Falconry is the ancient art of partnering with a trained bird of prey to hunt wild animals in their natural habitat. This practice represents a unique bond between humans and raptors, where the relationship is not one of pet and owner, but of a cooperative team. It is a demanding endeavor, requiring dedication, specialized knowledge, and a deep respect for the bird’s wild nature.
The Role of a Falconer
A falconer is a dedicated caretaker and partner to a bird of prey. This role extends beyond simple ownership, involving a commitment of time, resources, and energy to build a relationship based on trust. The falconer’s life revolves around the well-being and conditioning of their raptor, ensuring it is healthy, fit, and mentally prepared for the field.
This commitment means that falconry is not a casual hobby but a lifestyle. The falconer must possess patience and an appreciation for nature, understanding that they are working with a wild animal, not a domesticated one. The goal is to work in concert with the bird, allowing it to use its natural hunting instincts while the falconer facilitates the process by finding suitable quarry and providing support.
Daily Responsibilities of a Falconer
Bird Care and Housing
A significant portion of a falconer’s day is devoted to the care of their bird. This begins with providing a safe and clean living environment, known as a mews. The mews must be designed to protect the bird from weather, predators, and potential injury, with proper ventilation and perching surfaces that prevent foot problems. Daily cleaning is required to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi that can compromise the bird’s health.
Dietary management is another daily duty. Falconers provide a specific diet of raw meat to maintain the bird’s health and optimal flying weight. Each morning, the falconer weighs the bird with precision, as a bird’s weight is a primary indicator of its health and readiness to hunt. This daily weighing allows the falconer to make adjustments to food portions, ensuring the bird is energetic and motivated, but not overweight. Regular health checks of the feathers, feet, and beak are also performed to catch any early signs of illness or injury.
Training and Conditioning
Training is a continuous process that reinforces the bond between the falconer and the bird. A core practice is “manning,” the process of acclimating the bird to the presence and handling of humans, which helps build trust. This involves spending quiet time with the bird on the glove, allowing it to become comfortable with the sights and sounds of the human world.
Once a bird is comfortable with the falconer, training progresses to more advanced exercises. Lure training is a technique where the falconer uses a fake quarry to simulate a hunt. This practice helps the bird develop its agility, speed, and striking ability without the variables of a live hunt. Flight conditioning is also part of the daily routine to ensure the bird maintains the muscle and stamina necessary for successful hunting.
Hunting and Pest Abatement
The culmination of all the care and training is the hunt itself. Falconers take their birds to suitable habitats to pursue wild game. The falconer’s role during the hunt is to locate potential quarry and position the bird for a successful flight. Beyond sport hunting, many falconers use their birds for professional pest abatement, which is a more effective and humane deterrent than other methods.
Record Keeping
Record keeping is a consistent part of a falconer’s responsibilities. Falconers are legally required to maintain detailed records for each bird they possess. These logs include daily weight, food consumption, training activities, and any game caught.
This documentation is a requirement under regulations set by wildlife agencies. These records help ensure the welfare of the birds and provide data for wildlife management. Falconers must report the acquisition, transfer, or loss of a bird through official channels.
Essential Falconer Equipment
To handle and train a bird of prey safely and effectively, a falconer relies on several pieces of specialized equipment.
- The gauntlet is a thick leather glove worn on the falconer’s hand to protect from the bird’s sharp talons and provide a secure perch.
- Jesses are soft leather straps attached to the bird’s legs that allow the falconer to hold the bird securely.
- A hood is used to cover the bird’s eyes, which has a calming effect by reducing visual stimulation during transport or in unfamiliar environments.
- Telemetry involves a small transmitter attached to the bird and a handheld receiver used by the falconer to locate the bird if it flies out of sight.
Becoming a Falconer
The path to becoming a falconer is a structured and legally regulated process. In most regions, including the United States, falconry is governed by state and federal laws, such as those enforced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The journey begins with finding a sponsor, who is an experienced General or Master Falconer. This sponsor provides guidance and mentorship throughout the apprenticeship period.
An aspiring falconer must serve as an apprentice for a minimum of two years. During this time, they learn about raptor biology, health, training techniques, and the ethics of the practice. Prospective falconers must also pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of falconry laws and bird husbandry. Before a permit is issued, their facilities and equipment are inspected by a state wildlife official to ensure they meet standards for the bird’s safety and well-being.
Modern Applications of Falconry
While its roots are in ancient hunting traditions, falconry has found a variety of practical applications in the modern world. A prominent professional field is bird abatement. Airports use falconers to prevent bird strikes, which pose a threat to aircraft safety. Similarly, agricultural operations like vineyards and fruit farms employ falconers to protect crops from damage by flocks of birds. Landfills and industrial sites also use falconry-based abatement to manage nuisance bird populations.
Beyond abatement, falconry plays a role in public education and conservation. Many falconers participate in educational outreach programs, presenting their birds to schools, parks, and community events. These demonstrations offer the public a close-up view of birds of prey and help raise awareness about raptor conservation. This modern application connects the ancient art to contemporary environmental education.