RIYADH: The International Falcon Breeders Auction is underway once more, with the Dutch owner of one of the farms taking part getting off to a flying start on his debut appearance at the event. Held at the headquarters of the Saudi Falcon Club in Malham, about 80 km north of Riyadh, the annual auction is now in its third year and attracts falconers and breeders from all around the world. It opened on Saturday and runs through Aug. 25. The owner of Dutch farm Spider Falcon, who gave his name only as Dennis, said he was delighted to be at the event and had managed to sell five of the 10 birds he had brought in the opening few days. “This is my first visit to the Kingdom and I have sensed the great care and great interest of the Saudi Falcon Club. The logistics and organization are impressive,” he said. Spider Falcon is the first Dutch farm to take part in the auction, which, according to its organizers, “aims to host a secure and thriving market for falconers and producers, and foster leadership in falconry development, innovation, breeding and care.” Dennis was full of praise for the organizers, whom he said were continuously checking to make sure all of the birds were fit and healthy and the auction process was running smoothly. The event features six auction rounds specifically for falcons brought in from overseas. The Dutch breeder said he was confident his five remaining birds would find new homes before the end of the show. All of the falcons bought at the auction are eligible to take part in the Al-Melwah competition at the King Abdulaziz Falcon Festival, which runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 14, the Saudi Falcon Club said. The annual auction is known for attracting leading falcon farms from all over the world. Dennis said he was impressed with the level of knowledge he had witnessed among his fellow participants, whom he described as “very cooperative.” “We have been sharing knowledge about the lengths and weights (of the birds), the breeding environment and feeding methods,” he said. Created to provide a “reliable and safe market for falconers and falcon producers” – according to a spokesperson for the Saudi Falcons Club – the first two auctions saw more than 800 birds sold for a combined total of more than SR10 million ($3.65 million).