Home Reference Manual

Home reference manual
Falconry: Hunting with Raptors

Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010
Contents
Discovery phase
Introduction and initial research 4
Reference book design 5
Falconry book design 10
Discovery conclusions 20
Transformation phase
Task analysis: Hooding a falcon 22
Task analysis: Hunting a pheasant with a falcon 26
Editorial and design flows 28
Design influences 32
Design concepts 34
Making phase
Final designs 42
Acknowledgements 48
Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

DISCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKING
DISCOVERY TRANSFORM
Home Reference Manual 3

Introduction
The aim of this project is to design a ‘blad’ for a home

reference manual aimed at a general market; a home
reference manual is not a textbook or technical manual, and a
blad is a Book Layout and Design.
The finished blad could be used to market the idea to a

publisher, it acts as a sample and often shows finished
spreads and cover artwork
Falconry
I have some experience in falconry and have owned a
number of birds before university. Books have always been
a valuable tool in learning techniques and understanding
the birds, but they contain little information on actual flights
and flying environments. By designing a book for the general
market I can re-order the conventional flow of a falconry
book, and emphasise the requirement of understanding your
environment before buying a potentially unsuitable raptor (the
correct term for a bird of prey).
I will mention a few falconry terms during this project, but can
assume there will be a glossary in my final book.
Initial research
Bryn Walls (1), former art director at Dorling Kindersley visited The following notes were made from reading an audio script (1)
Bryn Walls, Former Art Director at
the department to give a talk; these are my notes: from an Open University course (3): Dorling Kindersley. Visited Reading
University Typography Department,
• Illustrations are often shown as steps with numbers. • The cover plays an important part in the initial steps to 12/01/10
• It’s often useful to show an overhead shot of all the ‘sell’ the idea/book to the publishers.
implements used in a particular task; this also helps the • The author, designers and editors all work together in (2)
A quote on Pierre Marchand from
reader to perceive scale. the same area. Hedwige Pasquet and Christine
• Use illustrations not TO, but WITH the text. • Decide what and how items are going to be portrayed BakerGallimard Jeunesse:
• Bring text and images together at the creation of a in the book, i.e. spreads and flow. Start with an editorial
“He couldn’t suffer an error of visual
document flow, them a more detailed ‘design flowchart’ illustrating taste or the sin of banality, in a color,
• Bryn mentioned an illustrator called Pierre Marchand (2) what is to be on each spread (coding diagrams types, a proportion, a line... his eye was
truly laser sharp. He had to mold, to
• There is a need to make things work for the ‘show me’ e.g. 3D, illustrations, photos etc). control: no project was ever less than
people as well as the ‘tell me people’. • Next stage is to work out the details on a particular a challenge; the ambition of the 18th-
century French encyclopedists was
• In a spread you can have a number of elements in spread, photo sessions (or sequences) are then
underlying every idea.”
hierarchical order: decided, e.g. ‘ingredients photos’ - a pictorial list of
• Main point/image (at the top) equipment. Pierre Marchand Remembered. URL:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
• Details of the image/annotations • In diagrams think about visualising elements that article/416501-Pierre_Marchand_
• Other stories/news people can’t see, e.g. pressure points or motion. Remembered.php [14/01/10]
• Think of creating ‘visual stories’ and ‘virtual tours’,
i.e. walking around objects using multiple photos and (3)
captions to tell a story, as if the reader was there. Think Notes from an Open University course
on Communication and Education,
of the 4th dimension as time. where Rob Waller interviews a
publishing manager, editor and
designer from Dorling Kindersley
The Beetle, Paris, Gallimard, “My (1987).
first discoveries”, 1989. Artwork by
Pierre Marchand
4 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

Reference book design
Parker, S. (2007). The Human Body Book.

London: Dorling Kindersley
Key features 

A large format home reference guide explaining all elements of
the human body. Also included is an interactive DVD. The size
of the book allows a lot of information to be provided on each
spread in an engaging way, with easy navigation using colour
coding.
Relevance to potential users 

Users of this book are most likely to be students up to A-level
grade, or people interested in knowing more about the body.
The younger reader would be used to the high amount of 3D
diagrams, and also the DVD, however, older generations may
find it difficult.
Cover messages 

A large illustration gives the reader a flavour of the book
contents, with a textured transparent sleeve adding to the
feeling of exposed layers of the body. Bold typography
highlights the areas covered in the book.
Use of diagrams 

3D diagrams convey meanings and functions very well with
clear annotation. Using a black background gives a feeling
of internal space rather than dissection. Photos are added to
show actual examples and are a clever way of providing the
reader some realism.
Lavish 3D CGI spreads engage

the reader and explain complex
procedures.

Hessayon, D.G. (1997). The New Lawn Expert.
London: Expert Books

Full colour soft back in quite a small format, with most
graphics being illustrations. Step-by-step guides are useful, as
are the full page spreads, but pages feel a little cluttered with
oversized banners. The fully justified text and poor spacing is
sometimes confusing.

Home owners with medium to large size gardens will find this
useful, but only if they have a lawn laid to grass; this is unlikely
in some foreign climates. Techniques are unlikely to change in
lawn care, but the tools may.

The portrayal of a rather small lawn gives the reader indication
of the subject, but the term ‘new’ is a big mistake. This book
looks very dated now, especially with the illustrations. The
heavy title text box blocks the main image and produces
some distracting angles.

Hand rendered illustrations focus on particular tasks but now
Motion paths are not clear enough
and produce distracting patters. look dated, Motion paths on lawns are confusing and should
It would have been better to be split into steps. Text spacing to the illustrations is not
break this one down into steps or
phases.
linking the diagram to the text.
Clear illustrations explain tasks,

but text blocks are too far from the
subject

Reader’s Digest (2009). How to do just about

anything on a computer.
London: Reader’s Digest Association Ltd.

Hard-backed landscape format with colour coded sections,
and full colour spreads. Lots of screenshots to explain
processes and a heavy focus on finding the correct section
quickly. It could become repetitive but large photos with text
wrapping break up the steps by showing the reader the results
or aspirations they seek.

An introduction to PC based tasks, essentially for the novice
user or older generation. A simple and engaging layout using
a Windows format can be easy to understand. However, any
book like this will date very quickly as new programmes are
developed and screenshots are no-longer representative.
Landscape is a good format when placed in front of your PC.

Highlighting ‘computer’ is good, but I think ‘PC’ should be
made clearer as this is useless for MAC users. The words ‘just
about anything’ are a little ambiguous.

Diagrams would not be very useful in this type of book, so
the choice of screenshots is good. Too many screenshots
can become a little repetitive though, but this book highlights
certain elements well.

Walker, C.F. (1979). The Complete Fly Fisher.
2nd Ed. London: Barrie & Jenkins Ltd.

Hard-backed with a colour sleeve. All internal pages are
mono-chrome with a mixture of photos and illustrations. Body
text is justified making it difficult to skim read, but captions
are nicely placed under graphics. Many of the photos require
the user to rotate the book, but this actually makes it quite
engaging.

