This Man Turned His Life Around by Mastering Falconry | National Geographic

Hear the remarkable story of Rodney Stotts, an ex-drug dealer who turned his life around to become a master falconer.
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Rodney Stotts used to deal drugs in the streets of Anacostia. When he started working for Earth Conservation Corps, he was able to turn his life around and discover his true passion, falconry. Now a local educator and master falconer, Stotts travels with his Harris Hawks and a lovable owl named Mr. Hoots to share his remarkable story.
In this short video, Stotts describes how he came to love and care for these unique birds and the profound impact they’ve had on his worldview.
To learn more about "Why Birds Matter," read the cover story of National Geographic from January 2018.
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This Man Turned His Life Around by Mastering Falconry | National Geographic
• This Man Turned His Li...
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[@NatGeo]

Falconry is the oldest land sport known to man. What do you find most inspiring about Rodney's transformation from a drug dealer to the 'bird man'?

[@Obintei]

Rodney cherishes his relationship with this bird and I find it so inspiring how he would not trade it for anything, not even 10 million dollars. He has my respect.

[@oldschoolhawking8191]

@@Obintei
If Rodney was offered 10 million dollars for that Harris Hawk, he'd beat Usain Bolt to that money.
OSH :-)

[@rashadcarter7824]

Rodney is a blessing.. Thanks brother

[@The-Man-Right-Chea]

Stop lying, you have zero proof that falconry is oldest sport known...

[@lasharonbrown9454]

I’m inspired that Rodney found his purpose, love & willingness to live a fulfilling life.

[@skyking6989]

Take my falconry test on the 7th. I didnt cry first time a hawk flew to my glove but I almost did. Nothing like it. I get to be a part of 3500 years of history.

[@entycast]

i hope everything has been great so far!

[@ThatSocratesguy]

Did you pass the test bro? How is life?

[@skyking6989]

@@ThatSocratesguy I did. I've been flying my red tailed hawk for 3 years now

[@ThatSocratesguy]

@@skyking6989 Wow that’s amazing bro 👍🏽🙏 Congrats
Do you do it as a hobby/passion or do you also make money off of it?

[@skyking6989]

@@ThatSocratesguy just a hobby

[@thehitman5211]

Sometimes animals understand you better than most people

[@jessicadubois9945]

💯

[@ArtTheSinger]

I think all the time.

[@theresasledge92]

Yes..true..❤🐿🍀🌵

[@gingerbreadman9392]

Dogs understand more

[@forerunner351]

Wow what a very touching story

[@infallibleblue]

Amazing story. So glad he turned his life around. Falconry is not for everyone but it’s incredible.

[@magnumjade45]

This is so inspiring.

[@3rdeyefunknation106]

Its a very deep gift to be able to channel in with animals & become as one.

[@3rdeyefunknation106]

We all have it but we choose not to use it.

[@justluna1656]

This really tugged at my heart strings, I’m glad this man found a life better than drugs. God bless him.

[@twangytheemperor1900]

R.I.P to his mother and bless this Man

[@fred5399]

the bird might be his mother's spirt come to save her child

[@jennycisneros5277]

Gives me chills. Verified something in my heart. If I ever become a falconer, I’ll return to this comment.

[@isle562]

"If I love someone, I don’t let them go just because they’re gone." 😢

[@arucanarishortfilms5986]

What a cool dude. Good to see that he found something in his life that makes him happy! :)

[@sanathkumar6526]

Nat geo , u always inspire me to do better and better every single day , thank you from the bottom of my heart

[@cryptolegend6803]

I hope
Getting into Falconry. I hope to find a sponsor like this guy. A real person with a passion, turning his life around, I can relate.

[@dreparker1773]

What a beautiful story....if only everyone could just drop the crime and drugs and just focus on nature, which we depend on for survival everyday.

[@milk2percent416]

Or he could deal drugs more efficiently by using these birds to drop the re-ups. And if they dont pay up itll maul them
Its a joke btw

[@DBT1007]

Andrew Parker that's why we need to reduce the global human population

[@EricOWilliam]

Milk 2 Percent 😂😂😂💀💀💀

[@fred5399]

Everybody does not do crime and drugs but if people could imagine a different way of life and allow others to see them selves a different way beyond stereotypes.

[@RixMorales]

He found his new high by mastering falconry

[@mha2263]

Money can never buy this. His story is inspirational

[@jesussavesyeshedoes]

The bird saved your life, just like you saved hers.

[@anonymous-8392]

No, just.... no.. 🤦‍♂️ the birds life wasn't in danger AND she could fend for herself. I get what you were going for, but... no...

[@king_clixz2187]

Actually yes most birds of prey die in there first year of diseases,starvation etc so him doing this is giving the hawk the best chance of survival

[@DogBeef]

great guy 👏

[@zyiellenesterling9890]

This is truly incredible to say the least!!! I cried watching this story. This bond is truly remarkable!!!

[@god5535]

Very touching. Respect!!

[@thecraftingcat3659]

I think I found the best quote. "You can have 10 million dollars. But I got a bird."

[@landonparnell5593]

Beautiful story, beautiful soul, and excellent passion expressed vibrantly. Glad to have stumbled onto this.

[@Hellfirejuddy]

Incredible story, incredible birds. Getting back to nature and forgetting about everyday issues really does soothe the soul and makes you think about what is truely important in life. :)

[@snugglytims7585]

What a hero

[@williamhenderson9535]

Thank you Nat Geo for this video. I was very inspired by Mr. Rodney Stotts story of overcoming adversity and making a choice to make and be a difference in the lives of the people that come in contact with him. Thanks so much!!!

