HAWKING AND FALCONRY FOR BEGINNERS: AN INTRODUCTORY GUIDE TO FALCONRY AND TRAINING YOUR FIRST BIRD. By A.J. Hallgarth.

2004 1st edition. 8vo (146 x 224mm). Pp207 + 1pp ads. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations, bibliography. Pictorial laminated boards.

." Choosing an appropriate species to begin, building suitable accomodation, equipping your new bird, ensuring proper diet and care and training your bird to fly free and hunt quarry." The author is an experienced professional falconer with a falconry centre in Scotland. Covers all the basic stuff very well. The hunting parts relate to flying Harris Hawks. Chapters include: Objectives of falconry; Legalities of the sport; Time and place to train; Selection of species; Housing your raptor; Equipment; Diet and nutrition; Acquiring your new bird; Choosing and bringing your bird home; Manning; Carriage; Calling off; Following on; Entering; Your first hunting adventure; Different flying techniques; Tactics for different prey; The lost hawk; Health and first aid; The moult; Looking to the future. Appendices includes a list of other useful books, contacts and a glossary of falconry terms.