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Home reference manualFalconry: Hunting with Raptors
Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010
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Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 2010
Contents
Discovery phase
Transformation phase
Making phase
Introduction and initial research 4
Reference book design 5
Falconry book design 10
Discovery conclusions 20
Task analysis: Hooding a falcon 22
Task analysis: Hunting a pheasant with a falcon 26
Editorial and design ows 28
Design inuences 32
Design concepts 34
Final designs 42
Acknowledgements 48
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DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
DISCOVERYTRANSF
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Introduction
Initial research
The aim of this project is to design a blad for a home
reference manual aimed at a general market; a home
reference manual is not a textbook or technical manual, and a
blad is a Book Layout and Design.
The nished blad could be used to market the idea to a
publisher, it acts as a sample and often shows nished
spreads and cover artwork
Falconry
I have some experience in falconry and have owned a
number of birds before university. Books have always been
a valuable tool in learning techniques and understanding
the birds, but they contain little information on actual ights
and ying environments. By designing a book for the general
market I can re-order the conventional ow of a falconry
book, and emphasise the requirement of understanding your
environment before buying a potentially unsuitable raptor (thecorrect term for a bird of prey).
I will mention a few falconry terms during this project, but can
assume there will be a glossary in my nal book.
Bryn Walls (1), former art director at Dorling Kindersley visited
the department to give a talk; these are my notes:
Illustrations are often shown as steps with numbers.
Its often useful to show an overhead shot of all the
implements used in a particular task; this also helps the
reader to perceive scale.
Use illustrations not TO, but WITH the text.
Bring text and images together at the creation of a
document
Bryn mentioned an illustrator called Pierre Marchand (2)
There is a need to make things work for the show me
people as well as the tell me people.
In a spread you can have a number of elements in
hierarchical order:
Main point/image (at the top)
Details of the image/annotations
Other stories/news
Think of creating visual stories and virtual tours,
i.e. walking around objects using multiple photos and
captions to tell a story, as if the reader was there. Think
of the 4th dimension as time.
The following notes were made from reading an audio script
from an Open University course (3):
The cover plays an important part in the initial steps to
sell the idea/book to the publishers.
The author, designers and editors all work together in
the same area.
Decide what and how items are going to be portrayed
in the book, i.e. spreads and ow. Start with an editorial
ow, them a more detailed design owchart illustrating
what is to be on each spread (coding diagrams types,
e.g. 3D, illustrations, photos etc).
Next stage is to work out the details on a particular
spread, photo sessions (or sequences) are then
decided, e.g. ingredients photos - a pictorial list of
equipment.
In diagrams think about visualising elements that
people cant see, e.g. pressure points or motion.
The Beetle, Paris, Gallimard, My
rst discoveries, 1989. Artwork by
Pierre Marchand
(2)
A quote on Pierre Marchand from
Hedwige Pasquet and Christine
BakerGallimard Jeunesse:
He couldnt suffer an error of visual
taste or the sin of banality, in a color,
a proportion, a line... his eye was
truly laser sharp. He had to mold, to
control: no project was ever less than
a challenge; the ambition of the 18th-
century French encyclopedists was
underlying every idea.
Pierre Marchand Remembered. URL:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/416501-Pierre_Marchand_
Remembered.php [14/01/10]
(1)
Bryn Walls, Former Art Director atDorling Kindersley. Visited Reading
University Typography Department,
12/01/10
(3)
Notes from an Open University course
on Communication and Education,
where Rob Waller interviews a
publishing manager, editor and
designer from Dorling Kindersley
(1987).
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Reference book design
Key features
A large format home reference guide explaining all elements of
the human body. Also included is an interactive DVD. The size
of the book allows a lot of information to be provided on each
spread in an engaging way, with easy navigation using colour
coding.
Relevance to potential users
Users of this book are most likely to be students up to A-level
grade, or people interested in knowing more about the body.
The younger reader would be used to the high amount of 3D
diagrams, and also the DVD, however, older generations may
nd it difcult.
Cover messages
A large illustration gives the reader a avour of the book
contents, with a textured transparent sleeve adding to the
feeling of exposed layers of the body. Bold typography
highlights the areas covered in the book.
Use of diagrams
3D diagrams convey meanings and functions very well with
clear annotation. Using a black background gives a feeling
of internal space rather than dissection. Photos are added to
show actual examples and are a clever way of providing the
reader some realism.
Lavish 3D CGI spreads engage
the reader and explain complex
procedures.
Parker, S. (2007). The Human Body Book.
London: Dorling Kindersley
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Key features
Full colour soft back in quite a small format, with most
graphics being illustrations. Step-by-step guides are useful, as
are the full page spreads, but pages feel a little cluttered with
oversized banners. The fully justied text and poor spacing is
sometimes confusing.
Relevance to potential users
Home owners with medium to large size gardens will nd this
useful, but only if they have a lawn laid to grass; this is unlikely
in some foreign climates. Techniques are unlikely to change in
lawn care, but the tools may.
Cover messages
The portrayal of a rather small lawn gives the reader indication
of the subject, but the term new is a big mistake. This book
looks very dated now, especially with the illustrations. The
heavy title text box blocks the main image and produces
some distracting angles.
Use of diagrams
Hand rendered illustrations focus on particular tasks but now
look dated, Motion paths on lawns are confusing and should
be split into steps. Text spacing to the illustrations is not
linking the diagram to the text.
Hessayon, D.G. (1997). The New Lawn Expert.
London: Expert Books
Clear illustrations explain tasks,
but text blocks are too far from the
subject
Motion paths are not clear enough
and produce distracting patters.
