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