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Introduction to Falconry
For those with a casual or literary interest in the sport, or those who may still be wondering
if they want to pursue it, we recommend the following.
- North American Falconer's Association,
A Bond With the Wild.
- Dan O'Brien, The Rites of
Autumn: A Falconer's Journey Across the American West.
- Dan O'Brien, Equinox: Life, Love, and Birds of Prey.
- Stephen Bodio, A Rage for Falcons.
- Matthew Mullenix, In Season: A Louisiana Falconer's Journal.
- Tim Gallagher, Falcon Fever: A Falconer in the Twenty-first Century.
Reference/General Knowledge
Getting involved in falconry starts with reading. This is partly to enable the prospective apprentice
to pass the written test, but more generally to start building a knowledge base. These books are the usual starting point.
- Harold Webster and Frank Lyman Beebe, North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks. Recommended
for two reasons: a) the written test is largely based upon this book; and 2) almost all falconers here have read it, so it
forms the basis for many discussions. Be aware, however, that some information in the book should be taken with a grain
of salt. Your sponsor can offer guidance.
- Nick Fox, Understanding the Bird of Prey. A useful reference book.
- Bryan Kimsey and Jim Hodge, Falconry Equipment: A Guide to Making and Using Falconry
Gear. A must for the do-it-yourself enthusiast, as it will help to prevent common but potentially tragic mistakes. Read
before obtaining a hawk.
- Dr. Pat Redig, Medical Management of Birds of Prey. Very useful
reference book by the founding director of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, a practicing falconer as well
as a veterinarian. Every falconer should read the chapter on "mid-winter anemia".
The California Hawking Club has published a study guide and a practice test; these may be worthy
of consideration as well.
Redtails
An apprentice should start with a red-tailed hawk. These three books, if followed carefully with
input from the sponsor, should ensure success.
- William C. Oakes, The Falconer's Apprentice: A Guide to Training
the Passage Red-tailed Hawk. A simple how-to recipe for rabbit hawking, with an emphasis on respect for both hawk and
quarry. Our number-one how-to recommendation.
- Liam J. McGranaghan, The Red-tailed Hawk: A Complete Guide to Training
and Hunting North America's Most Versatile Game Hawk. A good companion to Bill Oakes' book, addressing a larger range
of quarry.
- William C. Oakes (editor), Rabbit Hawker's Dogs: Dogs for the Bush. Covers
beagles, Jack Russell terriers, miniature dachshunds, and (!) Brittany spaniels.
Kestrels
American kestrels are not suitable for first-year apprentices, especially in a cold-weather climate
like Nebraska's. A more advanced apprentice who has done very well with a redtail, whose sponsor has experience with
kestrels or other micro-raptors, and who has a close working relationship with the sponsor, might be able to consider a kestrel.
- Matthew Mullenix, American Kestrels in Modern Falconry. A practical
guide to flying kestrels on introduced avian quarry such as English sparrows and European starlings.
Advanced Reading
These will be useful primarily to more experienced falconers (general class and above), but might
make good reading for advanced apprentices as well. Some of these are recent works, others "oldies but goodies".
- E.B. Michell, The Art and Practice of Falconry. Still useful over a hundred years after
its initial publication.
- Ronald Stevens, Observations on Modern Falconry. Includes the best chapter ever written
on hoods and hooding.
- Bruce Haak, The Hunting Falcon. Devoted to longwinging, but useful to shortwingers as
well for the excellent chapter on radio telemetry.
- Michael McDermott, The Imprint Accipiter. Poorly edited, but contains good information
on handling imprints.
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