It would have been better to
break this one down into steps or
phases.
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Key features
Hard-backed landscape format with colour coded sections,
and full colour spreads. Lots of screenshots to explain
processes and a heavy focus on nding the correct section
quickly. It could become repetitive but large photos with text
wrapping break up the steps by showing the reader the results
or aspirations they seek.
Relevance to potential users
An introduction to PC based tasks, essentially for the novice
user or older generation. A simple and engaging layout using
a Windows format can be easy to understand. However, any
book like this will date very quickly as new programmes are
developed and screenshots are no-longer representative.
Landscape is a good format when placed in front of your PC.
Cover messages
Highlighting computer is good, but I think PC should be
made clearer as this is useless for MAC users. The words just
about anything are a little ambiguous.
Use of diagrams
Diagrams would not be very useful in this type of book, so
the choice of screenshots is good. Too many screenshots
can become a little repetitive though, but this book highlights
certain elements well.
Readers Digest (2009). How to do just about
anything on a computer.
London: Readers Digest Association Ltd.
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Key features
Hard-backed with a colour sleeve. All internal pages are
mono-chrome with a mixture of photos and illustrations. Body
text is justied making it difcult to skim read, but captions
are nicely placed under graphics. Many of the photos require
the user to rotate the book, but this actually makes it quite
engaging.
Relevance to potential users
Flyshing techniques have not changed for many years, and
equipment requirements are also very similar. All types of
casting and rivers are mentioned, with diagrams guiding the
reader from many different viewpoints.
Cover messages
The cover image is a little saturated but this may be due to
the age of the book; and the title needs a little more room.
I do like the use of a typical scene and the use of the word
complete.
Use of diagrams
Some of the diagrams look almost scientic, but once the
reader understands that many show the casting of the shing
line, they become very understandable. Time series is aided
by letters or numbers, and illustrations of the sherman
highlight motion. I would like to see a few more elements in
the illustrations to show the context of the image, e.g. the river
bank or foliage. As the photos are mono-chrome, it can be
difcult to see the details.
Walker, C.F. (1979). The Complete Fly Fisher.
2nd Ed. London: Barrie & Jenkins Ltd.
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Illustrations are quite scientic, but
accompanied with the text, make
the process easy to understand
by using clever scaling and time-
frame overlays.
A requirement to rotate the book to
see the photos actually breaks up
the rather repetitive text layout.
Scaling the hand in this illustrationhighlights the area of discussion.
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Falconry book design
Due to the age of some of these falconry books I shall not
scale them in the same way as the previous ones; instead I
have made notes on particular characteristics. I continue to
scale the later ones.
Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. (1250). The Art
of Falconry. Translated and Edited by Casey
A. Wood and F. Marjorie Fyfe (1943), Stanford
University Press
The Art of Falconry was one of
the rst guides produced on
the subject. Though written in
1250, elements of the diagrams
still give a good indication of
current falconry processes. It was
produced by hand in full colour
and this would explain why there
are only two examples left today.
It is interesting to see illustrations
of scenes; far right shows a
potential cause of bating (the bird
apping from the st or perch) in
the form of a window cleaner.
It is a scientic book, approaching
the subject from Aristotle but based
closely on observation and experiment
throughout, Divisivus et Inquisitivus,
in the words of the preface, it is at the
same time a scholastic book, minute
and almost mechanical in its divisions
and subdivisions. It is also a rigidly
practical book, written by a falconerfor falconers and condensing a long
experience into systematic form for the
use of others.
Haskins,C.H, The Latin Literature
of Sport (Speculum) Vol.2, No
3 (Jul.,1927), P.244. Cited from
Wikipedia
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A large hand-coloured spread
showing falconry equipment and
providing templates for hood-
making. Focussed diagrams of
equipment tted to the bird help
the reader understand the usage,
as do different angles of the
hoods. Most of the elements are
shown actual size.
Salvin, F.H & Brodrick, W (1873). Falconry in the
British Isles. 2nd Ed. London: John Van Voorst
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Latham. S. (1633). Lathams Falconry: or, The
Faulcons Lure, and Cure. London: Thomas Harper
A very small an intricate format
gives this guide a note-book feel,
especially with its leather binding.
Hand written notes show an
interaction with the book; these
notes look like a list and could be
an indication of the user working
out some costs.
The inner cover is centrally aligned
with an interesting diagram
showing equipment used in
falconry - this revolves around the
focus, a hawk.
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A table of contents shows the
book it to be used as a reference
guide, allowing navigation to the
desired chapter. Also interesting
to note the acrostic poem on the
left page.
A mixture of roman and italics
are used to dene different text
groups, with each main section
introduced with an ornate banner
across the top and a large initial
letter. A large outer margin is left
for notes.
Tailing-off the text is an interesting
method of nishing a section,
with an image dening the new
section; in this case the Goshawk
(Goshawke in old spelling).
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Blome, R. (1929). Hawking or Faulconry.
London: The Cresset Press Ltd
The inside front cover of this
book contains a fold-out graphic
depicting falconry choices andoptions. Being a reprint, it is
produced in black and white, but
the original can be seen on the
opposite page.
This spread depicts a hunting
scene on the left (Partridge
Hawking), however, the subject
on the right is not connected with
the image. I think it is useful to
have the text put into context but it
needs to be near the image.
The falconry bag shown on this
page is not a generic one, but
a bag belonging to someone
in particular. Adding a personal
touch to the book and giving it a
historical feel.
