Master Falconer Bob Glass Recalls ‘Hawk Visit’ at the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch

TOMS RIVER – Remember the hawk that lodged briefly in the Ocean County Library Toms River Branch in November 2022? It is one fond memory among 40 years’ worth for Master Falconer Bob Glass, who returned our feathered friend to the great outdoors. On Saturday, February 10, Glass visited the OCL Toms River Branch to discuss the many adventures contained in his book, A Journey with Red-Tails.

Displaying stunning photos that highlighted his most notable falconry encounters, Bob revealed that the Library episode isn’t an isolated occurrence. In the not-too-distant past he also was sought to coax a hawk from the recently-closed Nestlé plant in Freehold.

Bob’s audience was spellbound as he introduced a live red-tail hawk during the presentation. After a lively question-and-answer session, Glass signed copies of his book, which will soon be available for borrowing at the Ocean County Library.

The outdoorsman confides that writing a book was not a long-term plan, but in his affinity for the feathered raptors he began chronicling their amazing exploits and their sometimes-unusual habits.

The Baltimore, MD native has called New Jersey home for the past 50 years, pursuing his passion for birdwatching and falconry in the Garden State. Bob has devoted more than half of his nearly 40 years as a falconer to hunting with red-tailed hawks. He is active in the New Jersey Falconry Club, is a past Secretary of the North American Falconers Association, and garnered several New Jersey state championships in skeet shooting.

Keep up with Library programs and events at www.theoceancountylibrary.org, and on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, and Pinterest.