Written for the beginning falconer, this remarkable book encapsulates the timeless beauty and joy of sparrowhawkingFlying imprint sparrowhawks is often unfairly portrayed as being overly complex and highly technical. Crane aims to paint a far more informed picture, and to perhaps dispel some of the myths. Written with the beginner in mind, this book is based on Crane's considerable first-hand experience and a number of other respected falconers who have specialized in flying sparrowhawks. It draws comparisons with some of the most ancient trapping and training techniques of the East, making connection with modern Western falconry practices. Topics include equipment, preparing to receive your sparrowhawk chick, and imprinting; training, behavior, quarry, entering, field craft, and hawking in many different types of terrain; sparrowhawk health and welfare; and important aspects of sparrowhawking in Croatia, Ireland, and Turkey. The methodologies of captive breeding in the West are discussed, as are problems associated with the rehabilitation and release of wild sparrowhawks in the UK.