Flyfishing techniques have not changed for many years, and
equipment requirements are also very similar. All types of
casting and rivers are mentioned, with diagrams guiding the
reader from many different viewpoints.

The cover image is a little saturated but this may be due to
the age of the book; and the title needs a little more room.
I do like the use of a typical scene and the use of the word
‘complete’.

Some of the diagrams look almost scientific, but once the
reader understands that many show the casting of the fishing
line, they become very understandable. Time series is aided
by letters or numbers, and illustrations of the fisherman
highlight motion. I would like to see a few more elements in
the illustrations to show the context of the image, e.g. the river
bank or foliage. As the photos are mono-chrome, it can be
difficult to see the details.

A requirement to rotate the book to

see the photos actually breaks up
the rather repetitive text layout.
Scaling the hand in this illustration

highlights the area of discussion.
Illustrations are quite scientific, but

accompanied with the text, make
the process easy to understand
by using clever scaling and time-
frame overlays.

Falconry book design
Due to the age of some of these falconry books I shall not

scale them in the same way as the previous ones; instead I
have made notes on particular characteristics. I continue to
scale the later ones.
Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. (1250). The Art

of Falconry. Translated and Edited by Casey
A. Wood and F. Marjorie Fyfe (1943), Stanford
University Press
The Art of Falconry was one of

the first guides produced on
the subject. Though written in
1250, elements of the diagrams
still give a good indication of
current falconry processes. It was
produced by hand in full colour
and this would explain why there
are only two examples left today.
It is interesting to see illustrations

of scenes; far right shows a
potential cause of ‘bating’ (the bird
flapping from the fist or perch) in
the form of a window cleaner.
‘It is a scientific book, approaching

the subject from Aristotle but based
closely on observation and experiment
throughout, Divisivus et Inquisitivus,
in the words of the preface, it is at the
same time a scholastic book, minute
and almost mechanical in its divisions
and subdivisions. It is also a rigidly
practical book, written by a falconer
for falconers and condensing a long
experience into systematic form for the
use of others.’
Haskins,C.H, The Latin Literature

of Sport (Speculum) Vol.2, No
3 (Jul.,1927), P.244. Cited from
Wikipedia

Salvin, F.H & Brodrick, W (1873). Falconry in the

British Isles. 2nd Ed. London: John Van Voorst
A large hand-coloured spread

showing falconry equipment and
providing templates for hood-
making. Focussed diagrams of
equipment fitted to the bird help
the reader understand the usage,
as do different angles of the
hoods. Most of the elements are
shown actual size.

A very small an intricate format
gives this guide a note-book feel,
especially with its leather binding.
Latham. S. (1633). Lathams Falconry: or, The

Faulcons Lure, and Cure. London: Thomas Harper
Hand written notes show an

interaction with the book; these
notes look like a list and could be
an indication of the user working
out some costs.
The inner cover is centrally aligned

with an interesting diagram
showing equipment used in
falconry - this revolves around the
focus, a hawk.

A table of contents shows the

book it to be used as a reference
guide, allowing navigation to the
desired chapter. Also interesting
to note the acrostic poem on the
left page.
A mixture of roman and italics

are used to define different text
groups, with each main section
introduced with an ornate banner
across the top and a large initial
letter. A large outer margin is left
for notes.
Tailing-off the text is an interesting

method of finishing a section,
with an image defining the new
section; in this case the Goshawk
(Goshawke in old spelling).

The inside front cover of this
book contains a fold-out graphic
depicting falconry choices and
options. Being a reprint, it is
produced in black and white, but
the original can be seen on the
opposite page.
Blome, R. (1929). Hawking or Faulconry.

London: The Cresset Press Ltd
This spread depicts a hunting

scene on the left (Partridge
Hawking), however, the subject
on the right is not connected with
the image. I think it is useful to
have the text put into context but it
needs to be near the image.
The falconry bag shown on this

page is not a generic one, but
a bag belonging to someone
in particular. Adding a personal
touch to the book and giving it a
historical feel.

The poster below is the original

version, first printed in 1686,
and would have been folded
and placed in the first edition of
Blomes’ Hawking or Faulconry.
I think it is a great example of an
early information graphic on the
subject of falconry. Starting from
the left it flows as a family tree,
asking questions and drilling down
to answers on flying environments,
quarry, and applicable raptor
choice.
Images of quarry, raptors and
equipment (unlabelled) flow around
the outside of the diagram, which
in turn is placed in a training
environment at the bottom.
This diagram is engaging and
informative, but more importantly
follows a pattern that anyone new
to falconry should follow; this is the
method of access structure I’d like
to follow in my manual.
I like the title style, mixing lower

and upper capitals; this may be an
interesting way of styling my own
manual. The connections between
the bubbles are also very nice,
using calligraphic thicks and thins
portray motion and may be an
interesting approach to illustrating
flight lines.

Glasier, P. (1998). Falconry & Hawking. 3rd Ed.
London: Batsford (original 1978)

The 3rd edition of this book has a modernised hardback
cover sleeve, but the contents remain relatively unchanged
from the original 1978 version. It is a guide on all aspects
of falconry for newcomers but also contains information
on making equipment more applicable to the experienced.
Using photography in step by step processes is very useful in
explaining complex tasks, however photos are often from the
same angle.

Known as a key text in falconry circles, it has excellent
sections on training, but due to its’ age equipment is
dated and few people make their own in current times. It’s
publication also straddles a key period in modern falconry
where it used to be legal to take hawks from the wild with a
permit, but now this practice is illegal.

The large image is eye-catching but could be confused for a
general ornithology book; the title is placed well enough to
counterbalance this issue. It is difficult to date the book from
the cover so the reader may be disappointed to see the age of
the content.

A mixture of line diagrams and step by step photo sequences
are used throughout to aid understanding by highlighting key
points in the process. Being monotone does not effect the
usability as few processes require colour differentiation.
The author of this book is the

father of Jemima Parry-Jones, the
author of the book on the opposite
page. There are a number
similarities in the step by step
photo series style.

Parry-Jones, J. (1994). Training Birds of Prey.

Newton Abbot: David & Charles

This book is very much aimed at the beginner and includes a
section on training owls (this is not falconry in the true sense).
It has a mix of colour and monochrome photos accompanied
by explanatory line drawings. There is little mentioned on
hunting strategy but a very thorough section on equipment
with a couple of well laid out ‘ingredients’ pages.

For beginners to falconry this book is ideal for an introduction,
but fails to take the reader to a more advanced level. The
inclusion of owls is an unusual addition and may not be
relevant to true falconers.

The Buzzard is very much a beginners bird, so using this
raptor in a falconry setting provides the reader with an idea
of the content. This is only applicable if the reader has prior
knowledge that a Buzzard is a beginners bird, and it does
not give any indication of owls. Mixing upper and lower-case
capitals was seen in the older falconry manuals and may be a
way of illustrating the ancient roots of the sport.

