PHOTO GALLERY: Justin Robertson goes falconing

Maine Koon, a 6-month-old Aplomado falcon, sits atop a quail she just caught and killed on Wednesday in an open field near Cooper's Landing. Maine Koon was bred in captivity and is now being trained by her owner Justin Robertson to hunt.   |  Amy Stroth

Justin Robertson of Ashland holds his male Aplomado falcon, Jefe, on his glove between hunting exercises on Wednesday. Robertson has been a licensed falconer for five years and has earned the ranking of general falconer. "I fell in love with (falconry). To be a part of this amazing thing that happens, something that you're lucky if you even get to experience from afar, is awesome," Robertson said.   |  Amy Stroth

Jefe, a 6-month-old Aplomado falcon, feasts on a small treat of quail meat, given to him by his owner Justin Robertson on Wednesday in an open field near Cooper's Landing. Robertson has been training Jefe and another falcon since mid-October.   |  Amy Stroth

Jefe, a 6-month-old Aplomado falcon, sits inside of a wooden holding box waiting for his owner and trainer, Justin Robertson, to take him out to fly on Wednesday in an open field near Cooper's Landing. The hood Jefe wears is made of kangaroo leather and helps to keep him calm during transport to and from flying sites.   |  Amy Stroth

Ashland resident and falconer Justin Robertson takes his male Aplomado falcon, Jefe, out to fly in an open field near Cooper's Landing on Wednesday. Robertson flies his two falcons nearly every day in an effort to train them for hunting.   |  Amy Stroth