Customer Reviews (8)

A great mind in dark times
I purchased this book because of my great interest in birds (not hunting) and I particularly have an interest in the other birds of his menagerie.Frederick seems to me to be a truly Renaissance man before his time who had indoor plumbing, an extensive traveling library and who was a very creative architect of many of his palaces and lodges (which were more extensive than those of others).I am still searching for more information about how the many parrots and other exotic birds were housed and cared for, though I see that (in this book) that he had a large preserve for the large wild animals (elephants, lions tigers etc) and another just for hunting birds - no mention is made of the lovely gentle creatures and their care.My especial interest is in the Umbrella Cockatoo -so well described on page 59 of this book as "white parrot" but with details and it is apparent that there were at least numerous green parrots as well.I will keep searching and if anyone knows of a book showing his care of parrots please email vldazzle at Cox.net.

A rare glimpse into a Medieval genious' mind
Frederick II was one of the very few brilliant minds of the Middle Ages who opossed the Pope and the teachings of the Church, even, it is said, declaring Jesus, Moses and Muhammad [...]. Patron of arts and Science, warrior and writer, it is also said that he spoke nine toungues (in an era when most members of the highest nobility were unable even to read). He was known as Stupor Mundi (Astonishment of the World), a Pope declared him the Antichrist, was twice excommunicated, and Dante sent him to the fires of Hell in the Divine Comedy. This book, about one of his passions, hunting, should therefore be in the shelves of every learned reader of the world. It is a fantastic source of information for falconers, historians (both of the Middle Ages and of Science) and for everyone interested in the history or the life of this great King, who, when crowned, wore a robe with this inscription wrote in Arabic: "May the Emperor be received well, may he enjoy vast prosperity, great generosity and high splendor, fame and magnificent endowments, and the fulfillment of his wishes and hopes. May his days and nights go in pleasure without end or change". So be it.

More than Falconry
Beisdes being an incredible tract on falconry (modern ornithology has yet to surpass it, really. Doubly impressive, considering Frederick was writing some three centuries before the scientific revolution). This book is a cross-section of one of the most profound minds in all of Western history. Frederick the Second was the most magnificient of all the latter day emperors. From nothing he raised the throne of the Roman Empire to transcendant limits, defied both God and the Church, and brought in the fabled "third age" for the superstitious people of medieval Europe, who believed that he was either the bringer of Peace before the apocalypse or the Anti-Christ himself. His memorable utterance "...I am tired of being the anvil. Now I shall be the hammer!" was the inspiration behind Nietszche's work 600 years later. The Empire died with the next brilliant generation of the Hohenstaufen.

In light of all this, his book of falconry is indespensible. It shows us Frederick the Renaissance man, engaging in Scientific method in an era of revealed truths, and it shows us Frederick the hunter: shrewd, catching every detail, and always for the love of the chase. This book will amaze you to no ends!

A Historians Guide
As a practical guide to modern falconry, I don't believe this book would be as helpful as some on the market, but as a primary source from the middle ages it is first rate.The intricacies and details of the hunt, thehousing, the care given to the birds, hounds, etc. . . . for this, the bookis priceless.If you are looking for summaries of the huntingpracticesin the middle ages, Marcelle Thiebeaux and Anne Rooney are among the bestauthors to seek.If you want the actual details of the way it was bysomeone living at the time it was practiced, there is no better source thanFrederick II's book (and few even close).

A classic
This is the perfect book for whoever wants to learn about what falconry was like a long time ago. However, I would not reccommend it to anyone whowants to learn about present day falconry. After you get your license, Iwould reccommend it. The reason I say this is because it can confuse theapprentice. It confused me. It does teach a lot though, and can giveinsight to diff. ways of training hawks. Belongs in every falconerslibrary! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

Great Falconry Book
This book was great!! It had so much information I had to read it 3 times to get it all. It has so much info like how to make your own equipment,how to train your bird, tells all the equipment you need to have, and so much more.

The book is very good except that most of the book is from a UK point of view. The book has some good adresses in the back for all of your falconry needs. If you are a novice a seasoned falconer,or just someone interested in Birds of Prey you should get this book.

