The Hawk’s Way by Sy Montgomery (Review by Stacey Lorenson)

Book Rating: 3.8

I have a backyard that overlooks a section of south Orange County, California and have found my self mesmerized by the beauty of hawks. I never tire watching these majestic birds of prey. When I had the opportunity to review The Hawk’s Way by Sy Montgomery, I considered it a chance to learn more about these fascinating birds.

The author, Sy Montgomery documents her apprentice falconry experience and her conflict between all the things falconry requires and her commitment to vegetarianism. I really felt a connection to the authors respect for the beauty of the hawk’s wildness and her awe in wanting to learn more about this century’s ancient tradition.

Montgomery has created a short-story book packed with a varietal of information about the various species of hawks, their unique hunting prowess, and the sacred connection of falconer to bird of prey. The Hawk’s Way prose is written in vivid, emotional imagery, with a reverence to what can only be described as the art form (others might consider falconry a sport).

Montgomery provides an educational lesson on everything hawk and falconry related. I learned so much from this little book and came away with an even bigger appreciation for these fascinating birds. The author generously shares how hawks and falconry changed her life, and her relationship to the wild. If you want to learn more about these fascinating creatures The Hawk’s Way will broaden your knowledge and appreciation of them even more.