National Club of Falconers and the Conservation of Birds of Prey of the Polish Hunting Association - GNIAZDO SOKOLNIKÓW

Gniazdo Sokolników (Falconers Nest) was established in 1972 as a specialized section of the Polish Hunting Association at the Executive Board of  Polish Hunting Association. The Club has its own Rules, seals and awards, and its activity is directed by the Board elected for five-year terms. In 1998 the Club changed its name to National Club of Falconers and the Conservation of Birds of Prey of the Polish Hunting Association - Falconers Nest.

The main tasks of the Club are to cultivate the tradition and art of falconry and activities to protect birds of prey. Club currently consists of ca. 150 members from across the country. In addition to the hunting with birds of prey members also carry: breeding and rehabilitation of birds of prey, Peregrine Falcon reintroduction, biological protection of objects and crops as well as shows of flying birds of prey and educational classes, etc.. There are few annual falconers meetings: in spring - The General Assembly of the Club and in autumn - Kite Contest and National Field Meeting.

The main training center of the Club is the Research Station of the Polish Hunting Association in Czempiń, the venue for the annual falconry courses. Club maintains contact with similar clubs abroad. The Club is also a member of the International Association of Falconry and Conservation of Birds of Prey (IAF), with Clubs own delegate.

Membership of the Club can be obtained after candidate apprenticeship, the applicants should be adults, being members or interns of the Polish Hunting Association. [JS]