Photos have been carefully planned, using beginner birds, and
focussing on key elements of particular tasks from different
angles. Line diagrams are useful in providing exploded
information but the typography could be placed around them
in a more intuitive way.
The full-bleed ‘finished’ image on

the right page is a useful method
of portraying the completed
process of hooding.

Exposing hidden elements of
hooding using illustration.
Fox, N. (1995). Understanding the Bird of Prey.

Surrey: Hancock House

A book of two very comprehensive sections, one on the
anatomy and understanding of raptors, and the other on
training and flying. There is a full colour section in the middle
but all other illustrations are black and white. All text is
justified in two columns, and with few navigation aids it’s
difficult to use as a reference manual. The book is almost
trying to do too much without having a clear target audience.

This book is aimed at the experienced falconer or ornithologist
and it caters for each individuals’ need well, However, putting
the two together is often confusing as there is no distinct
difference in layout or styling.

Using a young falcon indicates the books focus on
understanding raptors at all stages. The background looks
like a domestic environment so the reader will ascertain the
subject is not wholly wild raptors. The colour choice for the
title does not work on the mottled background.

The data graphics are rather uninspiring and often too large,
but the illustrative flights and environments are very clear, by
showing flight lines and elements a photo can’t depict (e.g.
wind flow) the reader can follow step processes easily.

Illustrations of flying environments

place the reader in the picture,
they are a great method for
highlighting a flight, but the use of
a dotted flight path may be difficult
to follow.
Some tables could be improved

with the addition of shading.
Numbers on a diagram link to

steps in the text.
Data graphics are often too large

for the spread

Discovery conclusions
Due to the niche market of falconry manuals, modern books

on this subject do not seem to have a very large budget for
publishing and design. When compared with guides like
The Human Body, and How to do Just About Anything on a
Computer, the falconry manuals I’ve researched are bland and
uninspiring; the complete opposite of the subject they refer
to. Examples from the 17th century are intricate and personal,
giving a feel of the regal origins of the sport; this is something
I would like to adapt for my own manual.
Imagery
Birds of prey are such beautiful animals I would like to use
as many detailed photos as possible, likewise, the bond
between the trainer and their bird is very strong so I would
like to represent this also. The environments and equipment
are key features of falconry, with most of the equipment being
handmade from leather a lot of the imagery is quite ‘earthy’.
Tasks
Dealing with live animals, a number of the tasks involved in
falconry need careful application, so illustrating tasks needs
clear steps from different viewpoints.
Flights
Flying a bird has many steps and eventualities but still follows
a defined path. The most interesting examples of flights
appear from a user perspective, actually taking the reader to
the field.
Key points
• Create a visual story
• Visualise elements the reader can not see
• Double spreads with full bleed images engage
the reader
• Create a new access structure that represents
how falconry decisions should be made, e.g.
understand your environment before deciding
which bird to fly.
• Style elements from ‘older’ falconry times can
demonstrate it’s noble roots.
• Illustration works best when applied with
photography to demonstrate nonvisual themes,
e.g. flight lines and wind direction.

DISCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKING
SCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKIN

Task analysis:
Hooding a falcon
In order to design a step by step process it is necessary to
understand the subject thoroughly. Within my manual on
falconry I would like to illustrate the technique for hooding, Key steps are highlighted in red
and give details on a particular flight. I spent a weekend with a
falconer and took the following photo sequences. Notes were
taken and key points highlighted.
From the front
1 2 3 4 5
A raptor is always held on the weakest The hood is held by its’ plume (located The hood opening is facing upwards As the hood chin strap meets the
arm to allow the falconer to carry out on the top). as the hood is brought upwards from a lower beak, the beak passes through
tasks with his dominant hand. low position in front of the bird. the opening and the hood is rolled
over the birds’ head.
6 7 8 9 10
The hood is gently pushed into place. Wait for a moment to allow the bird to To tighten the hood in place, the One of the braces are held by the
settle. longer straps (braces) need to be teeth by using the right hand to put it
pulled. in the mouth.
11 12 13 14 15
The opposite long brace is taken in the Both braces are pulled apart at the Removal of the hood is done by
right hand. same time, this tightens the hood reversing the steps and pulling the
without causing any discomfort to the shorter straps.
bird.

From the back
1 2 3 4 5
Bringing the hood towards the bird at Rolling the hood over the head.
a low angle.
6 7 8 9 10
Pushing in place.
11 12 13 14 15
Pausing for a moment ‘Drawing’ the braces.

Hooding in the field
2 3
A low approach in front of the bird
IDEA: It is not necessary to see the

whole bird, or the falconer, during
this process; it may be better to
focus the picture on the subject,
i.e. a close-up of the hood, falcon
and hand motion.
4 5
6 7
Rolling the hood over the falcons’
head as the beak passes through the
hood opening.
8 9
Pushing in place.
10 11
Drawing the braces.
12
Task analysis: Hunting a
pheasant with a falcon
Drive to the flying ground
1 2 3 4 5
Before setting off in your car, check Fitting a tail-mounted telemetry Placing the hooded falcon on a Tieing the ‘leash’, the cord that is
that all equipment is packed. transmitter (this sends a signal to a specially made perch in the rear of the attached to the leather jesses via
receiver so you can find a lost bird). vehicle. a swivel. The removable jesses are
attached through eyelets to the
falcons’ legs.
Drive past the quarry to a

suitable place to ‘cast off’
your bird, preferably down
wind behind some cover.
6 7 8 9 10
Once at the flying ground the falconer A pheasant is spotted feeding out in Take the falcon from the vehicle Remove the hood and store it in a safe
will drive around looking for suitable the open field. (keeping noise to a minimum). Prepare place.
quarry to fly at; in this case we are for flight by removing the leash, swivel
looking for pheasants. and jesses.
11 12 13 14 15
Casting off the falcon. The bird is The falcon takes flight. The falcon now ‘rings up’ to gain The falconer will walk towards the
now free to fly but will often take her height by flying in circles above the quarry keeping his eye on the falcon
time, assessing the conditions and falconer. On site of the airborne above.
preparing for flight by ‘ruffling’ her raptor the pheasant will stay in place,
feathers. crouching low to the ground.
16 17 18 19 20
When the falcon is at her highest point The dog is released and looks for the As the quarry flushes the falconer The aim of the falcon is to strike the In this case the falcon is a young
the falconer signals to her to prepare quarry to flush (to push into flight). gives a shout, but the falcon has such quarry with closed feet, raking it with bird so did not strike the pheasant
for the ‘flush’. quick reflexes she will have already her huge back talons. As a stoop can accurately. He momentum carries her
started ‘stooping’ (a dive). reach speeds in excess of 200mph up for another attempt.
this can kill the quarry outright.
21 22 23 24 25
Here you can see the falcon releasing The falcon is actually inverted in this Closing in... The pheasant jinks out of the way and A tail-chase ensues as the pheasant
the pheasants’ feathers she caught image, turning in the air for another the falcon misses. heads for the nearest dense cover.
from the first stoop. stoop.
26 27 28 29 30
In level flight the pheasant is faster The pheasant reaches the safety of Having missed her chance, the falcon The falconer now calls the falcon back
than the falcon who has lost her height cover; this is exactly the same place rings up and looks for the quarry. to him by throwing out a lure with meat
advantage and her speed. where the falcon was cast off from. attached to it.

