BUZZARDS

In non-technical terms, buzzards are eagles built to bargain basement specifications. They hunt in a wider variety of ways than other birds of prey, as they come from a wider variety of habitat. The best flights are obtained by allowing them to soar in the wind or from a hillside, or to take a stand in a tall tree. They are not fast, and thus are more suited to open terrain, although the Redtail and Harris will catch a certain amount of quarry flown from the fist in enclosed terrain, the full beauty and style of their flight will not be obtained in this manner. Buzzards are not always easy to enter (fly at quarry for the first time), some take to hunting naturally, others take a while to get started. They are also difficult to keep fit and tend to be lazy. They take time to get going well.

HAWKS

Hawks are long-legged birds of prey with short rounded wings. They hunt by ambush and a lightning burst of speed which can be maintained for no more than a quarter of a mile. In a Falconer's hands, they are the most successful of all the birds of prey. All hawks are highly-strung and nervous, being prone to tantrums sulking in inaccessible trees, or clearing off for any reason. This, together with their hunting prowess, makes them very easy to lose. Hawks are totally unsuitable for beginners, and take two to three times as long to train They are, however, easy to get fit and enter, and can be expected to take quarry as soon as they are trusted loose. Hawks require continuous manning if they are to remain tame.