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I like the title style, mixing lower
and upper capitals; this may be an
interesting way of styling my own
manual. The connections between
the bubbles are also very nice,
using calligraphic thicks and thins
portray motion and may be an
interesting approach to illustrating
ight lines.
The poster below is the original
version, rst printed in 1686,
and would have been folded
and placed in the rst edition of
Blomes Hawking or Faulconry.
I think it is a great example of an
early information graphic on the
subject of falconry. Starting from
the left it ows as a family tree,
asking questions and drilling down
to answers on ying environments,
quarry, and applicable raptor
choice.
Images of quarry, raptors and
equipment (unlabelled) ow around
the outside of the diagram, which
in turn is placed in a training
environment at the bottom.
This diagram is engaging and
informative, but more importantly
follows a pattern that anyone new
to falconry should follow; this is the
method of access structure Id like
to follow in my manual.
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Key features
The 3rd edition of this book has a modernised hardback
cover sleeve, but the contents remain relatively unchanged
from the original 1978 version. It is a guide on all aspects
of falconry for newcomers but also contains information
on making equipment more applicable to the experienced.
Using photography in step by step processes is very useful inexplaining complex tasks, however photos are often from the
same angle.
Relevance to potential users
Known as a key text in falconry circles, it has excellent
sections on training, but due to its age equipment is
dated and few people make their own in current times. Its
publication also straddles a key period in modern falconry
where it used to be legal to take hawks from the wild with a
permit, but now this practice is illegal.
Cover messages
The large image is eye-catching but could be confused for a
general ornithology book; the title is placed well enough to
counterbalance this issue. It is difcult to date the book from
the cover so the reader may be disappointed to see the age of
the content.
Use of diagrams
A mixture of line diagrams and step by step photo sequences
are used throughout to aid understanding by highlighting key
points in the process. Being monotone does not effect the
usability as few processes require colour differentiation.
Glasier, P. (1998). Falconry & Hawking. 3rd Ed.
London: Batsford (original 1978)
The author of this book is the
father of Jemima Parry-Jones, the
author of the book on the opposite
page. There are a number
similarities in the step by step
photo series style.
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The full-bleed nished image on
the right page is a useful method
of portraying the completed
process of hooding.
Key features
This book is very much aimed at the beginner and includes a
section on training owls (this is not falconry in the true sense).
It has a mix of colour and monochrome photos accompanied
by explanatory line drawings. There is little mentioned on
hunting strategy but a very thorough section on equipment
with a couple of well laid out ingredients pages.
Relevance to potential users
For beginners to falconry this book is ideal for an introduction,
but fails to take the reader to a more advanced level. The
inclusion of owls is an unusual addition and may not be
relevant to true falconers.
Cover messages
The Buzzard is very much a beginners bird, so using this
raptor in a falconry setting provides the reader with an idea
of the content. This is only applicable if the reader has prior
knowledge that a Buzzard is a beginners bird, and it does
not give any indication of owls. Mixing upper and lower-case
capitals was seen in the older falconry manuals and may be a
way of illustrating the ancient roots of the sport.
Use of diagrams
Photos have been carefully planned, using beginner birds, and
focussing on key elements of particular tasks from different
angles. Line diagrams are useful in providing exploded
information but the typography could be placed around them
in a more intuitive way.
Parry-Jones, J. (1994). Training Birds of Prey.
Newton Abbot: David & Charles
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Key features
A book of two very comprehensive sections, one on the
anatomy and understanding of raptors, and the other on
training and ying. There is a full colour section in the middle
but all other illustrations are black and white. All text is
justied in two columns, and with few navigation aids its
difcult to use as a reference manual. The book is almosttrying to do too much without having a clear target audience.
Relevance to potential users
This book is aimed at the experienced falconer or ornithologist
and it caters for each individuals need well, However, putting
the two together is often confusing as there is no distinct
difference in layout or styling.
Cover messages
Using a young falcon indicates the books focus on
understanding raptors at all stages. The background looks
like a domestic environment so the reader will ascertain the
subject is not wholly wild raptors. The colour choice for the
title does not work on the mottled background.
Use of diagrams
The data graphics are rather uninspiring and often too large,
but the illustrative ights and environments are very clear, by
showing ight lines and elements a photo cant depict (e.g.
wind ow) the reader can follow step processes easily.
Fox, N. (1995). Understanding the Bird of Prey.
Surrey: Hancock House
Exposing hidden elements of
hooding using illustration.
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Data graphics are often too large
for the spread
Numbers on a diagram link to
steps in the text.
Some tables could be improved
with the addition of shading.
Illustrations of ying environments
place the reader in the picture,
they are a great method for
highlighting a ight, but the use of
a dotted ight path may be difcult
to follow.
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Discovery conclusions
Due to the niche market of falconry manuals, modern books
on this subject do not seem to have a very large budget for
publishing and design. When compared with guides like
The Human Body, and How to do Just About Anything on a
Computer, the falconry manuals Ive researched are bland and
uninspiring; the complete opposite of the subject they refer
to. Examples from the 17th century are intricate and personal,
giving a feel of the regal origins of the sport; this is something
I would like to adapt for my own manual.
Imagery
Birds of prey are such beautiful animals I would like to use
as many detailed photos as possible, likewise, the bond
between the trainer and their bird is very strong so I would
like to represent this also. The environments and equipment
are key features of falconry, with most of the equipment being
handmade from leather a lot of the imagery is quite earthy.
Tasks
Dealing with live animals, a number of the tasks involved in
falconry need careful application, so illustrating tasks needs
clear steps from different viewpoints.
Flights
Flying a bird has many steps and eventualities but still follows
a dened path. The most interesting examples of ights
appear from a user perspective, actually taking the reader to
the eld.
