From medieval Europe to airports: Meet the falconers
A magazine feature on the profession of falconry: raising, caring for, and training birds of prey. Once a status symbol in the Middle Ages, it is now mainly used to scare birds away from airports. It is illegal in Israel but still practiced in Europe. The falconer combines work with animals, guided tours, and workshops, with an average salary in the UK of about £32,000 per year.
A magazine feature in the 'Various and Unique Jobs' section presents the profession of falconry. A falconer is a person who raises, cares for, and trains birds of prey, using them for hunting or to scare away other birds. The profession has existed for centuries and was a status symbol among the nobility in the Middle Ages. Today it is a niche market, and many falconers combine the work with guided tours, workshops, and educational activities. One of the most prominent practical uses is scaring birds away from airports. There is no formal academic track; learning is done through practical courses and apprenticeships. The work requires physical fitness, patience, discipline, and a love for animals, along with communication and teamwork skills. The salary in the UK, according to Glassdoor in July 2026, averages about £32,000 per year (about 130,000 shekels). Job postings show ranges of £26,700–£40,000, depending on experience and bonuses. In Israel, the profession is illegal.