31 32 33 34 35
Gliding in towards the falconer. Landing on the lure. Eating meat from the lure. Approaching the falcon, the falconer
stays low and does not make any
sudden movements.
36 37 38 39 40
Taking a moment as the falcon eats Picking up the falcon from the lure is Equipment is replaced (jesses, leash
meat from the lure, the falconer talks achieved by offering her food on the and swivel).
about the flight, and the dog has a fist.
rest.
41 42 43
Once she has finished her reward, the Returning to the vehicle. Dog and falcon safe in the vehicle.
falcon is hooded ready for the journey Being hooded in the car keeps the
home. falcon calm and undisturbed by traffic.
Task analysis conclusions

There are only a few steps, in the hooding and flight, that
need to be shown in my book design. The hooding procedure
should only require four images, focussing on key points
and accompanied with text descriptions. The flight is more
complicated as it involves a process occurring in different
times and places, with the falconer taking actions in parallel
with the falcon. This will be a challenge to design, possibly
requiring a mix of photos, illustrations (to show flight paths)
and text descriptions.
INSPIRATION: The style of Nigel

Holmes’ work is simple but
extremely understandable. Motion
is illustrated using simple arrows,
curved in the scarf instructions
(far right), and time-frame
transparencies (in the conductor).
They may be a little too sterile for

my purpose, as I would like flight
paths and motion to be more
natural, maybe using thicks and
thins of a brush stroke.

Editorial & design flows
The flow of my book will allow for a slightly different access

structure than is often used within falconry books. The book
shall be laid out in the same manner that a falconer should
approach their sport, i.e. understanding what environment is
available to them before working out what kind of bird to fly.
Having spoken to experienced falconers, they often state that
a beginner or novice will chose a bird to fly that is unsuitable
to the environment and quarry they have available.
Double page photo

spread to introduce the
environment section.
Layout for introduction

and history.
Environments contents
page (Concept 1):
photos and colour
coding on falcons’ tail,
flight lines linking to
page numbers.
Historical timelines.
page (Concept 2):
large photo, bird flight,
colour coding and key
to flights.
1) Introduction and history 2) Flight and theory

• What this book is for • Start with an environment map (link to others)
• Definition of falconry • Arable farmland
• Historical timelines (linked to location in the world) • Large plains
• Woodland
• Highlands
• Desert
• Individual maps: each one to have a focus on the birds
that can be flown; Long wings (falcons), Shortwings
(hawks), Broadwings (buzzards/harris hawks), Eagles
• Maps to link to prey types (rabbit, hare, squirrel,
pheasant, grouse, partridge, water birds, hedgerow
quarry, rooks/crows, magpie)

Double page photo

spread for each
environment section.
page (Concept 3):
photos, colour coding
and descriptions.
Specific flight details

(Concept 1): Text
process on left, flight on
right, quarry and bird
details on footer.
page (Concept 4):
An Alternative for
concept 3
Specific flight details

(Concept 2): Spread
dominated by the flight,
with step details as
annotation. Flight from
different angles.
More options for illustrating an

individual flight.

Double page photo
spread for section.
Double page photo

spread for section.
Layout for training as

per introduction. Also
inclusion of step by
step processes and
diagrams.
Layout as per
introduction but
including large hero
shot of theraptor.
Timeline spreads may

be useful to depict
training but could be
too prescriptive - some
birds are more difficult
than others.
3) Bird choice 4) Training methods

• Different sub-species of the groups e.g. Peregrine under • By bird type then hunting desire
Longwings, Sparrowhawk under Shortwings etc.
• Also include details of quarry types and their
characteristics.

Double page photo

spread for section.
Layout similar to bird

choice, with inclusion
of hero image and also
step by step process.
IDEA: The reader of this section

may be carrying out the actions
as they read, using each spread
as a reference while they perform
the task. For this reason I would
like to use a different stock of
paper, heavier and more resilient.
To differentiate from the rest of the
book I’d also like to give the whole
section a colour wash.
5) Specific tasks
• Hooding
• Using the lure
• Coping and imping
• Food types and feeding
• Bird handling (including knot tying)
• Lost birds and telemetry
• Housing and perches
• Fitting equipment
• Travelling

Design influences
Longwing stoop at game

Typography based on old scripts
and texts, Bickham and Sabon.
Longwing stoop at game
Early falconry information graphic;

hand drawn, flowing, motion.
The regal history of falconry.
Rich scenes with bright colours.

Simple line drawings tell a story

and explain a flight path, taking the
reader to the environment.
Relationship between falconer and

his bird is very deep and is forged
Capturing motion and flight in still
over a number of years.
images; apply this to diagrams.
TYPEFACES: Baskerville is a classic typeface but I’d

like to use something more modern. Quadraat is a little
too squat, but Sabon is nice and airy and would make a
good representation of bird flight.
Baskerville Regular 10pt/11.5

Before even considering which bird you would like to fly you
should analyse the environment you have available to fly in.
There are some species of raptor that are totally unsuited to
certain environments or flying style.
Sabon Roman 10pt/11.5

should analyse the environment you have available to fly in.
There are some species of raptor that are totally unsuited to
certain environments or flying style.
Quadraat Regular 10pt/11.5

should analyse the environment you have available to fly in. There
are some species of raptor that are totally unsuited to certain
environments or flying style.
Recurring patterns and earth

tones.
Equipment is a mix of new
technology and methods used for
thousands of years.
The bird uses it’s own lethal

equipment to survive.

Design concepts
Greyscale image ages

the spread.
Poor mix of typefaces.

Key misunderstood.
Concept 1
F
Flying
lyingenvironments
environments
Arable Lowland
B efore even considering which bird you
would like to fly you should analyse the
environment you have available to fly in. There Woodland
are some species of raptor that are totally
unsuited to certain environments or flying
style. This should be the first thing the falconer Highlands
assesses, as a clear understanding of what you
want to achieve will not only dictate the best
bird for you, but also the kind of equipment The Plains
required and the type of quarry available.
This section of the book is split into five Desert

different environments you may encounter as
a falconer, then within each environment you
will find examples of possible flights and the
quarry and raptor best suited to that style;
from grouse hawking in the Highlands
with a Longwing, to Lowland hare
hawking with a Shortwing.
Where a flight is described you will

find helpful links to specific tasks
in the task section of this book;
these may be step by step guides
or simple reference tools that
are a common feature of
many flight types.
J
F Picking up p. 266 Telemetry: Wherever you decide to fy, telemetry
M
A
is essential. This is a tail-mounted transmitter
Links to the task section of manufactured by Marshal. It is not something to
M
J
this book accompany fight allow the falconer to take risky slips with a half
J instructions.
trained bird, but more a fall-back incase
A
anything unforeseen happens and you
S
O Common Pheasant Lanner Falcon end up losing your bird. Don't
N Phasianus colchicus page 125 forget, always check the
D batteries before
Details of quarry are given Page references to birds fying.
with information on environ- of prey best suited to the
mental characteristics. Hunt- environment.
ing dates are also shown.
22 23
1.1 - Flying environments title spread
Key to prey and birds

is not clear.

