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Lawrence Formosa - Bringing Falconry Back

Visitors to the Maltese Islands who visit the famed Blue Grotto often stop at an upper viewpoint to capture the magnificent view.  If they happen to visit on a Sunday, they may very well see a man dressed in period clothing with birds that include owls and falcons.  Lawrence Formosa has been delighting visitors to the Blue Grotto for some time now and you'll see the delight of visitors and Maltese alike on Instagram accounts.  Lawrence is a true local; he lives in the neighbouring village or up to 10 minutes 15 minutes on foot from the Blue Grotto.  This is where we first encountered Lawrence.

Travellers to the Maltese Islands who visit the famed Blue Grotto often stop at an upper viewpoint to capture the Grotto’s magnificence.  If they happen to visit on a Sunday, they may very well see a man dressed in period clothing with birds that include owls and falcons.  Lawrence Formosa has been delighting visitors to the Blue Grotto for some time now and you’ll see the delight of visitors and Maltese alike on Facebook and Instagram accounts.  Lawrence is a true local; he lives in the neighboring village or up to15 minutes on foot from the Blue Grotto.  This is where we first encountered Lawrence.

Lawrence has a total of 14 birds of prey including falcons, hawks and owls “each with their own personality”. A few years back he would take in injured birds, rehabilitate them and then release them back into the wild. Apart from birds, his second hobby is motor bikes but falconry has dominated his life. “The birds take your life and if you want to keep them well, it’s a lifetime commitment” he says.

His interest in falconry started from the age of 11. Prior to becoming a fulltime falconer, he worked in a factory for 18 years. He loves birds of prey for a few reasons: They are so strong and powerful but yet gentle with him. “You can fly them and let them be free and they return back because they are comfortable and enjoy being with me”. He’s also fascinated in their predatory nature.

Being a local you’d think that he has trekked the whole island, some 316 square kilometers of it, however he is shy to say that he hasn’t seen all of Malta. The main feature of Malta that he loves are the western cliffs and the countryside in general.

A private experience with Lawrence is second to none. We are proud to share his experience and expertise with a good number of guests that visit our Islands.

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