Falconry and birds of prey

Adrian Hallgarth (Author)
Hancock House Publishers Ltd ,Canada (1 Sep 2004)
ISBN-10: 0888395493
ISBN-13: 978-0888395498

This is a very helpful book for novices, which takes you through falconry step by step, and is very well illustrated. The book focuses on Harris hawks or redtails, which tend to be the bird of choice for novices. Hallgarth stresses the importance of understanding the bord´s point of view. The author has more than 30 years of experience, and is a well-known display falconer in Scotland.

Steve Wright (Author)
The Crowood Press Ltd (23 Oct 2006)
ISBN-10: 9781861268631
ISBN-13: 978-1861268631
ASIN: 1861268637

This book is a very clearly written guide to falconry, full of practical advice and information, starting with the question of whether it is sensible for the reader to take up falconry. The book stresses common sense rather than worrying overmuch about theory. The author, Steve Wright has more than 25 years' worth of experience, as a falconry trainer, and as the owner of a falconry centre. His passion for falconry is obvious from the way he writes.

Nick Fox
Hancock House
ISBN 0888393172

Dr Fox draws on a wealth of practical experience in breeding birds, conservation work and falconry, as well as years of studying birds of prey, for this reference manual. His accounts of birds’ lives in the wild mesh well with his advice on caring for and training captive birds of prey. This is essential reading for anyone with an interest in falconry, and will also interest anyone who loves birds of prey.

Jemima Parry-Jones
David and Charles
ISBN 0715312383

Jemima Parry-Jones runs the National Bird of Prey Centre, and is well known for her conservation work. She has a keen interest in the welfare of birds of prey, which comes across strongly in this excellent introduction to falconry. The main bird families are discussed in terms of their care and training. Anyone planning on taking up falconry should read this book first, to decide whether they are suited to caring for birds of prey, as well as for help in deciding which bird family they should start with.

Lee William Harris
Swan Hill
ISBN 1853108936

This is a very popular book with some novices, since it is very easy to follow, though there are experienced falconers who prefer other sources of help. It is certainly worth reading, though you will need to supplement this introduction with other works from the classics, such as those by Jemima Parry-Jones, Phillip Glasier, or Nick Fox, if you take up falconry seriously. There is helpful advice on caring for birds of prey, though this introduction is a little weak on training and the different approaches needed for the various types of birds of prey.

 Phillip Glasier
Batsford
ISBN 0713484071

Many hawking and falconry enthusiasts consider this book to be their bible, both because it gives detailed advice on the care and training of birds of prey, and because of the author’s love of and knowledge of falconry come across strongly in the anecdotes. There is both practical advice on equipment needed and how to make some of it, and a fascinating account of the history of falconry. The book is also attractively produced and well illustrated.

Lee William Harris
Swan Hill Press
ISBN 1840371463

This is a guide to buying, caring for, and training Harris hawks, which links their behaviour in captivity with their lifestyles in the wild. All aspects of caring for hawks are covered, including housing, feeding, and dealing with injuries and infestations. There is also an account of progress with a hawk, which should be of great help to novices starting out with their first birds.