Falconry: Art and Practice
As a somewhat informed novice, I found this book very interesting and informative. It has good descriptions of the birds used in falconry as well as thorough beginning training techniques. However, the buyer should knowthis book was written for falconry in the UK. Topics such as governinglaws, terrain terms and types of quarry are often "foreign" toours in the U.S.

Falconry Bible, for beginners
This book provides an indepth look at all aspects of falconry.The section on preparing to recieve a bird was very helpful and detailed.I have never read a book which has provided such a detailed description ofall common birds used in the sport.I recommend that everyone who isbeginning in this sport, or is considering taking it up should read thisbook. The only problem about this book is that it talks too much about thelaw in England, which is not relevant to us in North America.

An easier read than other books on the subject
I found "Falconry: Art and Practice" very interesting and fascinating.The author included personal details, sometimes humorous, describing the beauty of the art, not just the instructions and facts,helpful as they were.The book was also easy and enjoyable to read.

Essential for anyone interested in Falconry or Raptors
This is a great book for anyone interested in falconry! EmmaFord describes everything in detail and she guided me through myapprenticeship with ease. However, it also contains sound advice for the experienced falconer.

She discusses the most common hawks used in the sport and guides one through the manning and training of the three main groups: Shortwings, Broadwings and Longwings. At the end of the part dealing with the training of the group, she explains hunting with them in detail.

There is a complete chapter on equipment and will help the apprentice to choose the right equipment, with the hawk's safety in mind .

For those unfamiliar with falconry terms, there is a nice glossary explaining them in detail.

I would advise anyone interested in hunting with birds of prey to get this great book by one of the leaders in the field!END ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

You wanna be Falconer?
This book is the bible of Falconry, when you finish it you'll be a complete realized falconer. I would recommend it to whoever wants to become a falconer.

Not for USA Falconers
This book is definitly not for North American falconers.Many topics seem out dated.

This book does have some interesting information on glove making and bell making.

if one loves those graceful birds of prey ,this book is a must
this book leaves no aspect on falcons uncovered , it is full of useful information , pictures and illustrations that would prove invalueble . breeds ,habits ,diet, and healthcare ...etc. thus paving the way to a great experience living and hunting with these birds.

Still a bible
For anyone seriously considering falconry this is still THE bible albeit there are some ommissions from a US perspective. I have nearly 20 years experience and have read virtually every recognised book on the subject. This is still the book I refer back to the most. A classic.

Falconry and Hawking
My argument with this book is with its American publisher and not the author. Even the author expressed a need for more updating in his preface to this 3rd edition. Although published as a revised edition in 1998 it was first published in 1978. Other than the chapter on Health and Disease chapter it has had very little editing to bring it up to date. If you are buying the book thinking you are getting up to date information relating to American falconry you will be very disappointed. The laws in the United Kingdom are very different than ours. In the United States you are required to trap your 1st bird, a Redtail or Kestrel, from the wild. The author is from England where trapping your own bird is illegal. So the information on trapping in the book is very sparse. If you turn to Appendix I for, Some Useful Address, you'll find the address for the North American Falconers Asso. invalid and an address for Pete Asborno bells even though he has passed away. The publisher's claim that this book is the most comprehensive book ever written on the sport is very debatable and with regards to American falconry is absolutely false! The book, North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks, is not only more comprehensive but also up to date. You will probably have to find it at a specialized falconry retailer but it is in print. It's now in its 8th edition and a far better choice for an aspiring American Falconer.

With all my criticism of the publisher, I have none of the author or the book if it was properly represented. It is an excellent, modern classic falconry book that deserves to remain in print. ... Read more

Product Description
In medieval Europe, falconry was perhaps the most popular form of hunting among the aristocracy. Owning a falcon, and the necessary falconer to go with it, was a status symbol throughout the middle ages. This book is the first broad history of English royal falconry in medieval times, a book that draws on forty years of research to provide a full description of the actual practice and conditions of the sport and of the role of falconers in the English royal household.

