Falconry Basics: An introduction to the care, maintenance and training of birds of prey

Description

Falconry is an ancient and noble art, still practiced today by falconers throughout the world. While, these days, falconry birds are specially bred in captivity, they are still wild, independent animals and owning and training them requires the right knowledge and skills. Falconry Basics is designed to provide those new to falconry with the essential information they need, including the basics of types of birds and their individual characteristics; acquiring the proper equipment; how best to care for and maintain healthy birds, and all aspects of training, flying and hunting. Accompanied by diagrams, line drawings and photographs throughout, and with additional material, such as a glossary of falconry terms, this newly revised and updated edition offers a comprehensive, practical guide for a whole new generation of falconers. AUTHOR: Tony Hall was Editor of the British Hawking Association's journals and, from the age of fourteen, bred, trained and flew numerous hawks, including Tawny Owls. SELLING POINTS: . An updated edition of this classic guide to owning, flying and hunting with hawks. . Assumes no prior knowledge: takes the reader step by step through the pros and cons and responsibilities of buying and owning a hawk. . Offers essential guidance to novice falconers, whether they simply want to fly hawks or also want to train their hawks to hunt for prey.

Michael K Nicholls has been an active falconer since 1968 when he trained his first kestrel, and still regularly flies merlins and peregrines through the hunting season. He is a passionate advocate for the improvement of the welfare of birds of prey in captive situations, and was involved in the development and promotion of the first nationally recognised awards for falconry best practice. An academic by profession (now retired), with a particular interest in raptor biology, Mike is a member of the Hawk Board and a former editor of the British Falconers' Club Journal and Newsletter. He has written extensively for both academic journals and more popular falconry and avicultural magazines.

I found this revised version of the 2003 edition to be exceptionally well written, the text easy to follow and the advice and sensible cautions for beginners that are peppered throughout to be most informative... The advice on bird selection, housing, essential equipment and the care and maintenance of birds of prey is detailed. -- Gary Creighton * British Country Sports *