Name?  

Rob Summers

How long have you been an OFA member?

since 1985 

Positions in OFA?

Past President during our first NAFA Field Meet in Woodward,  V.P. prior to that.

Where do you live?

Owasso Oklahoma

Job or School?

Air Traffic Controller/ Tulsa Int. Airport

Family?

Wife Gina of 24 years and two daughters Kayli 21 and Taylor 19

What got you interested in falconry?

I was working for a Veterinarian  through High School in Southern California. We did a lot of rehab with wild animals from the Big Bear Mountain region. We treated golden eagles on a regular basis and nobody wanted to handle them. I thought they were impressive creatures and worked with them daily. The head Vet. at our clinic bought me the North American Falconry- book and handed it to me saying "you are our new Falconer". That was all it took.

Who was your sponsor? (or mentors and influences?)

John Chubb was a california falconer who showed me the basics.

What birds do you currently fly?

I have a three year old Gyr/Peregrine hybrid (bogie)

What birds have you flown in the past?

Wow that is a long time to recall: To the best of my recollection I have flown. Kestrels , Redtails, Red Shoulder, coopers hawks, Harris Hawk, Gyr Falcons, Peregrine Falcons, Prairie Falcon, Merlin, Peregrine/Prairie, Gyr/Prairie, Gyr/Saker, 3/4 Prairie 1/4 Gyr, 3/4 Peregrine 1/4 Gyrs, and many Gyr/Peregrine tiercels.

What was your favorite bird and why?

The Gyr/Peregrine tiercels are my favorite.

What birds do you plan to fly or would like to fly?

I hope to fly a Jerkin again when I have more time and can travel to cooler climates for training. Some of the designer birds like Gyr/Merlins or Peregrine/Merlins seem really interesting for small quarry. I see Falconry changing rapidly. The future of local hawking seems to be moving toward smaller birds hunting smaller quarry.

Favorite Quarry?

I really enjoy time in the grasslands hunting Grouse.

Do you have other animals?

 I have two French Brittney Spaniels I use in Falconry

Favorite falconry story?

 I think back when I first started training birds. I had a male Kestrel training him in suburban L.A.  I went to the High School football field and served him sparrows. When he missed he would start climbing and waiting on at 100-200 ft. Not knowing how desirable this behavior was I would start swinging the lure to bring him down. I would love to go back and see what would have been!

Funniest falconry story?

I was out in western Oklahoma on a OFA get together flying my Peregrine/Prairie on ducks. She was a hard imprint and known to run spectators out of the field. She took a high pitch (for her) of 300 ft. Suddenly I heard a yipping sound and in the middle of nowhere came a toy poodle down the road upset we were in his domain. I looked up to see my falcon in a stoop heading toward the poodle. The first impact was head on! The poodle was 2 feet in the air doing a backflip before I could get the lure out. I could only watch as my falcon rolled the poor pouch half a dozen times as it tried to retreat from where it came. Each time he was pummeled a big dust cloud was visible on the dirt road followed by a yip. My bird returned to catch a gadwall in a lights out hit over the same road. I checked on the poodle after the flight and he was OK, a little ruffled but nothing serious. 

Favorite quote?

I watched a Falconry video years ago of a guy flying a Prairie on something, I don't remember what. He cast the bird off and it never climbed over head high. There was lots of hooting and hollering as the bird coasted around then landed beside the lure. This was the point the Falconer says " I'll take that any-day!" So that has always been the default quote when everything goes wrong and I am standing there with the bird on on my fist at the end of the flight.  I'll take that any-day!

What is the best tip that you would give someone new to the sport?

Make sure you have a competent sponsor, read as much information on Falconry you can find. Remember you chose your bird not the other way around, A bird is completely dependent on you to provide food and shelter. If you don't have the facilities and time to have a bird wait until you are prepared. Falconers are the top tear of sportsmen our sport requires unbelievable commitment and can be incredibly rewarding, appreciate the opportunity to practice this sport and realize many in the world cannot. Enjoy every minute in this fulfilling sport.

Who have you sponsored?

John Peaden most recently. Several others over the years.

What goals do you have for your falconry experience?

To spend more time when I semi-retire enjoying the sport. To travel and see other falconer flying a wide variety of birds on an even wider variety of quarry..

Contact Info you want public?  

Rob Summers (918) 409-3053     E-Mail:     This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Social Networks?

Facebook