Rodney Stotts: Brother Falconer
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An ancient sport, Falconry is the keeping and training of birds of prey.
Rodney Stotts is a Black falconer from Southeast Washington DC. He is the program director at Raptor and River/Environmental Education in connection with the Earth Conservation Corps along the Anacostia River.
Realizing that his lifestyle was not safe or sustainable, Stotts was drawn to falconry and river conservation as an alternative to jail, or perhaps more likely, death. “I found that my love for the environment and raptors was greater than the love for drug dealing.” Stotts explained.
According to Stotts, falconry is important in two ways; it saves the lives of raptors and helps to keep the population healthy, and it crosses all color, socioeconomic, and ethnic barriers. Through his work, he makes the powerful connection between endangered species of all kinds that include the Bald Eagle in DC to local youth who must navigate survival in a stressed community.
The Earth Conservation Corps currently employs its raptors to engage local youth in environmental education activities. Says Rodney, “Falconry can help build character, compassion, and caring. It’s importance is immeasurable. It changes lives.”
Check out this short video that shares more about his inspiration and passion!
Three hoorays for brother Rodney.
What an inspiring video. Thank you Outdoor Afro!
Thanks for stopping by!
It’s good to see brother Rodney introduce falconry to the kids of DC.
I LOVE it! Thanks for the post Rue!
Just shared this on my ‘blog (http://urbanperegrines.wordpress.com), after having seen & shared it on FB. This made my day. I miss DC! Helped with an Anacostia clean-up right before I left for the wild West.
Thanks for your post and for sharing the story. Rodney is amazing and a testament to life and living with purpose.
I saw a report on you with video on yahoo.es (Spain) and had to look you up. It is fantasitc what you did for your life, those handsome birds and the environment. You are an inspiration!
Yes! Rodney is indeed amazing! Thanks for your comment!
Just listened to Rodney on NPR 5.20.17 and am in awe of all that he does. One love xo
Love your work. How can I get started, here in Atlanta, GA?