UAE delegates stand in foreground during the parade of nations at the Third International Festival of Falconry held in the United Arab Emirates last December.

Representatives from the Abu Dhabi Culture and Heritage tent.

Falconer Mike Dupuy at Desert Camp UAE.

Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain was base camp for the Festival of Falconry.

California falconer George Bristol and his Harris Hawk in front of the American tent.  

Falconers call the area where the falcons are kept between flights in the field a "weathering area".

Falcons are put on flat perches called "block perches".

Two UAE falconers discuss equipment.  The falconer on the right is holding a glove traditionally used in falconry in the West and elsewhere. The man on the left is using a traditional Arab wrist covering know as a mangala to hold his falcon.

Britain's Dr. Nick Fox, head of the Northumberland Crow Falcons, gallops across the dunes as he hunts from horseback during the Festival.

Ancient and modern meet: This falconer sets off to hunt on camelback, but not before asking photographer Dupuy to post the image to Facebook.

Arabian Salukis are one of the world's oldest breeds, tracing back almost 13,000 years. These desert hounds are bred to assist humans in chasing prey, and are sometimes used by falconers.

Camel hunters arrive back at desert camp after the hunt.

A postcard depicting decorative falconry hoods.

A particularly ornate hood creates a still life.

Camel racing was an added attraction at the festival.

Spectators watch lure flying in the desert.

A Canadian falconer calls in North America's smallest falcon, the Kestrel.

An American falconer prepares for a flying demonstration.

Life is good: Peter Devers’ Red-tail hawk Wyvern contemplates the great outdoors in Utah.