Nepal's Parahawking Project offers paragliding with a twist -- fliers are joined by a trained Egyptian vulture. The birds guide the paragliders to pockets of thermal air. In exchange, they're rewarded in-flight with a chunk of raw meat.
Parahawking in Nepal —
Nepal's Parahawking Project offers paragliding with a twist -- fliers are joined by a trained Egyptian vulture. The birds guide the paragliders to pockets of thermal air. In exchange, they're rewarded in-flight with a chunk of raw meat.
Courtesy Scott Mason
Typical parahawking flights last about 30 minutes. Weather and bird behavior can determine the length of the flight.
Flight attendant —
Typical parahawking flights last about 30 minutes. Weather and bird behavior can determine the length of the flight.
Courtesy Scott Mason
Scott Mason, founder of the Parahawking Project, uses two rescued Egyptian vultures, found and rehabilitated in Nepal, for his parahawking flights.
Rescue birds —
Scott Mason, founder of the Parahawking Project, uses two rescued Egyptian vultures, found and rehabilitated in Nepal, for his parahawking flights.
Courtesy Scott Mason
Keep a tight fist on that buffalo meat and try not to worry about the ride. The Parahawking Project says its pilots are internationally licensed and insured.
Feeding time —
Keep a tight fist on that buffalo meat and try not to worry about the ride. The Parahawking Project says its pilots are internationally licensed and insured.
Courtesy Scott Mason
In Nepal, the parahawking season runs from the middle of October through mid-April. Mating seasons and moulting patterns affect the season for flights.
No summer flights —
In Nepal, the parahawking season runs from the middle of October through mid-April. Mating seasons and moulting patterns affect the season for flights.
Courtesy Scott Mason