The flight path works

Portrait format, even though a good well and includes the
shape to show flights may not reader in the scene.
stand out in a bookshop - look at a Real elements clutter
landscape format the spread.
L
Longwing
Arable Lowland
ongwingstoop
stoopat
atfeathered
featheredgame
game
d by the fush
fo llowe
tion Bells: A vital piece of
os i
tp equipment when fying in
r fe c lowland areas. On a falcon
Pe
they are best mounted on
J the tail and will help you
Also known as the French
F
M partridge, these birds can be find her on the ground
A found in very large coveys, or in deeper cover.
M giving the falconer an oppor-
J tunity for excellent slips.
J
A
S
O Red-legged Partridge Peregrine Falcon
d
ng overhea
N Alectoris rufa Followi page 119
D
J
Once a common site but
F
M now the Grey, or English,
Th
partridge is a rare site. They

4
A
e st
M are much more wary than

J the Red-Legged so a careful
oop
J approach is required.
A
S
O Grey Partridge Lanner Falcon
N Perdix perdix page 125
D Gaining height
J
Mallards can be found in
F
M small ponds and ditches
A in lowland areas. A dog
M is a necessity as they are
J
Im
very difficult to fush; river

J
pac
ducks should be avoided all

O
A
u tc
together.
tp
S
ome A
The Mallard
oin
O
t
N Anas platyrhynchos
D
J Outcome B
Pheasants are
F
1 Casting off
M a large
A quarry
M requir-
J ing a heavy
J falcon to catch
A
them. In level fight
S
Common Pheasant they are very fast.
5 2
O
N Phasianus colchicus
D
Q ua r
ry fu
sh
3
ach
s appro
Falconer
1. The game is spotted from a car or other approach calmly with the dog on a lead. Spotting game p. 235 4. Now it is all down to the falcon; upon curately, or miss all together as the quarry Picking up p. 266
distant location, often using binoculars. Signalling to the waiting falcon will make Hooding p. 260 seeing the flush and hearing the shouts jinks to avoid the stoop. In this scenario
Upon spotting a covey or singular bird sure she stays overhead. Flushing game p. 232 from below she will stoop at great speed the clever quarry will very often out-fly
in the open, the falconer will remove the to intercept the quarry before it reaches the falcon in a tail-chase, beating her to
hood, and cast off the falcon from suita-
3. When the falcon is upwind of the hiding cover. Outcome A: The falcon will strike cover.
quarry it is time to let the dog off and
ble cover, allowing the bird to gain height the game with closed talons, causing it to
overhead.
flush the game under her. The quarry will
tumble to the ground. She will loop over
5. Pick up the falcon, either from her caught
undoubtedly fly towards the nearest cover quarry (outcome one), or by calling her to
and tackle her prize on the ground, often
2. On site of the falcon overhead the quarry and this should be anticipated by the fal-
dispatching it with a bite to the neck. Out-
a lure thrown out onto the ground by the
should stay in position and lie flat to the coner. falconer (option two).
come B: The falcon will strike but inac-
ground. It is now time for the falconer to
34 35
1.2 - Flight details
Links to the task

section feel detached.
Steps are difficult to

link to the image.

Concept 2
Hu n t i ng with
Hu n t i ng
R a p tor s
Falconry; a noble sport with a history dating back
to 720 BC, now rising in popularity as newcomers
experience the deep bond between man and bird once
reserved only for the regal and gentry of the land.
This book acts as a guide to the newcomer, and a

reference to the experienced falconer or austringer. You
will find step-by-step illustrations of possible flights in a
with
variety of environments found in the UK and beyond.
Raptor characteristics, training methods, and falconry
R a p tor s
tasks are shown in rich photos and described by leading
falconry professionals.
History • Flights & Theory • Raptor Choice • Training Methods • Falconry Tasks
www.tomlinsonbooks.com Tomlinson
2.1 - Back, spine and cover

Banner is dated. Good falconry Spacing needs
reference. adjusting.
Arable Lowland
Woodland
Open Flatlands
Highlands
Before even considering which bird you would

like to fly you should analyse the environment
you have available to fly in. There are some
species of raptor that are totally unsuited to
certain environments or flying style. This should
be the first thing the falconer assesses, a clear
understanding of what you want to achieve will
Flights & Theory

not only dictate the best bird for you, but also
the kind of equipment required and the type of
quarry available.
This section of the book is split into four different

environments you may encounter as a falconer,
then within each environment you will find
examples of possible flights and the quarry and
raptor best suited to that style; from grouse
hawking in the Highlands with a Longwing, to
Lowland hare hawking with a Shortwing.
Where a flight is described you will find helpful

links to specific tasks in the task section of this
book; these may be step by step guides or simple
reference tools that are a common feature of
many flight types.
2.2 - Flying environments title spread Flight much better in Too close to image.
colour, adjust for fold.
Arable Lowland Flights & Theory
The most common environment

has a lot to offer
The most common environment that most falconers
will experience in the UK, Lowland Arable has many
different characteristics and therefore many different
birds can be flown at a variety of quarry. However, like
all areas, it has it’s own dangers such as power lines,
and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility of
losing sight of your bird.
Once permission has been given by the landowner, the

falconer may choose the sort of flight that best suits the
land they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt.
Some quarry such as rabbits and squirrels may be

caught all year, but feathered game such as pheasants
and partridge are seasonal. A licence must be obtained
before flying at gulls and corvids.
Potential flights are described step-by-step over the

next few pages, but remember, you are dealing with
animals and innumerous possibilities of variance so be
prepared for all eventualities.
Longwing stoop at feathered game p. 34
Longwing flight at gulls from the fist p. 36
Longwing flight at corvids from the fist p. 38
Shortwing / Broadwing at fur and feather p. 40
Shortwing at small hedgerow game p. 44
Broadwing following on p. 46
2.3 - Specific environment title spread Indents are Remove ‘p’ or write Flight here is lost in
confusing. ‘page’. Change to background colour.
a sans serif do add
difference.

