You know we at Criminal Element tend to focus on just how . . . creative humans can be when it comes to murder and death, which makes me wonder if we are neglecting the true masters of murder. You know, the ones out there that have been doing death since the dawn of time. Sure Discovery Channel has its Shark Week, with those great whites and their soulless eyes, but I’m talking about the killer that could be outside your window, in the tree in your yard. Watching. Waiting. I’m talking about falcons.
The above video is a literal bird’s-eye view of a falcon bringing down various game. It was made near Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates where falconry has become a kind of national pastime. What began as a necessity for Bedouin nomads, falconry and falcons still hold a special place in certain Arab cultures. But some modern-day falconers have taken to placing a small video recorder and battery pack on their winged weapons so that they can capture each kill. The video is amazing and beautiful in a way—showing nature doing what nature does best.
I will warn you, it’s not for the faint of heart, especially if you are overly fond of small woodland creatures.