Falconry

Falconry (or hawking) is the art of rearing, training and using birds of prey, like falcons, hawks and eagles. Falconers were commonly in the employ of major households, but falconry was seen as a sport or recreational activity in a similar way to hunting. Period art displays the lords and ladies walking and riding with a bird on their glove. The bird would be released to hunt for other birds or small animals to the joy of the nobility, but it was the falconer's job to look after and train the raptor. The chief falconer was a respected position within the household. Birds were given as gifts between royalty and prey was bred to hunt with.

Falconry was widespread across Europe and the Middle East. There are some claims that it was introduced during the Crusades, but there are early references to it by writers like Aristotle and the Romans certainly had falconers. In Japan, Takagari was practised by the nobility and the military.

In heraldry, a standing falcon is often displayed wearing a jess and bells on its legs. These are both signs of the association that was made been the birds and falconry.

Writings on falconry

Those familiar with the modern novel "Kes" or "Kestrel for a Knave" by Barry Hines may remember the poem that ranked the birds of prey according to the rank of those who used them. The poem was found in the Boke of St Albans (1486). However, the ranking is more a reflection of reality than a set of rules. Falconry was expensive. Some of the large birds are rarer, harder to get eggs of and harder to train. Accordingly, it was the greater nobility who were able to use these birds for falconry.

'An Eagle for an Emperor, a Gyrfalcon for a King:

a Peregrine for a Prince,