry evokes images of gallant knights upon glossy steeds with a falcon, hawk, or eagle perched upon their gauntlet. But to Mark, falconry is "all about the birds."
Known as The Owl Whisperer, Mark and his raptors teach young and old about our natural environment and the wildlife he loves. Through his true stories, photos, and illustrations, he conveys the truly spiritual connection he has with these amazing creatures and the seemingly magical happenings that often surround them.