Key points
Create a visual story
Visualise elements the reader can not see
Double spreads with full bleed images engage
the reader
Create a new access structure that represents
how falconry decisions should be made, e.g.
understand your environment before deciding
which bird to y.
Style elements from older falconry times can
demonstrate its noble roots.
Illustration works best when applied with
photography to demonstrate nonvisual themes,
e.g. ight lines and wind direction.
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ERYTRANSFORMATIONM
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Task analysis:
Hooding a falconIn order to design a step by step process it is necessary to
understand the subject thoroughly. Within my manual on
falconry I would like to illustrate the technique for hooding,
and give details on a particular ight. I spent a weekend with a
falconer and took the following photo sequences. Notes were
taken and key points highlighted.
From the front
A raptor is always held on the weakest
arm to allow the falconer to carry out
tasks with his dominant hand.
The hood is held by its plume (located
on the top).
The hood opening is facing upwards
as the hood is brought upwards from a
low position in front of the bird.
As the hood chin strap meets the
lower beak, the beak passes through
the opening and the hood is rolled
over the birds head.
The hood is gently pushed into place. Wait for a moment to allow the bird to
settle.
To tighten the hood in place, the
longer straps (braces) need to be
pulled.
One of the braces are held by the
teeth by using the right hand to put it
in the mouth.
The opposite long brace is taken in the
right hand.
Both braces are pulled apart at the
same time, this tightens the hood
without causing any discomfort to the
bird.
Removal of the hood is done by
reversing the steps and pulling the
shorter straps.
Key steps are highlighted in red
1
6
11
2
7
12
3
8
13
4
9
14
5
10
15
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From the back
Rolling the hood over the head.
Pushing in place.
Pausing for a moment Drawing the braces.
Bringing the hood towards the bird at
a low angle.
1
6
11
2
7
12
3
8
13
4
9
14
5
10
15
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Hooding in the eld
1
2
4
3
5
A low approach in front of the bird
IDEA: It is not necessary to see the
whole bird, or the falconer, during
this process; it may be better to
focus the picture on the subject,
i.e. a close-up of the hood, falcon
and hand motion.
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6
8
10
12
7
9
11
Rolling the hood over the falcons
head as the beak passes through the
hood opening.
Drawing the braces.
Pushing in place.
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Task analysis: Hunting a
pheasant with a falcon
Tieing the leash, the cord that is
attached to the leather jesses via
a swivel. The removable jesses are
attached through eyelets to the
falcons legs.
Once at the ying ground the falconer
will drive around looking for suitable
quarry to y at; in this case we are
looking for pheasants.
Casting off the falcon. The bird is
now free to y but will often take her
time, assessing the conditions and
preparing for ight by rufing her
feathers.
When the falcon is at her highest point
the falconer signals to her to prepare
for the ush.
Here you can see the falcon releasing
the pheasants feathers she caught
from the rst stoop.
In level ight the pheasant is faster
than the falcon who has lost her height
advantage and her speed.
The pheasant reaches the safety of
cover; this is exactly the same place
where the falcon was cast off from.
Having missed her chance, the falcon
rings up and looks for the quarry.
The falconer now calls the falcon back
to him by throwing out a lure with meat
attached to it.
The falcon is actually inverted in this
image, turning in the air for another
stoop.
Closing in... The pheasant jinks out of the way and
the falcon misses.
A tail-chase ensues as the pheasant
heads for the nearest dense cover.
The dog is released and looks for the
quarry to ush (to push into ight).
As the quarry ushes the falconer
gives a shout, but the falcon has such
quick reexes she will have already
started stooping (a dive).
The aim of the falcon is to strike the
quarry with closed feet, raking it with
her huge back talons. As a stoop can
reach speeds in excess of 200mph
this can kill the quarry outright.
In this case the falcon is a young
bird so did not strike the pheasant
accurately. He momentum carries her
up for another attempt.
The falcon takes ight. The falcon now rings up to gain
height by ying in circles above the
falconer. On site of the airborne
raptor the pheasant will stay in place,
crouching low to the ground.
The falconer will walk towards the
quarry keeping his eye on the falcon
above.
A pheasant is spotted feeding out in
the open eld.
Take the falcon from the vehicle
(keeping noise to a minimum). Prepare
for ight by removing the leash, swivel
and jesses.
Remove the hood and store it in a safe
place.
Before setting off in your car, check
that all equipment is packed.
Fitting a tail-mounted telemetry
transmitter (this sends a signal to a
receiver so you can nd a lost bird).
Placing the hooded falcon on a
specially made perch in the rear of the
vehicle.
Drive to the ying ground
Drive past the quarry to a
suitable place to cast off
your bird, preferably down
wind behind some cover.
1
6
11
16
21
26
2
7
12
17
22
27
3
8
13
18
23
28
4
9
14
19
24
29
5
10
15
20
25
30
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Task analysis conclusions
There are only a few steps, in the hooding and ight, that
need to be shown in my book design. The hooding procedure
should only require four images, focussing on key points
and accompanied with text descriptions. The ight is more
complicated as it involves a process occurring in different
times and places, with the falconer taking actions in parallel
with the falcon. This will be a challenge to design, possibly
requiring a mix of photos, illustrations (to show ight paths)
and text descriptions.
Gliding in towards the falconer. Landing on the lure.
Taking a moment as the falcon eats
meat from the lure, the falconer talks
about the ight, and the dog has a
rest.
Once she has nished her reward, the
falcon is hooded ready for the journey
home.