Robin S. Oggins begins with a description of the birds of prey, their training, and the sport of falconry. He provides a short history of early falconry in western Europe and England, then explores in unprecedented detail royal falconry from the reign of William I to the death of Edward I in 1307. The author concludes with an overview of the place and importance of falconry in medieval life.



Robin S. Oggins is a retired medieval historian and fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He lives in Vestal, New York.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

I love this book
I love this book.The topic is pretty esoteric but the writing is easy to read and the subject is covered well, in sufficient detail and well documented and researched.

A New Way to Measure Power and Influence
This reviewer greatly anticipated the results of Professor Oggin's decades long interest in falconry, and was gratified with a opus that honored the balance between factual, scholarly work but still offered easily digested prose.
This work can be enjoyed on many levels, from several points of view: from the falconry angle, from the medieval history angle, and from the economics of power and monarchy angle. This work brought me back to happy hours in Mr. Oggin's university classroom!
... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Gift
I purchased this book as a gift for someone getting their falconers license.They loved the book.

Nice book
Not written for North Americans but I found this book very useful all the same.This book made a good introduction to falconry and it was a pleasure to read.

Falconry 101
Novices to falconry will find this book a most useful guide.Readers learn about accoutrements the falcons need along with training the falconer and the bird as well as raptor anatomy.

British readers will be up to speed on the laws about falconry, but for readers outside of the United Kingdom, other books will fill in on the legal aspects of falconry.

Falconry basics
I found this book to be veryhelpful for someone with little or no knowledge about
starting out in falconry.Most of my questions were answered and everything was
explained well.

Fine book for begining falconry
For someone just beginning to explore falconry (such as myself) this book is a top-notch starting guide. With extensive instructions on furniture, training, further reading and even hawk anatomy, this book gave me more than enough to get started. The only downside to this book was that the sections on falconry laws focus on British law. If you're not from the UK (as I am not) you will need to find another sourch for this information. Even so, this is a fine book for a beginer, and well worth the cost. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

An absolutely delightful guide to a magnificent sport.
This book is a fantastic introduction to the sport of Falconry. While it is by no means an exhaustive guidebook, it presents a clear path for those that wish to learn more about the sport. It emphasizes more than once, that falconry is not a sport that you can just pick up and put down, it is for serious hunters and bird lovers only.

Beautiful photography and colorful writing bring this short but fun book to life. I had a great time reading it and would recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn more about Falconry. ... Read more

Product Description
Drawing on over fifty years of field experience and research, Frank Beebe presents a comprehensive summary of the behaviour, and characteristics of this magnificent bird. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

An general overview of the sport of falconry
Reviewer's preface: This is the first book I have read about falconry, and at this point in my life I am merely a casual observer and information seeker, rather than an individual ready to take the plunge into apprenticeship and eventually mastery of the sport. As such, take my review with a grain of salt as I have very little knowledge to compare against or with the book.

A Falconry Manual is an excellent introductory book into the world of falconry. Written by Frank Beebe, one of the most well-respected falconers, the information comes straight from one of the most educated and experienced of North America's falconers at the time of publishing (1976). Roughly the first half of the book is an introduction to the different birds available for falconry in North America - falcons, buteos and accipiters. Each bird has at least two pages that describe its characteristics and traits, natural habitats, the type of prey and its attack methods, and how easy or difficult it is to be trained.

The rest of the book offers a glimpse into acquiring a falcon, some of the the equipment necessary and how to make them, training, and hunting with the birds. When certain aspects are different for different species of birds, the following section takes care of that. A Falconry Manual contains a lot of general and broad information about nearly every aspect of the sport, but also excludes some information (health concerns, and more specific techniques). However, he accomplishes a great deal in introducing the sport to the reader, and that is how the book should be viewed: as an introductory book to give the reader the general outline of nearly every aspect of the sport. This is an excellent book to pass around to anyone who may be slightly interested in the sport (and who wouldn't be?), and the price (between $15-20 USD) allows one to purchase two or three copies specifically for that purpose

Very useful
This is a great little book. Frank Beebe packs all the essential information around hawk training into this book, drawing on decades of practical experience and research. Beebe writes with the authority of someone who has actually practised what he is preaching, rather than some authors who seem to have written a falconry book for the sake of personal aggrandizement. He also writes in excellent English, almost with an academic eloquence.

