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The Red-tailed
Hawk
Guide To Training & Hunting the Red-tailed Hawk
By:
Liam J. McGranaghan
Although
the front cover of Red-tailed Hawk is very simple, the information
on the inside is anything but that. Just take a look at the table of
contents and you will understand how thorough this book really is. It
covers all aspects of falconry when it comes down to flying a red tailed
hawk.
| "Before
flying Tavia I witnessed a pair of red-tailed hawks during
courtship flights. One, probably the male, soared in tight circles
rising high above the other and then came stooping down with
incredible speed only to break the dive just above the other's
back. He then used the momentum of the stoop to carry him back up
again. I witnessed this display three times in a space of 10 to 15
minutes. I then went on to fly Tavia because time was running
late. I kept a close eye on her during the hunt for fear she might
go into a soar as well..." |
The
author's straight forward writing style makes it a very easy read and even
easier to understand all the tips and advice he offers up. McGranaghan
takes the business of writing about falconry to the next level.
Let's
examine this great book section by section -
The
first one is dedicated to the trapping and training of the hawk;
addressing all considerations that might need to be taken while going
through the beginning steps of your relationship with your bird.
The
next section covers hunting and the quarry your bird will be able to take.
Every type of ground quarry from rabbits to mice are covered. Feathered
game is also described with detail and accuracy.
Section
three delves into the areas of equipment and ailments. McGranaghan makes
clear the essential equipment used in falconry, listing which ones are
most common and why. He also discusses the different illnesses found in
hawks; giving symptoms and, when possible, common sense cures.
The
final section covers miscellaneous thoughts and closes with a great
description of a day's hunting.
A
complete appendix including recipes, equipment patterns, mews and
weathering yard designs, conversion table, falconer's log and a complete
glossary round out this essential part of any falconer's library.
The
Red-tailed Hawk
Guide To Training & Hunting the Red-tailed Hawk |