Returning to the vehicle. Dog and falcon safe in the vehicle.
Being hooded in the car keeps the
falcon calm and undisturbed by trafc.
Picking up the falcon from the lure is
achieved by offering her food on the
st.
Equipment is replaced (jesses, leash
and swivel).
Eating meat from the lure. Approaching the falcon, the falconer
stays low and does not make any
sudden movements.
INSPIRATION: The style of Nigel
Holmes work is simple but
extremely understandable. Motion
is illustrated using simple arrows,
curved in the scarf instructions(far right), and time-frame
transparencies (in the conductor).
They may be a little too sterile for
my purpose, as I would like ight
paths and motion to be more
natural, maybe using thicks and
thins of a brush stroke.
31
36
41
32
37
42
33
38
43
34
39
35
40
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Editorial & design ows
The ow of my book will allow for a slightly different access
structure than is often used within falconry books. The book
shall be laid out in the same manner that a falconer should
approach their sport, i.e. understanding what environment is
available to them before working out what kind of bird to y.
Having spoken to experienced falconers, they often state that
a beginner or novice will chose a bird to y that is unsuitable
to the environment and quarry they have available.
2) Flight and theory
Start with an environment map (link to others)
Arable farmland
Large plains
Woodland
Highlands
Desert
Individual maps: each one to have a focus on the birds
that can be own; Long wings (falcons), Shortwings
(hawks), Broadwings (buzzards/harris hawks), Eagles
Maps to link to prey types (rabbit, hare, squirrel,
pheasant, grouse, partridge, water birds, hedgerow
quarry, rooks/crows, magpie)
1) Introduction and history
What this book is for
Denition of falconry
Historical timelines (linked to location in the world)
Layout for introduction
and history.
Historical timelines.
Environments contents
page (Concept 1):
photos and colour
coding on falcons tail,
ight lines linking to
page numbers.
Double page photo
spread to introduce the
environment section.
Environments contents
page (Concept 2):
large photo, bird ight,
colour coding and key
to ights.
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DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
Environments contents
page (Concept 3):
photos, colour coding
and descriptions.
Specic ight details
(Concept 1): Text
process on left, ight on
right, quarry and bird
details on footer.
Double page photo
spread for each
environment section.
Specic ight details
(Concept 2): Spread
dominated by the ight,
with step details as
annotation. Flight from
different angles.
More options for illustrating anindividual ight.
Environments contents
page (Concept 4):An Alternative for
concept 3
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Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 201030
4) Training methods
By bird type then hunting desire
3) Bird choice
Different sub-species of the groups e.g. Peregrine under
Longwings, Sparrowhawk under Shortwings etc.
Also include details of quarry types and their
characteristics.
Layout as per
introduction but
including large hero
shot of theraptor.
Double page photo
spread for section.
Double page photo
spread for section.
Layout for training as
per introduction. Also
inclusion of step by
step processes and
diagrams.
Timeline spreads may
be useful to depict
training but could be
too prescriptive - some
birds are more difcult
than others.
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Home Reference Manual 31
DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
5) Specic tasks
Hooding
Using the lure
Coping and imping
Food types and feeding
Bird handling (including knot tying)
Lost birds and telemetry
Housing and perches
Fitting equipment
Travelling
Layout similar to birdchoice, with inclusion
of hero image and also
step by step process.
IDEA: The reader of this section
may be carrying out the actions
as they read, using each spread
as a reference while they perform
the task. For this reason I would
like to use a different stock of
paper, heavier and more resilient.
To differentiate from the rest of the
book Id also like to give the whole
section a colour wash.
Double page photo
spread for section.
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Design inuences
Lnwin sop t game
Longwing stoop at game
The regal history of falconry.
Rich scenes with bright colours.
Early falconry information graphic;
hand drawn, owing, motion.
Typography based on old scriptsand texts, Bickham and Sabon.
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Home Reference Manual 33
DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
Relationship between falconer and
his bird is very deep and is forged
over a number of years.
TYPEFACES: Baskerville is a classic typeface but Id
like to use something more modern. Quadraat is a little
too squat, but Sabon is nice and airy and would make a
good representation of bird ight.
Simple line drawings tell a story
and explain a ight path, taking the
reader to the environment.
Recurring patterns and earth
tones.
Capturing motion and ight in still
images; apply this to diagrams.
Equipment is a mix of new
technology and methods used for
thousands of years.
The bird uses its own lethal
equipment to survive.
Baskerville Regular 10pt/11.5
Before even considering which bird you would like to y you
should analyse the environment you have available to y in.There are some species of raptor that are totally unsuited tocertain environments or ying style.
Quadraat Regular 10pt/11.5
Beore even considering which bird you would like to fy youshould analyse the environment you have available to fy in. Thereare some species o raptor that are totally unsuited to certainenvironments or fying style.
Sabon Roman 10pt/11.5
Before even considering which bird you would like to y youshould analyse the environment you have available to y in.There are some species of raptor that are totally unsuited tocertain environments or ying style.
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Design concepts
Flying environments
22
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Lanner Falcon
page 125
Picking up p. 266
Details of quarry are givenwith information on environ-mental characteristics. Hunt-
ing dates are also shown.
Page references to birdsof prey best suited to the
environment.
Links to the task section ofthis book accompany ightinstructions.
Beoreevenconsideringwhichbird youwouldliketoyyoushouldanalysetheenvironmentyouhaveavailabletoyin.Therearesome species o raptor thatare totallyunsuited to certain environments or yingstyle.Thisshouldbethefrstthingthealconerassesses,asaclearunderstandingowhatyouwanttoachievewillnotonlydictatethebestbirdoryou,butalsothekindoequipmentrequiredandthetypeoquarryavailable.