He deals with all three classes of falconry birds: buteos, accipiters and falcons, and draws very useful comparisons between them on temperament, character and hunting application.

Note however that the book is mostly a training manual, and with the exception of a very interesting chapter on the history of falconry regulation in the US, it about trapping, furniture and hunting. If you want a book with detail on hawk care, dog training, breeding and housing then choose another one (I recommend Emma Ford's for all except breeding and dogs, Nick Fox's for the former and Diana Durman-Walters' for the latter). Note also that its a North American text - the chapters on trapping and bagged quarry are of no use to a UK falconer.

SOARS!
This is an excellent book for people who are intrested in falconry.At one time falconry was the sport of the noble gentry.This book does a real service in describing these intelligent, beautiful birds of prey and how falconers work with them.

A must have for prospective falconers.

A great beginners book.
I am relatively new to the world of falconry. As a result, I am reading just about everything I get my hands on. Frank Beebe is an undisputed master on the subject of falconry. I found that Mr. Beebe's style of writing, presents the information in a very easy to read & understand format. After having read this book, it convinced me that I should order his major work entitled "A Compleat Falconer". I am certain that it is most probably "The Bible" for falconry. An excellent book by an excellent author.

Excellent for Beginners
This book has very good information for beginners who are a little confused. A very good profiling on individual species. Also good section on equipment. I found it very informative and worthwhile the price. ... Read more

Product Description
Hawks in the Hand is an American treasure. First published in 1939 when the authors, Frank and John Craighead - pioneers of American conservation - were just nineteen years old, this chronicle of their early adventures in falconry and wild-bird photography was a groundbreaking book that propelled the identical twins to long-lasting international fame as ecologists.

Hawks in the Hand is full of the boundless energy and charming honesty of boys becoming intelligent young men, discovering that the natural world that had been their playground could yield fascinating insights about animal behavior, particularly that of the noble birds of prey. While their discoveries are worthy of any budding scientist, their stories and breathtaking adventures are skillfully rendered and wonderfully entertaining.

These two ingenuous storytellers introduce a cast of unforgettable characters: their friends and partners in adventure - human, canine, and avian - including Comet, the Cooper's hawk, one of their first birds trained to the fist; Bad Boy, the friendly American kestrel; Ulysses, a peregrine falcon; Cactus, the adorable burrowing owl; and Handsome, the osprey, who takes up a surprising friendship with a little skimmer.

In this edition, the first since its original publication, the authors have included dozens of additional photographs as well as excerpts from the log notes that provided the material for their book. Today, Hawks in the Hand is as relevant as ever: an important reminder of how much there is to learn from all wild things and how vital is the connection to the natural world for people of all ages. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An Inspiration
A very inspirational and interesting book. Written from the journals of each of the authors, this book will never let go of your imagination. This book not only makes you want to become a falconer like the Craigheads, but to LIVE falconry like they did. As Stephen Bodio in the introduction puts it: " ...[the book]made me and children like me want to go and do, just just passivley watch."

A must have.

This review appeared in LIVING BIRD magazine - Winter 1999
HAWKS IN THE HAND

by John and Frank Craighead

First published in 1939, HAWKS IN THE HAND was one of my favorite books growing up. Reading it (again and again) definitely fueled my passion for birds of prey andinspired my interest in bird photography. It's good to see this fascinatingbook in print again, now that most copies of the original edition have longsince vanished from libraries and used book stores.

Although twinbrothers Frank and John Craighead are perhaps most renowned now for theirwork studying grizzly bears in the Yellowstone region, they began theirscientific careers as ornithologists. Indeed, their 1956 book, HAWKS, OWLS,AND WILDLIFE was a seminal work in the fields of raptor ecology, examiningin detail the intricate relationship between predatory birds and theirprey. But long before they became professional biologists, the Craigheadswere studying, photographing, and writing about birds of prey. They wereaudacious enough, while still in their teens, to submit an article andphotographs to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC magazine-and it was published. Therecognition they received from the article led to commissions for morearticles and eventually to the publication of HAWKS IN THE HAND.