[@lalaland2107]

MADE ME CRY 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@birdmanlee8314]

Inspirational!!! Much Respect to Mr. Stotts for his efforts and encouraging the youth. The Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies recording of him is amazing also..

[@mikehinge875]

Beautiful spirit.

[@johnabbott4424]

Total respect to you

[@ceiis2013]

I hope people can learn from him and this video. This guy gets it.

[@liz6595]

This is amazing. Money really doesnt matter if you have enough to do what you love doing.

[@senturion417]

Great job my man keep it up...very inspiring!!

[@DinoReichmuth]

what an inspiring man.

[@na_xy]

2:45 and the story began.. Great story😍😍

[@grungil7570]

Today my falcon died. I cried more than ever. More than a animal, he was my best friend. RIP Willy.

[@fern4real733]

Congratulations on leaving behind your past and doing something incredible with your life.

[@Snakebite420]

what an amazing individual! Keep going at it man! You are an inspiration!

[@JoryBlake]

Good for you amigo, truly blessed!

[@skywalker844]

Love this story it kinda made me tear up

[@bytheway456]

Truly beautiful story. Its my 2th years of doing falconry. I did it because I love the relation that we have with the bird and how we get to bond with it.

[@marthacmd]

teary eyes

[@dolphin9957]

Love this story !! Can me chills!!❤️❤️❤️

[@lasharonbrown9454]

I love witnessing someone living their purpose in life!

[@northernsoutherngirl]

This!!!!❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏 Happy he found his life's purpose!!😊😊😊

[@zafarmonier2927]

2 min into the video and I already emailed my local falconry club asking to learn more

[@ChicothemonkeyChicothemonkey]

wow, very good video. love falconry

[@RUSSIANREVIEW2010]

made a grown man tear up for a sec

[@thefortunateone9818]

So inspiring and Beautiful!
Self-realized Birdman 🙌

[@imsayak955]

Seriously great guy

[@diego81fer]

"did i ever tell you the definition of insanity?"

[@Aesilius]

Inspirational 👊🏽👍🏽

[@mariefc8504]

Everything about this remarkable man's story moves me to tears. Breathtaking.

[@Treegrower]

This was dope!

[@nataliechristianjohn]

Very inspirational 😀

[@jimsonsanorias5078]

This is a masterpiece!

[@KeezusSole]

Very touching, great story.

[@alinap5381]

Such a beautiful soul!!!! Not only did it give me chills but also made me year a little. Beautiful!!!!!!!!!

[@sandracampbell3620]

Inspirational.....

[@runescapeppl41]

Nat Geo, this was an inspiring video.
Thank you for the quality upload

[@andreanicolas9363]

Very Interesting guy...good one..

[@CGKittenz]

Loved this💙💙💙💙

[@Joi_Robb]

I hope everyone finds their purpose in this world.

[@sharkny1580]

He's my new all time favorite person in the world 🌎 !

[@amrindersingh3225]

Beautiful

[@a_awake]

Such a beautiful story!!

[@king.kthebest6158]

Beatiful.

[@Matt-ty4ei]

Well done mate I shake your hand.... peace

[@bionicmarge]

The man's full of wisdom.

[@johnbrochi6933]

Amazing positive story

[@shayler80]

This is awesome

[@bostonmassacre508]

That's a great man....

[@fatmaahmad8874]

Inspirational story

[@jeamesttiejohnson7501]

Bless

[@deccanvlogs4941]

Legendary guy

[@sireelz]

Love this. Connection = 1 ❤

[@IamJean-Miguel]

Outstanding Saga!

[@theoldschooldiva374]

Awesome!! I'm getting into Falconry 😊.

[@chimeiamv]

I returned to this video to remind myself how important having a reason to live is. I have had a goal of getting a falconry license since I was young. I really do want to get into it someday. I just need the proper land, money, and relationships.

[@superfly19751]

You’re amazing Birdman!

[@samson3056]

You have a gift. That's amazing

[@DrBiBeatz]

Awesome

[@jcb3259]

Good on him he has something special to be able to earn the trust of raptors. He is spiritual like myself. I LOVE raptors and all living things animals never judge you they love you as you.

[@Knowthyself14]

Dope. Spirit Animal

[@diyi75]

This is incredibly inspiring. I love birds, this is something I've always wanted to do.

[@clevelandanderson6036]

Love birds especially falcon I keep finding feathers in Brooklyn..

[@pechaybaguio]

you and the bird are so special...

[@jaysen4628]

This makes me smile

[@dopeburgermike]

Brotha look like DMX

[@RubenGarcia-fv4wg]

• • • • stop drop open up shop

[@JihadBunnydick]

I see Dave Chappelle

[@lionfire3359]

I think you can get the same feelings with dogs.

[@finnhurst7160]

Good on him 💯🦅👍

[@lordvaldi1]

Money buy things but not all are things

[@CheokCG]

Nice story,hope hes not gonna lose his 2nd mother

[@DBT1007]

Cheok CG but birds have less lifespan than human

[@bostonmassacre508]

Wow them birds are beautiful

[@dr.troyfunker1073]

True words. I’m looking for a sponsor, I want that so bad. Cool dude

[@amrindersingh3225]

Love your birds bro

[@mateo8120]

“My name is Rodney Scott but everyone calls me the Birdman”
Birdman: Respek

[@mohamedhabas7391]

This is really beautiful

[@rheynelb5573]

Wow

[@JohnDoe-xu2vx]

Great story!