Couples across the United States are hiring birds of prey as ring bearers for their weddings.
According to the Wall Street Journal , the use of hawks, falcons, and other birds of prey as ring-bearers has become popular among animal-loving brides, renaissance fair buffs, and Harry Potter- lovers who developed a fervent adoration for owls thanks to Hedwig from the series.
“ Harry Potter obviously did something for this line of work,” falconer Jonathan Gonzalez told the outlet. Gonzalez is one of several falconers across the US who have begun to market their services to love birds far and wide. He owns Raptor Events – a business based in Long Beach, California – that offers all sorts of raptors and reptiles for educational shows as well as a variety of events including birthdays and weddings.
Gonzalez has been working with birds since high school, and decided to pursue a career working with raptors after graduation. He pursued an apprenticeship and later obtained a license from the state of California that allowed him possess and train raptors.