Itis interesting that HAWKS IN THE HAND was reissued in the same year thatKenn Kaufman's KINGBIRD HIGHWAY was published. In some ways, the books havea lot in common. They are both, in a sense, coming of age stories aboutyoung Americans who have an overriding passion for birds-a passion thatthey follow unbridled, crossing and recrossing the continent to studybirds. And yet the birding travels that the Craigheads and Kaufman tookoccurred more than 30 years apart.It was a vastly different world in the1930s. At that time, a native population of Peregrine Falcons still nestedacross the East, and the Craigheads visited many of their eyries,photographing the eggs, young, and adults-decades later this would providevital documentation on numerous traditional falcon eyrie sites that hadbeen lost due to DDT and other environmental contaminants. But all wascertainly not well in those times. In a poignant 1933 entry in the boys'journal (which was added to this edition), they described an autumn dayspent at Cape May, New Jersey. Unlike most fall days now, few bird watcherswere present to witness the spectacular stream of migrating hawks passingover. Instead, scores of hunters stood shoulder to shoulder, shooting atevery raptor that passed over. "Shells were piled all over the roadand hawks were piled all over the running boards of cars and scatteredthroughout the woods, for no one bothered getting a hawk that fell anywherebut in the road," they wrote. "It seems a crime that they shouldbe so slaughtered."

The equipment available for rock climbingand photography was also much different from what's available today. Youwon't see any helmets, carabiners, or fancy synthetic climbing ropes inthis book. These guys rappelled down sheer cliff, dizzyingly high above theground, using ordinary manila ropes to reach falcon nests or climbedmassive tree trunks with telephone lineman spurs to reach Bald Eagle orhawk nests. One day some nervous spectators, who were viewing the boysclimbing to a Peregrine Falcon nest on a lofty cliff, called an ambulance,which parked below them for the entire time they were there. Frank joked,"To heck with them. If we fall, a broom is what we'll need, not anambulance." And for all their photography, they used 4x5 presscameras-which are about as heavy, awkward, and unwieldy as you can get-butthe pictures they took were great.

When I read this book againrecently-for the first time in 25 years-I was amazed how well it held up. Ihighly recommend it. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1972 this important falconry book is probably one of the best of its kind. The author was a respected falconer of many years experience and his sheer pleasure in the sport shines through his writing. Contents Include: The Mews - Weathering Enclosure, Bath, Blocks - Bells, Jesses, Clip Swivels, Lures, Hoods, Whistle - Hack Hut and Hack Ground - Eyasses, Treatment before Hack - Hack, its Advantages and Disadvantages - Eyasses compared with Passgers and Haggards - Food - Hooding and Manning - Taming - Flying to Lure and Use of the Lure - Hawking - Homing - The Moult - Health - Miscellany - The Gyrfalcon ... Read more

Product Description
This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia contains some 1,500 terms and idioms, related to or connected with falconry, with explainations, derivations and notes. It is illustrated with photographs, figures, and reproductions of antiquarian prints and is believed to be the first attempt to catalog and review the complete language of falconry as used between the later Middle Ages and the present day. "The Encyclopedia of Falconry" will be a valuable addition to all reference collections by uniquely covering a subject with a 500-year history and a contemporary following. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Falconry: The Sport of the Noble Gentry
Falconry is a sport that has long been associated with the noble gentry.Indeed, these beautiful, regal birds do represent an avian, falconine nobility that remains distinct.

For those interested and/or involved in falconry, make this book your best friend.It will provide you with the correct terminology and tips for handling your raptors if you are a falconer.It is a book you will want to keep at hand so as to refresh and reinforce the technical information and jargon in re falconry.

