Flying imprint sparrowhawks is often unfairly portrayed as being overly complex and highly technical. Sparrowhawks - A Falconer's Guide aims to paint a far more informed picture, and to perhaps dispel some of the myths. Written with the beginner in mind, it is based on considerable first-hand experience of the author and a number of other respected falconers from the United Kingdom, Croatia, Ireland and Turkey who have specialized in flying sparrowhawks. By drawing comparisons with some of the most ancient trapping and training techniques of the East, and by making a connection with modern Western falconry practices, this remarkable book encapsulates the timeless beauty and joy of sparrowhawking, which crosses all cultures. Topics covered include: equipment, preparing to receive your sparrowhawk chick and imprinting; training, behaviour, quarry, entering, field craft and hawking in many different types of terrain; methodologies of captive breeding in the West; problems associated with the rehabilitation and release of wild sparrowhawks in the United Kingdom and finally, the vitally important subject of sparrowhawk health and welfare.

Features and reviews in the Falconers and Raptor Conservation magazine, Pursuit Falconry. World of Falconry and The Chase magazine of UK Falconry Club. Reviews in Birdwatch, Field & Rural Life, The Field and Countryman's Weekly magazines.

About the Author
Ben Crane is a writer, artist and teacher who has been involved in a wide range of country pursuits from an early age. His fascination with falconry has taken him all over the world and he has travelled across Europe, America and Pakistan flying birds of prey and writing about trapping, training and hawking with sparrowhawks, goshawks, falcons and eagles. His articles on falconry have been widely published in Europe, USA and in the UK.


Book Information
ISBN 9781847977090
Author Ben Crane
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint The Crowood Press Ltd
Publisher The Crowood Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 465g
Dimensions(mm) 246mm * 189mm * 20mm