Numbers need to be Guide to quarry and raptors

less obtrusive. is not understood.
Longwing stoop at feathered game Gyr Falcon Peregrine Falcon Pheasant Duck Partridge Lanner Arable Lowland
3 Falconers approach 5 The stoop

On site of the falcon overhead the Upon seeing the flush and hearing the
quarry should stay in position and lie shouts from below she will stoop at
flat to the ground. It is now time for great speed to intercept the quarry
the falconer to approach calmly with before it reaches cover. Outcome A:
the dog on a lead. Signalling to the
waiting falcon will make sure she stays
The falcon will strike the game with
closed talons, causing it to tumble to
6 Picking up
overhead. the ground with her looping over to Pick up the falcon, either from her
1 Spot the quarry dispatch. Outcome B: The falcon will
strike but inaccurately, or miss all
caught quarry (outcome one), or by
calling her to a lure thrown out onto
The game is spotted from a car while together as the quarry jinks to avoid the ground by the falconer (outcome
driving over the hawking ground the stoop; this results in a tail-chase two). An experienced falcon can now
or on foot from a distant location. often finishing as the quarry beats the be flown again on the same day, or the
Binoculars are required to prevent the falcon to cover. falconer can call it a day and reward
quarry flushing early. their bird for a good flight.
Spotting game p. 235 Picking up p. 266
4 Flushing the quarry

2 Casting off
When the falcon is upwind of the
Upon spotting a covey or singular bird hiding quarry it is time to let the dog
in the open, the falconer will remove off and flush the game under her. The
the hood, and cast off the falcon from quarry will undoubtedly fly towards
suitable cover, allowing the bird to the nearest cover and this should be
gain height overhead. anticipated by the falconer. Stooping falcons have been known to reach
speeds in excess of 200 mph; you can quite
Hooding p. 260 Flushing game p. 232 literally hear them tearing through the air.
You can see in this photo the tail-mounted
telemetry transmitter. It doesn’t matter what
environment you fly in, use telemetry if you
don’t want to lose your falcon. It is a good
idea to fit the transmitter before arriving at
the flying ground to prevent rushing when you
spot quarry.
1 2 3 4 5
34 35
2.4 - Flight details

Flight time series Steps and images
works well but needs need aligning better.
to be enlarged.
Flushing game
Lost birds and telemetry Flushing game p. 232
Using the lure

Spotting game p. 235
Using the lure p. 254
Lost birds and telemetry p. 256
Hooding p. 260
Falconry Tasks Picking up
Bird handling
p. 266
p. 270
Food types and feeding p. 278
Coping and imping p. 280
Housing and perches p. 282
Fitting equipment p. 286
Travelling p. 288
Food types and feeding Hooding
Picking up
Fitting equipment
2.5 - Tasks section title spread Do not align numbers

and replace with sans
serif.
Hooding Falconry Tasks
The hood is used in the manning process

(acclimatising to humans and the human world) and
to keep the raptor in a calm state, both in the early
part of its training and throughout its falconry career.
Out of all the falconer’s aids the hood is the most
important piece of equipment.
There are various styles and types of hood for raptors

within falconry. The hood is hand made, often from
kip leather or suitable kangaroo leather. There are two
standard types used in American/
European Falconry; the Anglo
Indian hood (non-blocked)
and made from one piece of
leather. The Dutch Hood, that is a three piece
hood blocked on a special mould called a “hood
block”, which is designed to best represent
the shape of the raptor’s head, also allowing
space for the eyes with an adequate neck 1 Low approach 2 Roll over 3 Push in place 4 Draw the braces Hooding as seen in The Art
of Falconry, by Frederick II
width. Hold the hood by it’s plume and As the chin strap of the hood meets the Gently push the hood down into place Use one hand and your teeth to close of Hohenstaufen (1250)
approach from below with the beak beak, use a rolling motion and follow with the tips of your fingers. Leave the hood by pulling the longer braces
It is essential that the hood fits the opening facing the bird. the shape of the falcon’s head. for a second or two. It is vital to have in a swift motion.
raptor in a comfortable way or a falcon that will sit with the braces
the raptor will reject the hood undone.
outright, making training very
Arab style
difficult. Hood types Soft and light-weight but
Dutch hood
A good hood should meet a number of Well fitting but
can lose it’s shape
criteria: the hawk should not be able to get it often heavy
off. The hawk should be able to feed and cast
through it safely. It should be light in weight,
sit comfortably on the hawk’s head without
causing condensation, irritation or trailing
braces which annoy the hawk. It should be
light-tight. It should not cause sores around Blocked Arab
the gape or pinch the nape feathers. It A great fit and hard Anglo-Indian
should be tough, durable, weather-proof, wearing, especially Easy to make and often used for
and easily cleaned or renovated. with synthetic braces hawks rather than falcons
260 261
2.6 - Specific task Images have a good

focus on hooding but
everything can be
moved up.

Concept 3
Text too small
Hun ting with R ap tors

H U N T I NG
Falconry; a noble sport with a history dating
back to 720 BC, now rising in popularity as
newcomers experience the deep bond between
man and bird once reserved only for the regal
and gentry of the land. with
R A PTORS
This book acts as a guide to the newcomer,
and a reference to the experienced falconer
or austringer. You will find step-by-step
illustrations of possible flights in a variety of
environments found in the UK and beyond.
Raptor characteristics, training methods, and

falconry tasks are shown in rich photos and
described by leading falconry professionals.
history
flights & theory
raptor choice
training methods
falconry tasks
3.1 - Back, spine and cover Leather is a nice Leather On the cover
reference to older may be better on the
books and equipment. image below.
Hun ting with R aptors

3.1A - Cover alternative
Arable Lowland
The most common British Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
environment has a lot to offer Dec
Mar
Jan
Apr
Feb
May
Dec
Mar
Jan
Apr
Feb
May
Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug

Longwing stoop at feathered game page 34 The most common environment that most falconers
will experience in Britain, Arable Lowland has many Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
Longwing flight at gulls from the fist page 36 different characteristics and therefore many different Also known as the French partridge, these birds A common quarry for the Broadwings and Harris
can be found in very large coveys, giving the Hawks, numerous in many locations and available
birds can be flown at a variety of quarry. However, like falconer an opportunity for excellent slips. all year round.
Shortwing / Broadwing at fur and feather page 38
Shortwing at small hedgerow game page 42 and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility of Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
losing sight of your bird. Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
Longwing at small game page 44 Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
Broadwing following-on page 46 falconer may choose the sort of flight that best suits the Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug
land they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt. Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Brown Hare Lepus europaeus
Once a common site but now the Grey, or English, Large Broadwings and Goshawks are needed to
Some quarry such as rabbits may be caught all year, partridge is a rare site. Being more wary than the take a Hare which can reach speeds of 45mph.
Red-Legged a careful approach is required. Seasons are dependant on area so please check.
but feathered game such as pheasants and partridge are
seasonal, with some requiring a licence. Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
Potential flights are described step-by-step over the Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
next few pages, but remember, you are dealing with Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
animals and innumerous possibilities of variance so be Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug
The Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Skylark Alauda arvensis
Mallards can be found in small ponds and ditches Lark-hawking with a Merlin is a short but intense
in lowland areas. A dog is a necessity as they are time. A licence is required to catch a limited
difficult to flush; river birds should be left alone. number before they get too strong on the wing.
Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Gulls (e.g. Herring and Lesser Black Backed)
Pheasants are a large quarry requiring a heavy Like Skylarks, the falconer requires a licence to
falcon to catch them from a stoop, or a Goshawk take any gull. A large falcon flown from the fist
from the fist. In level flight they are very fast. can provide great sport; look for ploughed fields.
32 33
3.3 - Specific environment title spread Body text could be Information is too heavy
better on left page so it and text doesn’t stand
is not so sparse. out enough.