An important addition to the bookshelf.
As with dictionaries and other reference works, nobody sits down to read an encyclopaedia. Instead, I began by carefully studying numerous entries and then put the book to the test by comparing the "glossary of terms" found in two very good books on Falconry to the content of this work.

The book measures 10in x 7¾in (255mm x 195mm) and contains 150 pages packed with information plus an extensive "further reading" section at the end. The publishers claim 95,000 words defining some 1,500 terms used in connection with the sport of Falconry. Those I had selected to study at random were all well described and included the ancient and historic origins of those words (where applicable) in addition to their meaning. The book also contains numerous illustrations to assist the written descriptions plus 4 sections of colour/black and white photographs/illustrations - from both ancient and modern sources.

Thinking I had stumbled across a whole area which had been missed by the author, I looked up a number of medical terms associated with Falconry and was (initially at least) very disappointed to find vitally important words - such as "Bumblefoot," missing altogether.Then I discovered the 8 page appendix on "Diseases and Ailments" right at the end and mentally offered the author my sincere apologies and quickly restored the book's 5 star rating.

Altogether, an excellent book and a most useful reference tool - although I am not sure why they have used the American spelling (i.e. Encyclopaedia instead of Encyclopaedia) in the title. A small matter which should not deter anyone from buying the book.

NM

Add this to your library!
Falconry is a sport with a long, complex history and tradition, and there is a wealth of falconry-related literature out there. This book is good to have on hand when researching a word or phrase related to managing your ownhawks. Having all these definitions at your fingertips really helps (a lotof falconry classics contain archaic language or very specificterminology). But, the Encyclopedia also contains a lot of currentinformation. It is not a how-to book, so it does not replace any of thebetter falconry manuals. It is, though, a solid reference tool you willconsult time and again.

The sport of falconry
A comprehensive look at the the world of falconry. The writing style shows much better organization than the Webster/Beebe books, which tend to ramble. Great photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very inaccurate with misleading information
This book has many inaccuracies.Jack claims that Redtails and Harris Hawks are not good hunting hawks yet these two species are the some of most popular and successful falconry birds to date. He claims that the Merlin is a native of Europe and not N. America.He says that the best birds for beginners are the Sharp-shinned Hawk, Coopers Hawk, and the Goshawk yet it is illegal for an apprentice to possess these birds in all states except Alaska(they allow Goshawks).All in all, this book contains so many inaccuracies that I would not reccommend it to anyone, especially a novice falconer.

a good book for beginners
It reads very easily.Some falconry books are tough to follow, but not this one. ... Read more

Product Description
Denver: Published by North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks. (1985, Fifth Printing) Silver Anniversary Edition. Hardcover, Dark Blue Cloth boards, with silver gilt lettering along the spine and on front cover. 386 pages. This is a great and wonderful book of essay collections and illustrations of the beautiful Falcon birds. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

The most comprehensive book on modern falconry
First off, a correction: Hal Webster and Frank Beebe put this book together initially in the 60's or 70's, in an earlier edition which is still largely the same.Since, chapters have been added about Harris' Hawks (which are an exception to the rules about non-social raptors,) to update veterinary aspects, etc.Joe Rotondo's name has no place in the credits for this book.

Though aspects of the legal system do not apply in countries other than the U.S., NAF&HH remains the single most comprehensive book written on modern falconry, and perhaps the second most comprehensive ever written on the subject.I'm a professional writer, author, and have been flying raptors for well over 30 years (nearly 40, now) and I have been unable to begin to put together a book on the subject, for fear that I'll miss one of the many facets that go into each decision made about the hawk while interacting with it.The sheer sum of all the information that comes into play at one time is daunting. Yet Hal and Frank managed to present that information to us in analog order, and produce a book which has guided many thousands of falconers to success over the past 4 decades.

If you could have only one book on raptors, this would have to be that book.

P.S. Though Amazon claims that it is out of print, Hal Webster continues to publish this book. Western Sporting Goods is amongst the vendors who can acquire it, and Hal may still sell it directly as well.

P.P.S. I should also add that it is written by Hal Webster & Frank Beebe.I've no idea how Joe Rotondo came to be in the credits.

