HAWKING AND FALCONRY FOR BEGINNERS

AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO FALCONRY AND TRAINING YOUR FIRST BIRD

By A.J. Hallgarth

Spine just slightly faded, boards a little rubbed as usual otherwise a very good clean first edition hardback. Signed by the author on the front end-paper "Enjoy! A. Hallgarth."

2004 1st edition. 8vo (147 x 224mm). Pp207 + 1pp ads. Colour and b/w photographs, b/w illustrations. Pictorial laminated boards. Issued without a dust-wrapper.

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A well regarded introduction to falconry and hawking. Despite being published in North America the author is English and runs a falconry school in Perthshire and so all of the book's advice applies to the British falconry scene.

"Does the sight of a soaring bird of prey make you catch your breath? Does the world of falconry intrigue you? Perhaps you are considering taking up this ancient sport? Well, don't... at least not until you read Hawking and Falconry for Beginners, a comprehensive and easily understood guide for beginners. New falconers must ensure they are prepared for the long-term and resounding commitment entailed in practising this sport to a high standard. This book will guide you through the basics of choosing an appropriate species to begin, building suitable accommodation, equipping your new bird, ensuring proper diet and care and training your bird to fly free and hunt quarry. This is no small undertaking; beginners must be prepared for this sometimes overwhelming, but always satisfying sport. Anyone taking on this commitment without being fully prepared runs the risk of not only causing distress to the bird, but also jeopardizing the future of this sport. So as a new falconer, it is your responsibility to practice the sport to a high standard. This guidebook for beginners will show you how." (Publisher's blurb).

Contents include:- Acknowledgments; Preface; PART 1: WELCOME TO FALCONRY - Objectives of falconry; Legalities of the sport; Time and place to train; PART 2: GETTING PREPARED - Selection of species; Housing your raptor; Equipment; Diet and nutrition; PART 3: SELECTING A BIRD - Acquiring your new bird; Choosing and bringing your bird home; PART 4: TRAINING YOUR BIRD - Manning; Carriage; Calling off; Following on; Entering; Your first hunting adventure; Different flying techniques; Tactics for different prey; The lost hawk; PART 5: CARE AND MAINTENANCE - Health and first aid; The moult; Looking to the future; Further reading; Contacts of interest; Glossary; Index.