Lines crossing over Flights better at

are distracting. this size.
Longwing stoop at feathered game Arable Lowland
1 Spot the quarry 2 Casting off 3 Falconers approach 4 Flushing the quarry 5 The stoop 6 Picking up
The game is spotted from a car while Upon spotting a covey or singular bird On site of the falcon overhead the When the falcon is upwind of the Upon seeing the flush and hearing the Pick up the falcon, either from her
driving over the hawking ground in the open, the falconer will remove quarry should stay in position and lie hiding quarry it is time to let the dog shouts from below she will stoop at caught quarry (outcome one), or by
or on foot from a distant location. the hood, and cast off the falcon from flat to the ground. It is now time for off and flush the game under her. The great speed to intercept the quarry calling her to a lure thrown out onto
Binoculars are required to prevent the suitable cover, allowing the bird to the falconer to approach calmly with Signalling the falcon can be done by raising quarry will undoubtedly fly towards before it reaches cover. Outcome A: the ground by the falconer (outcome
quarry flushing early. gain height overhead. the dog on a lead. Signalling to the the arm, or even by showing the palm of your the nearest cover. The falcon will strike the game with two). An experienced falcon can now
hand. This silent message will keep the falcons
Spotting game page 235 Hooding page 260 waiting falcon so she follows above. Flushing game page 232 closed talons, causing it to tumble to be flown again on the same day, or the
interest and inform her of the imminent flush,
without disturbing the quarry. the ground with her looping over to falconer can call it a day and reward
dispatch. Outcome B: The falcon will their bird for a good flight.
strike but inaccurately, or miss all Picking up page 266
together as the quarry jinks to avoid
the stoop; this results in a tail-chase
often finishing as the quarry
beats the falcon to cover.
You can see in this photo the

Stooping falcons have been
tail-mounted telemetry transmitter.
known to reach speeds in
Whatever environment you fly in,
excess of 200 mph; you
use telemetry if you don’t want to A cock pheasant may weigh as much as five pounds, but the
can quite literally hear them
lose your falcon. It is a good idea to average is probably closer to three pounds. They have relatively
tearing through the air.
fit the transmitter before arriving at short wings for this weight, which accounts for their slow take-
the flying ground to prevent rushing off. However, once a pheasant levels-off, they can fly at speeds
when you spot quarry. of up to 40 miles an hour.
34 35
3.4 - Flight details Frutiger has been used Cut out images break
for the page references, up the spread in a
it matches Sabon well. good way.

DISCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKING
NSFORMATION MAKING

Final designs

Falconry; a noble sport with a history
dating back to 720 BC, now rising in
popularity as newcomers experience the
deep bond between man and bird once
reserved only for the regal and gentry
of the land.
This book acts as a guide to the
newcomer, and a reference to the
experienced falconer or austringer.
You will find step-by-step illustrations
of possible flights in a variety of
environments found in the UK.
Raptor characteristics, training
methods, and falconry tasks are shown
in rich photos and described by leading
falconry professionals.
30
Flights & Theory

The cover design has been re-

designed from the version below.
When printed and assembled as
a blad, the previous cover was
too busy, as the elements did not
work together. The chosen version
(left) is a more minimal approach,
and exaggerates the shape of the
birds’ wing.
H U N T I NG
with
R A PTORS
history
flights & theory
raptor choice
training methods
falconry tasks

31
Before deciding which bird you would

like to fly you should analyse the
environment you have available to fly
in. A clear understanding of what you
want to achieve will not only dictate
the best bird for you, but also the kind
of equipment required and the type of
quarry available.
This section of the book is split into

four environments you may encounter
in Britain. Within each environment
you will find examples of possible
flights; from grouse hawking in the
Highlands, to Lowland hare hawking.
Arable Lowland
Woodland
Open Flatlands
Highlands
Where a flight is described you will find helpful

links to specific tasks in the task section of
this book; these may be step by step guides
or simple reference tools that are a common
feature of many flight types.

32 Arable Lowland
Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
Gulls (e.g. Herring and Lesser Black Backed) Skylark Alauda arvensis
Like Skylarks, the falconer requires a licence to Lark-hawking with a Merlin is a short but
take any gull. A large falcon flown from the intense time. A licence is required to catch
fist can provide great sport; look for freshly a limited number before they become too
ploughed fields. strong on the wing.
Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug
Brown Hare Lepus europaeus The Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Large Broadwings and Goshawks are needed Mallards can be found in small ponds and Pheasants are a large quarry requiring a
to take a Hare which can reach speeds of ditches in lowland areas. A dog is a necessity heavy falcon to catch them from a stoop, or a
45mph. Seasons are dependant on area so as they are difficult to flush; river birds should Goshawk from the fist. In level flight they are
please check with your local wildlife agency. be left alone. very fast, reaching speeds up top 45mph.
Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov Sep Oct Nov
Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb Dec Jan Feb
Mar Apr May Mar Apr May Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug Jun Jul Aug
European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
A common quarry for the Broadwings and Also known as the French partridge, these Once a common site but now the Grey, or
Harris Hawks, numerous in many locations and birds can be found in very large coveys, giving English, partridge is a rare site. Being more
available all year round. In Arable Lowland it the falconer an opportunity for excellent slips wary than the Red-Legged a careful approach
can be difficult to find them away from cover. at a choice of birds. is required, and coveys are often smaller.
34 longwing stoop at feathered game
1 spot the quarry 2 casting off 3 falconers approach

The game is spotted from a car while Upon spotting a covey or singular bird On site of the falcon overhead the
driving over the hawking ground in the open, the falconer will remove quarry should stay in position and lie
or on foot from a distant location. the hood, and cast off the falcon from flat to the ground. It is now time for
Binoculars are required to prevent the suitable cover, allowing the bird to the falconer to approach calmly with Signalling the falcon can be done by raising
quarry flushing early. gain height overhead. the dog on a lead. Signalling to the the arm, or even by showing the palm of your
hand. This silent message will keep the falcons
Spotting game page 235 Hooding page 260 waiting falcon so she follows above.
interest and inform her of the imminent flush,
without disturbing the quarry.
You can see in this photo the

tail-mounted telemetry transmitter.
Whatever environment you fly in,
use telemetry if you don’t want to A cock pheasant may weigh as much as five pounds, but the
lose your falcon. It is a good idea to average is probably closer to three pounds. They have relatively
fit the transmitter before arriving at short wings for this weight, which accounts for their slow take-
the flying ground to prevent rushing off. However, once a pheasant levels-off, they can fly at speeds
when you spot quarry. of up to 40 miles an hour.

