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Arable Lowland
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Gulls (e.g. Herring and Lesser Black Backed) Like Skylarks, the falconer requires a licence to take any gull. A large falcon flown from the fist can provide great sport; look for freshly ploughed fields.
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The Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Mallards can be found in small ponds and ditches in lowland areas. A dog is a necessity as they are difficult to flush; river birds should be left alone.
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Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus Pheasants are a large quarry requiring a heavy falcon to catch them from a stoop, or a Goshawk from the fist. In level flight they are very fast, reaching speeds up top 45mph.
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European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus A common quarry for the Broadwings and Harris Hawks, numerous in many locations and available all year round. In Arable Lowland it can be difficult to find them away from cover.
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa Also known as the French partridge, these birds can be found in very large coveys, giving the falconer an opportunity for excellent slips at a choice of birds.
Nov
Grey Partridge Perdix perdix Once a common site but now the Grey, or English, partridge is a rare site. Being more wary than the Red-Legged a careful approach is required, and coveys are often smaller.
longwing stoop at feathered game
Spotting game
3 falconers approach
2 casting off
1 spot the quarry The game is spotted from a car while driving over the hawking ground or on foot from a distant location. Binoculars are required to prevent the quarry flushing early. page 235
You can see in this photo the tail-mounted telemetry transmitter. Whatever 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.
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Skylark Alauda arvensis Lark-hawking with a Merlin is a short but intense time. A licence is required to catch a limited number before they become too strong on the wing.
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Brown Hare Lepus europaeus Large Broadwings and Goshawks are needed to take a Hare which can reach speeds of 45mph. Seasons are dependant on area so please check with your local wildlife agency.
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Upon spotting a covey or singular bird in the open, the falconer will remove the hood, and cast off the falcon from suitable cover, allowing the bird to gain height overhead. Hooding
page 260
On site of the falcon overhead the quarry should stay in position and lie flat to the ground. It is now time for the falconer to approach calmly with the dog on a lead. Signalling to the waiting falcon so she follows above.
Signalling the falcon can be done by raising the arm, or even by showing the palm of your hand. This silent message will keep the falcons interest and inform her of the imminent flush, without disturbing the quarry.
A cock pheasant may weigh as much as five pounds, but the average is probably closer to three pounds. They have relatively short wings for this weight, which accounts for their slow takeoff. However, once a pheasant levels-off, they can fly at speeds of up to 40 miles an hour.
Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010