This section othe book issplitinto fvedierentenvironmentsyoumayencounterasaalconer,thenwithineachenvironmentyouwillfndexamplesopossibleightsandthequarryandraptorbestsuitedtothatstyle;romgrousehawkingintheHighlandswitha Longwing,to Lowland harehawkingwithaShortwing.
Whereaightisdescribedyouwillfndhelpullinkstospecifctasksinthetasksectionothisbook;thesemaybestepbystepguidesorsimplereerencetoolsthatare a common eature omanyighttypes.
23
Arable Lowland
Woodland
Highlands
The Plains
Desert
Telemetry: Wherever you decide to y, telemetryis essential. This is a tail-mounted transmittermanufactured by Marshal. It is not something toallow the falconer to take risky slips with a halftrained bird, but more a fall-back incaseanything unforeseen happens and youend up losing your bird. Don'tforget, always check thebatteries beforeying.
Key misunderstood.
Greyscale image ages
the spread.
Poor mix of typefaces.
Key to prey and birds
is not clear.
Concept 1
1.1 - Flying environments title spread
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Home Reference Manual 35
DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
Red-legged Partridge
Alectoris rua
Grey Partridge
Perdix perdix
Common Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus
The Mallard
Anas platyrhynchos
1.Thegame is spottedfromacarorotherdistantlocation,oftenusing binoculars.Uponspottinga coveyor singularbirdintheopen,thefalconerwillremove thehood,andcastoffthefalconfromsuita-blecover,allowingthebirdtogainheightoverhead.
2.Onsiteofthefalconoverheadthequarryshouldstayinpositionandlieattotheground.Itisnowtimeforthefalconerto
Longwing stoop at feathered game
Perfec
tpos
itionfol
lowedbythefush
Thesto
op
Impactp
oint
OutcomeA
Quarryfush
approachcalmlywiththedogonalead.Signallingtothewaitingfalconwillmakesureshestaysoverhead.
3.Whenthefalconisupwindofthehidingquarryitistimetoletthedogoffandfush the gameunderher.Thequarrywillundoubtedlyytowardsthenearestcoverandthisshouldbeanticipatedbythefal-coner.
Spotting game
Hooding
Flushing game
Pheasants are
a largequarryrequir-ing a heavyalcon to catch
them. In level fightthey are very ast.
p. 235
p. 260
p. 232
Mallards can be ound insmall ponds and ditchesin lowland areas. A dog
is a necessity as they arevery dicult to fush; riverducks should be avoided alltogether.
Once a common site butnow the Grey, or English,partridge is a rare site. Theyare much more wary thanthe Red-Legged so a careulapproach is required.
Also known as the Frenchpartridge, these birds can beound in very large coveys,
giving the alconer an oppor-tunity or excellent slips.
J
FM
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
34
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
3
4
5
Arable Lowland
Bells: A vital piece oequipment when ying inlowland areas. On a alconthey are best mounted onthe tail and will help youfnd her on the groundor in deeper c over.
Falconersappr
oach
Casting o
Gainingheight
Followingoverh
ead
OutcomeB
4.Nowitis alldownto thealcon;uponseeingthefush andhearingthe shoutsrombelowshewillstoopatgreatspeedtointerceptthe quarrybeoreit reachescover.OutcomeA:Thealconwillstrikethegamewithclosedtalons,causingittotumbletotheground.Shewillloopoverandtackleherprizeontheground,otendispatchingitwithabitetotheneck.Out-comeB:Thealconwillstrikebutinac-
curately,ormissalltogetherasthequarryjinkstoavoidthestoop.Inthisscenariothecleverquarrywillveryotenout-fythealconinatail-chase,beatinghertocover.
5.Pick up the falcon,eitherromhercaughtquarry(outcomeone),orbycallinghertoalurethrownoutontothegroundbythealconer(optiontwo).
Picking up p. 266
35
Peregrine Falcon
page 119
Lanner Falcon
page 125
1
2
Real elements clutter
the spread.
Portrait format, even though a good
shape to show ights may not
stand out in a bookshop - look at a
landscape format
The ight path works
well and includes the
reader in the scene.
Steps are difcult to
link to the image.
Links to the task
section feel detached.
1.2 - Flight details
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Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 201036
HuntingwithRaptors
History Flights & Theory Raptor Choice Training Methods Falconry Tasks
Falconry; a noble sport with a history dating back
to 720 BC, now rising in popularity as newcomers
experience the deep bond between man and bird once
reserved only for the regal and gentry of the land.
This book acts as a guide to the newcomer, and a
reference to the experienced falconer or austringer. You
will nd step-by-step illustrations of possible ights in a
variety of environments found in the UK and beyond.
Raptor characteristics, training methods, and falconry
tasks are shown in rich photos and described by leading
falconry professionals.
www.tomlinsonbooks.com
HuntingwithRaptors
Tomlinson
Flights & Theory
Beore even considering which bird you would
like to y you should analyse the environmentyou have available to y in. There are some
species o raptor that are totally unsuited tocertain environments or ying style. This shouldbe the frst thing the alconer assesses, a clearunderstanding o what you want to achieve will
not only dictate the best bird or you, but alsothe kind o equipment required and the type oquarry available.
This section o the book is split into our dierent
environments you may encounter as a alconer,then within each environment you will fndexamples o possible ights and the quarry and
raptor best suited to that style; rom grousehawking in the Highlands with a Longwing, toLowland hare hawking with a Shortwing.