33
The most common British

environment has a lot to offer
The most common environment that most falconers
will experience in Britain, Arable Lowland has many
different characteristics and therefore many different
birds can be flown at a variety of quarry. However, like
and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility of
losing sight of your bird.

falconer may choose the sort of flight that best suits the
land they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt.
Some quarry such as rabbits may be caught all year,

but feathered game such as pheasants and partridge are
seasonal, with some requiring a licence.
Potential flights are described step-by-step over the

next few pages, but remember, you are dealing with
animals and innumerous possibilities of variance so be
Longwing stoop at feathered game 34
Longwing flight at gulls from the fist 36
Shortwing / Broadwing at fur and feather 38
Shortwing at small hedgerow game 42
Longwing at small game 44
Broadwing following-on 46
Arable Lowland 35
4 flushing the quarry 5 the stoop 6 picking up

When the falcon is upwind of the Upon seeing the flush and hearing the Pick up the falcon, either from her
hiding quarry it is time to let the dog shouts from below she will stoop at caught quarry (outcome one), or by
off and flush the game under her. The great speed to intercept the quarry calling her to a lure thrown out onto
quarry will undoubtedly fly towards before it reaches cover. Outcome A: the ground by the falconer (outcome
the nearest cover. The falcon will strike the game with two). An experienced falcon can now
Flushing game page 232 closed talons, causing it to tumble to be flown again on the same day, or the
the ground with her looping over to falconer can call it a day and reward
dispatch. Outcome B: The falcon will their bird for a good flight.
strike but inaccurately, or miss all Picking up page 266
together as the quarry jinks to avoid
the stoop; this results in a tail-chase
often finishing as the quarry
beats the falcon to cover.
Stooping falcons have been

known to reach speeds in
excess of 200 mph; you
can quite literally hear them
tearing through the air.

230
Falconry Tasks
260 hooding
The hood is used in the manning process
(acclimatising to humans and the human world) and
to keep the raptor in a calm state, both in the early
part of its training and throughout its falconry career.
Out of all the falconers’ aids the hood is the most
important piece of equipment.
There are various styles and types of hood for raptors

within falconry. The hood is hand made, often from
kip leather or suitable kangaroo leather. There are two
standard types used in American/European
Falconry; the Anglo Indian
hood (non-blocked) and made
from one piece of leather. The
Dutch Hood, that is a three piece hood blocked on
a special mould called a “hood block”, which
is designed to best represent the shape of the
raptor’s head, also allowing space for the
eyes with an adequate neck width.
1 low approach
Hold the hood by its plume and
It is essential that the hood fits the raptor approach from below with the beak
in a comfortable way or the raptor opening facing the bird. A low
will reject the hood outright, making approach prevents startling the hawk.
training very difficult.
Hood types
A good hood should meet a number of criteria:
the hawk should not be able to get it off.
The hawk should be able to feed and cast
Once accustomed to the hood, a
through it safely. It should be light in weight,
falcon will be at complete ease
sit comfortably on the hawks’ head without
when wearing one, becoming
so relaxed as to fall asleep. causing condensation, irritation or trailing
A well fitting quality hood braces which annoy the hawk. It should be
may be expensive but is light-tight. It should not cause sores around the
a real investment in the gape or pinch the nape feathers. It should be
wellbeing of your bird. tough, durable, weather-proof, and easily
cleaned or renovated.

231
Flushing game 232
Spotting game 235
Using the lure 254
Lost birds and telemetry 256
Hooding 260
Picking up 266
Bird handling 270
Food types and feeding 278
Coping and imping 280
Housing and perches 282
Fitting equipment 286
Travelling 288
Falconry Tasks 261
2 roll over 3 push in place 4 draw the braces Hooding as seen in The Art
of Falconry, by Frederick II
of Hohenstaufen (1250)
As the chin strap of the hood meets the Gently push the hood down into place Use one hand and your teeth to close
beak, use a rolling motion, following with the tips of your fingers, then the hood by pulling the longer braces
the shape of the falcons’ head, to roll pause. It is vital to have a falcon that in a swift motion. Don’t worry, a well
over and down. will sit with the braces undone. fitting hood can’t be over tightened.
Arab style Blocked Arab Dutch hood Anglo-Indian

Soft and light-weight but A great fit and hard wearing, Well fitting but Easy to make and often used for
can lose it’s shape especially with synthetic braces often heavy hawks rather than falcons

Acknowledgements
Throughout this project I referred to a number of sources; this

section gives details on these materials.
Copy
Text within the spreads is a mix of my own, falconry books
seen in the discovery stage, and Wikipedia.
Photos
Most photos of hunting scenes, equipment and hooding
practice have been taken by me with the kind permission of
the people detailed below. Other photos of quarry and raptors
(including the cover image) have been taken from flickr and
bought from iStock.
Tony James has been a falconer

for 33 years and treasurer for the
British Falconers Club for 4 years.
The photos taken for this project
were of his first year Peregrine
Falcon. He was kind enough to
let me handle and photograph
his fantastic collection of falconry
books and antique hawking
equipment.
The Hawk Conservancy kindly The Hawk Conservancy Trust

allowed me to take close-up is a conservation charity and
photos of the hooding process. visitor attraction that has for
many years worked in the fields
of conservation, education,
rehabilitation and the research of
birds of prey, both in the UK and
overseas.


Home Reference Manual - Falconry

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Home Reference Manual - Falconry

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Falconry: Hunting with Raptors

Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

Home Reference Manual 3

The aim of this project is to design a ‘blad’ for a home

The finished blad could be used to market the idea to a

4 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

Reference book design

Parker, S. (2007). The Human Body Book.

Key features 

Relevance to potential users 

Cover messages 

Use of diagrams 

Lavish 3D CGI spreads engage

Home Reference Manual 5

Key features 

Relevance to potential users 

Cover messages 

Use of diagrams 

Clear illustrations explain tasks,

6 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

Reader’s Digest (2009). How to do just about

Key features 

Relevance to potential users 

Cover messages 

Use of diagrams 

Home Reference Manual 7

Key features 

Relevance to potential users 

Cover messages 

Use of diagrams 

8 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

A requirement to rotate the book to

Scaling the hand in this illustration

Illustrations are quite scientific, but

Home Reference Manual 9

Due to the age of some of these falconry books I shall not

Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. (1250). The Art

The Art of Falconry was one of

It is interesting to see illustrations

‘It is a scientific book, approaching

Haskins,C.H, The Latin Literature

10 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

Salvin, F.H & Brodrick, W (1873). Falconry in the

A large hand-coloured spread

Home Reference Manual 11

Latham. S. (1633). Lathams Falconry: or, The

Hand written notes show an

The inner cover is centrally aligned

12 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

A table of contents shows the

A mixture of roman and italics

Tailing-off the text is an interesting

Home Reference Manual 13

Blome, R. (1929). Hawking or Faulconry.

This spread depicts a hunting

The falconry bag shown on this

14 Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010

The poster below is the original

I like the title style, mixing lower

Home Reference Manual 15

Key features 

Relevance to potential users 

Cover messages 