Flying imprint sparrowhawks is often unfairly portrayed as being overly
complex and highly technical. Sparrowhawks - A Falconer's Guide aims to
paint a far more informed picture, and to perhaps dispel some of the
myths. Written with the beginner in mind, it is based on considerable
first-hand experience of the author and a number of other respected
falconers from the United Kingdom, Croatia, Ireland and Turkey who have
specialized in flying sparrowhawks. By drawing comparisons with some of
the most ancient trapping and training techniques of the East, and by
making a connection with modern Western falconry practices, this
remarkable book encapsulates the timeless beauty and joy of
sparrowhawking, which crosses all cultures. Topics covered include:
equipment, preparing to receive your sparrowhawk chick and imprinting;
training, behaviour, quarry, entering, field craft and hawking in many
different types of terrain; methodologies of captive breeding in the
West; problems associated with the rehabilitation and release of wild
sparrowhawks in the United Kingdom and finally, the vitally important
subject of sparrowhawk health and welfare.