THE FALCONRY HANDBOOK

THE FALCONRY HANDBOOK

• A Practical and Advanced Manual to Raising, Training, Flying, and Hunting with Hawks, Falcons, and Eagles While Mastering the Art of Ethical Falconry and Responsible Bird Handling *

By Joseph K.O George

Falconry is far more than simply keeping a bird of prey-it is a demanding partnership built on knowledge, patience, careful observation, disciplined training, and respect for some of nature's most remarkable predators.

The Falconry Handbook is a practical and comprehensive guide designed to introduce readers to the fascinating world of falconry while providing more experienced enthusiasts with a structured reference for responsible raptor management. From understanding the natural behavior of hawks, falcons, and eagles to developing effective training routines, this handbook explores the essential principles behind successful and ethical falconry.

Whether you are beginning your journey into falconry or expanding your knowledge of birds of prey, this book explains the subject in clear, approachable language while addressing the responsibilities that come with handling powerful raptors.

Inside this handbook, you will discover:

• Understanding Birds of Prey - Learn about the characteristics, instincts, temperament, flight styles, and hunting abilities of hawks, falcons, and eagles.

• Choosing an Appropriate Falconry Bird - Explore important considerations when selecting a raptor according to experience, environment, training goals, legal requirements, and husbandry capabilities.

• Housing and Mews Management - Understand how properly designed housing, perches, weathering areas, ventilation, sanitation, and safety measures contribute to a bird's welfare.

• Nutrition and Feeding Management - Learn the principles of providing an appropriate whole-prey diet, maintaining nutritional balance, monitoring body condition, and developing responsible feeding routines.

• Building Trust and Handling Skills - Discover how patience, consistency, proper equipment, and careful interaction can help create a productive working relationship between falconer and bird.

• Training and Conditioning - Follow practical principles for manning, recall training, lure work, fitness development, and progressive flight preparation.

• Flying Hawks and Falcons - Gain insight into preparing birds for controlled free flight while understanding wind conditions, terrain, fitness, motivation, and safe recovery techniques.

• Hunting with Raptors - Explore traditional falconry hunting methods and the different strategies associated with hawks, falcons, and other trained birds of prey.

• Equipment and Falconry Tools - Become familiar with essential equipment such as gloves, jesses, leashes, swivels, anklets, lures, telemetry systems, perches, and transport equipment.

• Health and Preventive Care - Learn how careful observation, hygiene, nutrition, weight monitoring, and qualified avian veterinary support can help protect the health and performance of a raptor.

• Molting and Seasonal Management - Understand how seasonal changes affect feathers, behavior, conditioning, diet, training, and daily management.

• Behavior and Communication - Learn to recognize body language, stress signals, motivation, defensive behavior, and other important indicators that can improve handling and training decisions.

• Ethical Falconry and Bird Welfare - Develop a deeper understanding of responsible stewardship, humane training,