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Mongolia (4 stories) All Galleries

Eagle Hunters - Berkutchi

45 images Created 23 Feb 2021

In Altai Mountains of Western Mongolia, the ancient tradition of hunting with Golden Eagles is still alive. Following a 2000-year old custom, Kazakh nomads train their eagles to hunt for rabbits and foxes. Yearly, hunters travel days to celebrate this skill in a colorful festival.
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  • Some eagle hunters ride for days to partake in this yearly competition.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering.
    Mongolia_Berkuchi_1.jpg
  • Aerial View near Bayan Olgii town. <br />
<br />
Nomads from the Central Asian steppe have been hunting with Golden Eagles for over 2000 years.  We are flying off to Western Mongolia, to the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle owners come to this wide valley in the Altai Mountains to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering.
    Mong_Eagle_1006_067.jpg
  • The "Berkuchis", the eagle hunters, are parading during the official start-off of the festival.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_04.jpg
  • Young teenagers come by horse from nearby Olgii town to see the festival... and flirt a little.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_05.jpg
  • A young teenage girl come to watch the competition, wearing traditional Kazakh outfit.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_06.jpg
  • Trendy teenage girl in full leather outfit coming by horse from nearby Olgii town to see the festival.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_07.jpg
  • A hereditary tradition. Samarkand, 13 years old, the youngest eagle hunter competitor - his father and grandfather are eagle hunters.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia.
    Mong_Eagle_1006_08.jpg
  • A Berkuchi showing off his eagle. Adult eagle can weight up to 4 kilos.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_14.jpg
  • Reaching the top of the hill overlooking the Mongolian steppe and preparing to release an eagle.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_11.jpg
  • The bird is released while its owner (a speck on the right side of the image) stand below on horseback and signal for the eagle to land upon his arm, as they do during hunting.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_16.jpg
  • A golden eagle flies above the crowd. The eagle soar higher and higher using thermal winds.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_32.jpg
  • Some eagle hunters ride for days to partake in this yearly competition.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering.
    Mong_Eagle_1006_36.jpg
  • Some eagle hunters ride for days to partake in this yearly competition. <br />
Eagle hunters returning home after the comptetition.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_38.jpg
  • Only female eagle are used for hunting. This one is 3 years old.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_40.jpg
  • Only female eagle are used for hunting. This one is 3 years old.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_41.jpg
  • Only female eagle are used for hunting. This one is 3 years old.<br />
Colorful ribbons are tied under one of the wing to identify the eagle.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_043.jpg
  • Rus Bosara, the oldest eagle hunter competitor in Western Mongolia - his son and grand son are eagle hunters as well. Portrayed in his yurt with his wife Rus Alda.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_062.jpg
  • Guarding the yurt's entrance, Rus Bosara's eagle stands on its tripod.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_061.jpg
  • Eagle trophy in the yurt of eagle hunter Rus Bosara.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_063.jpg
  • Eagle hunter portrait with pink hat.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_20.jpg
  • The heterochromia (two different eye color) of Bemprach an eagle hunter. The fur used to make his traditional hat was his eagle's catch.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_17.jpg
  • Hunter force-drinking water to his eagle. <br />
Mouth to beak. In between 2 flights, this thirsty eagle is given water by its owner.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_068.jpg
  • Eagle shadow on a yurt wall.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_44.jpg
  • Releasing the eagle from a rock cliff. The eagle's wing span is about 1.5m.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_12.jpg
  • A business man and his eagle.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_23.jpg
  • Eagle resting on a horse. At the festival.<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_25.jpg
  • A golden eagle on the jeep of its owner.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_26.jpg
  • A bird’s eye view of the festival, the Altai Mountains in the distance.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_03.jpg
  • Mongolian showing off their skills on horseback, picking up pegs stuck in the ground, riding full speed.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_27.jpg
  • A horse rider throws a sheep skin in the air after catching it in a game of Buzkachi.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_28.jpg
  • A horse rider throws a sheep skin in the air after catching it in a game of Buzkachi.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_29.jpg
  • An excited Mongolian crowd cheers to the best competitors...<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_30.jpg
  • The crowd is overlooked by a Mongolian policeman armed with an electric shocker.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_071.jpg
  • The Jury, dressed up for the occasion.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_31.jpg
  • Eagles with the fastest time and best technique are awarded the highest scores.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_069.jpg
  • Bazer Bai, 14 years old, shows his eagle. Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia, October 2006
    Mong_Eagle_1006_48.jpg
  • Bazer Bai, 14 years old, shows his eagle. <br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_050.jpg
  • Bazer Bai, 14 years old, caught under the wing of his eagle.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_051.jpg
  • A hereditary tradition. Samarkand, 13 years old, the youngest eagle hunter competitor - his father and grandfather are eagle hunters.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia.
    Mong_Eagle_1006_09.jpg
  • A competitor and his master. The eagle is wearing its “tomaga”, the hood that blinds her... and the basis of its domestication.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_53.jpg
  • A competitor and his master. The eagle is wearing its “tomaga”, the hood that blinds her... and the basis of its domestication.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_070.jpg
  • A competitor and his master. The eagle is wearing its “tomaga”, the hood that blinds her... and the basis of its domestication.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_55.jpg
  • An eagle rest on the “Bialeye”, the protective cowhide mitten that a hunter wears on his right hand and forearm whenever he’s handling his eagle. Curved and razor sharp, the claws of the eagle are especially designed to catch and hold their prey.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_54.jpg
  • Only female eagle are used for hunting. This one is 3 years old.<br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_057.jpg
  • The yurt tourist camp where you can spend the night, near the festival. <br />
<br />
Eagle Hunting festival in Western Mongolia, in the province of Bayan Olgii. Mongolian and Kazak eagle hunters come to compete for 2 days at this yearly gathering. Mongolia
    Mong_Eagle_1006_59.jpg
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