Great Material.Book needs editor
This is a book chock-full of great material.Overall organization of the content needs some tweeking as it is a bit scattered.Anyone wanting to get details on hawks and falconry will find the information they need somewhere in these pages.The authors clearly have a wealth of knowledge to share; it could be shared better.This book is in serious need of a competent editor.Nearly every page contains examples of the editor's silly habit of using capital letters to emphasize words.For example, "...the haggard Prairie is VERY difficult to train."Often this anachromism is employed several times per page and makes reading difficult.It is both annoying and so unneccesary.
Grammatical and spelling errors abound as well.

North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks
This is a must-have for anyone thinking of starting falconry or becoming an apprentice falconer.It is a primary reference book for practicing falconers.Most people will need to have read this book thoroughly as well as other reference material before being able to pass their state exam.We found the California Hawking Club Apprentice Study Guide as well as information from local Fish and Game Dept (in addition to this book) to be very helpful in passing the state exam.This book is used on a regular basis for us as practicing falconers.

North American Falconry & Hunting Hawks
This book is a must have for falconers, especially those falconry apprentices seeking knowledge to pass state exams. Not only an excellent reference book but an enjoyable wealth of falconry background. Learn about the different kinds of birds of prey of the falconry world, obtaining, training and care of these magnificent birds.

North American Falconry and Hunting Hawks
The most comprehensive book printed on Falconry in North America. Now in it's 8th edition. ... Read more

Product Description
2002. An expanded 3rd edition with new illustrations, bibliography and appendices. Long awaited by hundreds of falconers and a must-have for anyone contemplating or practicing gamehawking with this common and beautiful species. Mullenix thoroughly covers every aspect from natural history, trapping, equipment, weathering, entering, to diet, conditioning, accidents and illnesses. He makes the case that American Kestrels of all ages, origins, sizes and both sexes prove equally capable of regularly catching House Sparrows, Starlings and occasionally larger birds. Hard cover. 139 pp. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

American Kestrels in Falconry
This is a fantastic book.The seller responded rapidly and it was sent very safely. Great Seller!!!

American Kestrels
My parents purchased this for me on Christmas, as I am an aspiring falconer.i was looking forward to getting it so terribly, and I was so excited to see it arrive in the mail.

It was a huge disappointment.Everything I read you could find online.www.themodernapprentice.com has good information--the same information that I read in Mullenix's book.The only new information that I read was about the diseases, which I expect is discussed in other high profile books like Falconry and Hawking in North America.

Great little book about a great little falcon
Kestrels, perhaps because of their abundance in the wild and because apprentices are allowed to keep them, were long dismissed by "serious" falconers as "beginner birds." That's absolutely not true: for one thing, it takes a certain amount of expertise to successfully fly them, and for another, successfully flown kesses can stand alongside the other "true" falcons as amazing game hawks.
Finally, Matthew Mullenix has come along to give them their due.In this well-written, engaging manual devoted to the American kestrel, Mullenix offers solid information for those of us who would like to house and fly kestrels. He covers everything, from equipment to manning technique, and his enthusiasm for this species is contagious.
I think kestrels have been underrated, in part, because they're really CUTE.(Well, so are hummingbirds, and territorial hummingbird males will stab each other in the neck.)
Mullenix opens the door on a great possibility for falconers who are urban or suburban hawkers, as well as for anyone who has always wanted to fly a "real" falcon but was a bit nervous about managing such a tiny bird.
Thanks, Mr. Mullenix: you've added to falconry literature in a significant way, and I personally can't wait to apply the principles you describe in your book. ... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1869.This volume from the Cornell University Library's print collections was scanned on an APT BookScan and converted to JPG 2000 format by Kirtas Technologies.All titles scanned cover to cover and pages may include marks notations and other marginalia present in the original volume. ... Read more

Product Description
Falconry, also known as hawking, is a hunting sport where trained birds of prey are used to hunt and pursue game. Not just for the falcon bird, falconry is done by all birds of prey. Many raptors are species that face conservation concerns. ... Read more