Where a ight is described you will fnd helpul
links to specifc tasks in the task section o thisbook; these may be step by step guides or simplereerence tools that are a common eature o
many ight types.
Arable Lowland
Woodland
Highlands
Open Flatlands
Arable Lowland Flights & Theory
Longwing stoop at eathered game p. 34
Longwing ight at gulls rom the fst p. 36
Longwing ight at corvids rom the fst p. 38
Shortwing / Broadwing at ur and eather p. 40
Shortwing at small hedgerow game p. 44
Broadwing ollowing on p. 46
The most common environment that most alconers
will experience in the UK, Lowland Arable has manydierent characteristics and thereore many dierentbirds can be own at a variety o quarry. However, like
all areas, it has its own dangers such as power lines,and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility olosing sight o your bird.
Once permission has been given by the landowner, thealconer may choose the sort o ight that best suits the
land they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt.
Some quarry such as rabbits and squirrels may becaught all year, but eathered game such as pheasantsand partridge are seasonal. A licence must be obtained
beore ying at gulls and corvids.
Potential ights are described step-by-step over thenext ew pages, but remember, you are dealing withanimals and innumerous possibilities o variance so be
prepared or all eventualities.
The most common environmenthas a lot to oer
Concept 2
2.1 - Back, spine and cover
2.2 - Flying environments title spread
2.3 - Specic environment title spread
Banner is dated.
Flight much better in
colour, adjust for fold.
Too close to image.
Indents are
confusing.
Remove p or write
page. Change to
a sans serif do add
difference.
Flight here is lost in
background colour.
Good falconry
reference.
Spacing needs
adjusting.
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Home Reference Manual 37
DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
The game is spotted rom a car whiledriving over the hawking ground
or on oot rom a distant location.Binoculars are required to prevent the
quarry fushing early.
Upon spotting a covey or singular bird
in the open, the alconer will removethe hood, and cast o the alcon rom
suitable cover, allowing the bird togain height overhead.
Longwing stoop at feathered game
You can see in this photo the tail-mounted
telemetry transmitter. It doesnt matter whatenvironment you y in, use telemetry i you
dont want to lose your alcon. It is a good
idea to ft the transmitter beore arriving atthe ying ground to prevent rushing when you
spot quarry.
Spot the quarry
Casting off
Falconers approach
On site o the alcon overhead the
quarry should stay in position and liefat to the ground. It is now time or
the alconer to approach calmly withthe dog on a lead. Signalling to the
waiting alcon will make sure she staysoverhead.
1
3
2
p. 235
p. 260
Spotting game
Hooding
1 2 3
34
Arable Lowland
The stoop
Picking up
Flushing the quarry
When the alcon is upwind o the
hiding quarry it is time to let the dogo and fush the game under her. The
quarry will undoubtedly fy towardsthe nearest cover and this should be
anticipated by the alconer.
Upon seeing the fush and hearing theshouts rom below she will stoop at
great speed to intercept the quarrybeore it reaches cover. Outcome A:
The alcon will strike the game withclosed talons, causing it to tumble to
the ground with her looping over todispatch. Outcome B: The alcon will
strike but inaccurately, or miss alltogether as the quarry jinks to avoid
the stoop; this results in a tail-chaseoten nishing as the quarry beats the
alcon to cover.
Stooping falcons have been known to reachspeeds in excess of 200 mph; you can quite
literally hear them tearing through the air.
6
4
5
p. 266
p. 232
Picking up
Flushing game
Pick up the alcon, either rom hercaught quarry (outcome one), or by
calling her to a lure thrown out ontothe ground by the alconer (outcome
two). An experienced alcon can nowbe fown again on the same day, or the
alconer can call it a day and rewardtheir bird or a good fight.
54
35
LannerPheasant Duck PartridgeGyr Falcon Peregrine Falcon
Falconry Tasks
Using the lure
Food types and feeding
Picking up
Lost birds and telemetry Flushing game p. 232
Spotting game p. 235
Using the lure p. 254
Lost birds and telemetry p. 256
Hooding p. 260
Picking up p. 266
Bird handling p. 270
Food types and feeding p. 278
Coping and imping p. 280
Housing and perches p. 282
Fitting equipment p. 286
Travelling p. 288
Hooding
Fitting equipment
Flushing game
Hooding
Low approach1Hold the hood by its plume andapproach from below with the beak
opening facing the bird.
The hood is used in the manning process(acclimatising to humans and the human world) andto keep the raptor in a calm state, both in the early
part of its training and throughout its falconry career.Out of all the falconers aids the hood is the mostimportant piece of equipment.
There are various styles and types of hood for raptors
within falconry. The hood is hand made, often fromkip leather or suitable kangaroo leather. There are twostandard types used in American/
European Falconry; the AngloIndian hood (non-blocked)and made from one piece of
leather. The Dutch Hood, that is a three piecehood blocked on a special mould called a hoodblock, which is designed to best represent
the shape of the raptors head, also allowingspace for the eyes with an adequate neckwidth.
It is essential that the hood ts the
raptor in a comfortable way orthe raptor will reject the hoodoutright, making training very
difcult.
260
Hood typesA good hood should meet a number of
criteria: the hawk should not be able to get it
off. The hawk should be able to feed and castthrough it safely. It should be light in weight,
sit comfortably on the hawks head without
causing condensation, irritation or trailing
braces which annoy the hawk. It should belight-tight. It should not cause sores around
the gape or pinch the nape feathers. It
should be tough, durable, weather-proof,and easily cleaned or renovated.
Draw the bracesPush in placeRoll over 432As the chin strap o the hood meets thebeak, use a rolling motion and ollow
the shape o the alcons head.
