FACTS FALCONERS SHOULD KNOW
In studying for the (out-dated) Federal Falconry Exam, I found several practice tests, study guides, and additional online quizzes. Included below is an additional questionnaire that I found to be quite useful for knowing more about falconry in general. Granted, not all of these items are on the test, but if you want to really know your stuff, and be prepared for those Field Meets, this is a good place to start.
While it’s great to study and read good information out of books, the most invaluable information comes from talking with other falconers. Field meets and picnics are great ways to get to know folks and their levels of expertice and experience. Reading online discussion forums can also provide valuable insight into troubleshooting and solving issues. Some of the discussion threads with multiple replies can provide a wide range of opinions and information about a subject.
Happy Falconry Research!
1. How long it takes for some common raptors to acquire full adult plumage.
2. Falconer’s terminology (Ex.: hacking, carrying, eyasses, in yarak, frounce, and mute).
3. The distinguishing features of “look alike” species (Cooper’s hawk and sharp-shinned hawks, Merlin and Kestrel).
4. Be able to distinguish the sexes of common birds of prey.
5. Be able to identify the calls of some species.
6. The distinguishing characteristics of falcons.
7. The wintering range of some of our country’s common raptors.
8. Raptors which are associated with water habitat.
9. Those species which are most likely to be seen in large numbers during migration.
10. The northern limits of the breeding range of some of our common raptors.
11. The preferred perching sites of some of our birds of prey.
12. Hunting characteristics of some of our common raptors, the nesting characteristics, breeding age, number of eggs produced, preferred nest sites, which species will accept man-made bird houses.
13. State and federal falconry regulations.
14. Names of falconry equipment and the preferred kinds of equipment. .
15. Words used by falconers.
16. Raptor care, diseases, and weathering.
17. Daily food requirements under various conditions.
18. Construction of mews and perches.
19. Within limitations of the permit, what factors associated with birds of prey does a falconer consider when planning to acquire a raptor from the wild.
20. What tradition does a conscientious falconer consider when taking eyasses from a nest?
21. What care does a falconer give to a passage red-tailed hawk immediately after capture?
22. Does the fact that a raptor does not bathe daily mean anything?
23. What care must be given to talons and beaks of captive raptors?
24. Do strong winds coupled with zero (°F) temperature have any affect on raptors. How? Which raptor(s) cannot withstand winter weather conditions which are characterized by long periods of below zero (°F) temperatures. How about direct sun and hot weather?
25. The weather and its effects on raptors.
26. The facts about molting.
27. Should drugs be used to stimulate molt? Support answer with reason(s).
28. Training raptors. What are the steps and stages? How do you know when your raptor is ready for the next lesson.
29. The best way for a beginner falconer to judge condition of his/her raptor.
30. Is digestive tract blocking in captive raptors a serious factor? Support your answer.
31. What can a falconer do to locate a lost raptor?
32. How does one treat a bent raptor feather, a raptor with a sprained wing, a raptor which loses its talon through accident, a broken leg, a raptor with tapeworms and other internal parasites?
33. How to identify external parasites on raptors. What treatments are recommended?
34. What characteristic(s) indicates that a raptor may be sick?
35. What relationship is there between raptors and pesticides?
36. What are the characteristics of a respected falconer?
37. Why is Arthur C. Bent important to falconers? Beebe and Webster?
38. Falconers should be familiar with the life histories of the birds of prey, especially the following: Harris hawk, Swainson’s hawk, Red-shouldered hawk, Kestrels, Red-tailed hawk, Prairie falcon, Peregrine falcon, Rough-legged hawk, Osprey, Golden eagle, Bald eagle, Sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, Harrier (Marsh hawk), Merlin.
39. Falconers should be acquainted with three or four books on falconry. Know the authors.
Facts Falconers Should Know