Penryn College pupil passes C-grade falconry with flying colours
Born and raised in Mbombela, Tom said he always had an interest in wildlife and falconry, as he loves the outdoors and working with animals.
A Penryn College learner, Tom Armitage, recently qualified as a C-grade falconer, receiving 90% on his exam and his very own falcon to work with.
The grade 10 pupil, who only started at Penryn this year, said it took him a term of hard work and theory before completing his C-grade, and is excited to work with his own African goshawk in the coming weeks.
Deciding to take his falconry seriously, he joined Penryn as this college is the only school in the country to offer falconry as an extra-curricular activity.
“You are more like a bystander when it comes to falconry. You stand back and just let the bird go,” said Tom.
“You get to be up close with the bird, see how it flies and learn to understand how they hunt. You also get to know a bird. They each have a personality. We keep the birds fit and healthy. They are amazing animals and some of them can be very intelligent.”
He said he started working with his female African goshawk about two weeks ago.
“She has a bit of an attitude, but she is also very curious and wants to check everything out,” he said.
Tom said hunting with falcons only takes place once a year, and the rest of the year is spent looking after the bird, ensuring it is in the best possible environment, with housing, food and equipment, as well as healthcare.
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He added that he would like to complete his B-grade and A-grade qualifications in falconry, but would have to wait until he has worked with his goshawk a bit more before starting with the other grades.
He said his favourite birds are black African goshawks and sparrow hawks.
“They have shorter wings and longer tails. It is amazing to watch them navigate through bushes and trees while flying,” he said.
Tom said falconry is a lone sport. He works with and get taught by Penryn’s programme coordinator and long-time falconer, Steve van Rensburg.
Tom said the birds are in the process of moulting now and cannot really fly during the process, as they become easily stressed. But he would possibly be able to demonstrate his falconry skills in the next few weeks.
He said after matriculating, he wants to study herpetology (the study of amphibians), but plans on continuing falconry for a very long time to come.
Penryn College said it is extremely proud of Tom’s achievement and that it is looks forward to him exhibiting his falconry skills in future.
