After some searching, we found the Falcon Souq, which was a unique kind of place to visit. There were many stores selling falcons, but not particularly picturesque – usually rows of “steps” with falcons with hoods on their heads, waiting for somebody to buy them. I understand the hoods keep them calm, but still couldn’t help but feeling sorry for the birds. Occasionally we’d come across one without a hood, apparently a well-behaved bird. We did see a few men shopping for a falcon, and many with birds on their arms heading for the falcon hospital on the premises.

Naturally, these kinds of scenes weren’t easy to photograph. This was shot through a window (and is severely cropped) as the shopkeeper near the doorway was keeping an eye on me. We didn’t see the experience through, but this young man looked happy with this falcon when we were leaving.