From nesting to maturity, falconer watches bird grow

It’s said man’s best friend is his dog.

Audrey Sohikian, a local wildlife biologist, agrees. Her Golden Labrador Retriever holds a special place in her heart; but it’s not any greater than the love she has for Drogo, her juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.

Drogo was captured last fall, south of San Marcos, for a two-fold purpose: the preservation of his species, and to become Sohikian’s partner in the sport of falconry.