UAE-trained falcon trainer from Syria shows off his bird in Idlib - in pictures

  • Antar the falcon waves his wings while is owner waters him on a pomegranate tree. All photos: Abd Almajed Alkarh / The National
    Antar the falcon waves his wings while is owner waters him on a pomegranate tree. All photos: Abd Almajed Alkarh / The National
  • Muhammed Al Humsi learnt from UAE falcon trainers that he should water Antar's body in the afternoons
    Muhammed Al Humsi learnt from UAE falcon trainers that he should water Antar's body in the afternoons
  • Al Humsi holds the fur of two foxes he received as a gift. He has been raising birds since he was 14
    Al Humsi holds the fur of two foxes he received as a gift. He has been raising birds since he was 14
  • Al Humsi feeds his falcon, which usually eats one or two pigeons a day
    Al Humsi feeds his falcon, which usually eats one or two pigeons a day
  • Al Humsi takes Antar to the vet for occasional check-ups, to ensure he is in good health
    Al Humsi takes Antar to the vet for occasional check-ups, to ensure he is in good health
  • Sisters Yasmine and Khadija Alloush hold the falcon in front of a shopping mall in Idlib
    Sisters Yasmine and Khadija Alloush hold the falcon in front of a shopping mall in Idlib
  • Yasmine Alloush enjoys holding the falcon for the first time
    Yasmine Alloush enjoys holding the falcon for the first time
  • Antar perches on her head. His wings are about one metre wide
    Antar perches on her head. His wings are about one metre wide
  • Antar is 2.5 years old and weighs 4kg
    Antar is 2.5 years old and weighs 4kg
  • Antar attracts attention, waving his wings
    Antar attracts attention, waving his wings
  • People gather to see the falcon outside the shopping mall in Idlib
    People gather to see the falcon outside the shopping mall in Idlib
  • Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 26-year-old from Idlib, enjoys holding Antar. He says the falcon is an unusual sight in that part of Syria
    Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 26-year-old from Idlib, enjoys holding Antar. He says the falcon is an unusual sight in that part of Syria