Guide to Beginning Falconry: How to Start and Care for Hawks

Falconry is an ancient sport, with origins dating back to ancient Mesopotamia around 2000 BC, and with images from Central Asia dating to the 7th century showing men on horseback with falcons perched on their arms.

Defined as the sport of taking wild prey, known as quarry, in its natural environment by means of a trained hawk, falconry demands significant dedication and specialist knowledge. It is not a casual hobby; proper training from experienced falconers is essential before keeping and handling these magnificent birds safely and ethically.

Basics of Falconry

First and foremost, all birds of prey are carnivores who require a diet of raw food daily to maintain health. They need appropriate accommodation and care but differ significantly from typical pet birds, as they do not tolerate excessive handling or fussing.

In the UK, the British Falconers Club advises that no one under 16 years old should keep a hawk without continual supervision from a skilled falconer. Experience is critical to success and safety in falconry.

For beginners, the Harris's Hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) and the Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) are recommended as suitable species. These birds are adaptable to the UK countryside and effective at hunting a range of quarry. Other raptors such as the Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Merlin require specialised habitats and training, making them more suitable for advanced falconers. The once-popular kestrel is now discouraged for beginners due to its small size and specific dietary needs.

Legal Considerations and Falconry Licencing

In the UK, falconry is governed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which protects British birds of prey. Licences from the Secretary of State for Environment are mandatory to capture wild hawks or import birds for falconry purposes. These licences are limited and issued under strict conditions.

Nowadays, the majority of falconry birds are captive-bred, and sourcing a captive-bred hawk is advisable for beginners. This approach supports legal and ethical standards and conserves wild populations.

Falconers must also comply with landowner permissions to access hunting grounds, and be mindful of seasonal restrictions on quarry species under UK law.

Housing and Bird Care

A falconer needs access to extensive countryside where the bird can be flown. Hawks are primarily flown in autumn and winter because they moult during summer. Time commitments during shorter daylight hours must be considered carefully.

Proper housing, or "mews," must provide security, shelter, and adequate space for the bird. Additionally, equipment including gloves, jesses (leg straps), leashes, and telemetry devices for tracking must be acquired.

Harris’s Hawk: Popular Beginner Species

The Harris’s Hawk is a favourite among novices due to its social nature, hunting efficiency, and adaptability to modern falconry techniques like car-hawking, where the bird is released from a moving vehicle. Originating from southern Texas and Arizona, as well as parts of South America, this species uniquely hunts in packs with a social hierarchy.

Other Common Falconry Birds

The Buteo family includes the Red-Tailed Hawk, known for its versatility and skill at catching rabbits, hares, and squirrels. Other members include the Ferruginous Hawk and Red-Shouldered Hawk. The Common Buzzard, also part of this group, is occasionally used but requires perseverance due to its less active hunting style.

True hawks in the genus Accipiter include species like the Northern Goshawk, Cooper’s Hawk, and the Sparrowhawk—common in Europe and North America for hunting both mammals and birds.

Falcons in the genus Falco have a long history in falconry worldwide. Popular species include the Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Prairie Falcon, and Gyrfalcon. Smaller falcons, such as kestrels and hobbys, can be trained for catching insects in "bug hawking".

Booted Eagles

The Aquila genus includes powerful eagles such as the Golden Eagle, used traditionally in Central Asia and Mongolia for hunting large prey like wolves and foxes. Their size and training difficulty mean they are less common in UK falconry.

Getting Started: Responsible Falconry

Falconry requires a deep commitment to the welfare of these noble birds, including legal compliance, dedicated care, and ethical hunting practices. Numerous clubs and organisations exist across the UK offering mentoring, courses, and support to new falconers which help ensure the sport is practised safely and respectfully.

Responsible falconry promotes conservation and respect for wildlife, encouraging enthusiasts to learn thoroughly and contribute positively to raptor protection.

Conclusion

This overview offers a solid introduction to beginning falconry, highlighting species choices, legal requirements, and essential care considerations. For those passionate about birds of prey, falconry is a rewarding pursuit, blending ancient tradition with modern responsibility.