Gently push the hood down into placewith the tips o your fngers. Leave
or a second or two. It is vital to havea alcon that will sit with the braces
undone.
Use one hand and your teeth to closethe hood by pulling the longer braces
in a swit motion.
Hooding as seen in The Artof Falconry, by Frederick II
of Hohenstaufen (1250)
261
Dutch hood
Well tting but
often heavy
Arab style
Soft and light-weight but
can lose its shape
Blocked Arab
A great t and hard
wearing, especially
with synthetic braces
Anglo-Indian
Easy to make and often used for
hawks rather than falcons
Falconry Tasks
2.5 - Tasks section title spread
2.4 - Flight details
2.6 - Specic task
Guide to quarry and raptors
is not understood.
Numbers need to be
less obtrusive.
Flight time series
works well but needs
to be enlarged.
Steps and images
need aligning better.
Do not align numbers
and replace with sans
serif.
Images have a good
focus on hooding but
everything can be
moved up.
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Oliver Tomlinson - Spring term 201038
HUNTING
with
RAPTORS
history
flights & theory
raptor choice
training methods
falconry tasks
HuntingwithRaptorsHistory Flights & Theory Raptor Choice Training Methods Falconry Tasks
www.tomlinsonbooks.com
Falconry; a noble sport with a history dating
back to 720 BC, now rising in popularity as
newcomers experience the deep bond between
man and bird once reserved only for the regal
and gentry of the land.
This book acts as a guide to the newcomer,
and a reference to the experienced falconer
or austringer. You will nd step-by-step
illustrations of possible ights in a variety of
environments found in the UK and beyond.
Raptor characteristics, training methods, and
falconry tasks are shown in rich photos and
described by leading falconry professionals.
Tomlinson
HuntingwithRaptors
32
Longwing stoop at eathered game page 34
Longwing ight at gulls rom the fst page 36
Shortwing / Broadwing at ur and eather page 38
Shortwing at small hedgerow game page 42
Longwing at small game page 44
Broadwing ollowing-on page 46
Arable Lowland
The most common environment that most alconerswill experience in Britain, Arable Lowland has many
dierent characteristics and thereore many dierentbirds can be fown at a variety o quarry. However, likeall areas, it has its own dangers such as power lines,
and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility olosing sight o your bird.
Once permission has been given by the landowner, the
alconer may choose the sort o fight that best suits theland they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt.
Some quarry such as rabbits may be caught all year,but eathered game such as pheasants and partridge are
seasonal, with some requiring a licence.
Potential fights are described step-by-step over thenext ew pages, but remember, you are dealing withanimals and innumerous possibilities o variance so be
prepared or all eventualities.
The most common Britishenvironment has a lot to oer
33
The Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Mallards can be ound in small ponds and ditches
in lowland areas. A dog is a necessity as they aredicult to fush; river birds should be let alone.
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Pheasants are a large quarry requiring a heavy
alcon to catch them rom a stoop, or a Goshawk
rom the st. In level fight they are very ast.
Grey Partridge Perdix perdix
Once a common site but now the Grey, or English,
partridge is a rare site. Being more wary than theRed-Legged a careul approach is required.
Red-legged Partridge Alectoris rufa
Also known as the French partridge, these birds
can be ound in very large coveys, giving thealconer an opportunity or excellent slips.
European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus
A common quarry or the Broadwings and Harris
Hawks, numerous in many locations and availableall year round.
Gulls (e.g. Herring and Lesser Black Backed)
Like Skylarks, the alconer requires a licence to
take any gull. A large alcon fown rom the st
can provide great sport; look or ploughed elds.
Brown Hare Lepus europaeus
Large Broadwings and Goshawks are needed to
take a Hare which can reach speeds o 45mph.Seasons are dependant on area so please check.
Skylark Alauda arvensis
Lark-hawking with a Merlin is a short but intense
time. A licence is required to catch a limitednumber beore they get too strong on the wing.
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep Oct Nov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l A ug
Sep O ct N ov
Dec
Jan Feb
Mar A pr May
Jun Ju l Aug
Sep Oct Nov
Dec
Concept 3
3.1 - Back, spine and cover
3.1A - Cover alternative
3.3 - Specic environment title spread
Leather is a nice
reference to older
books and equipment.
Text too small
Leather On the cover
may be better on the
image below.
Body text could be
better on left page so it
is not so sparse.
Information is too heavy
and text doesnt stand
out enough.
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Home Reference Manual 39
DISCOVERYTRANSFORMATION MAKING
The game is spotted rom a car whiledriving over the hawking ground
or on oot rom a distant location.
Binoculars are required to prevent thequarry fushing early.
Upon spotting a covey or singular birdin the open, the alconer will remove
the hood, and cast o the alcon rom
suitable cover, allowing the bird togain height overhead.
Longwing stoop at feathered game
You can see in this photo thetail-mounted telemetry transmitter.
Whatever environment you y in,
use telemetry i you dont want to
lose your alcon. It is a good idea toft the transmitter beore arriving at
the ying ground to prevent rushing
when you spot quarry.
Spot the quarry Casting off Falconers approach
On site o the alcon overhead thequarry should stay in position and lie
fat to the ground. It is now time or
the alconer to approach calmly withthe dog on a lead. Signalling to the
waiting alcon so she ollows above.page 235 page 260Spotting game Hooding
34
1 2 3
A cock pheasant may weigh as much as fve pounds, but the
average is probably closer to three pounds. They have relativelyshort wings or this weight, which accounts or their slow take-
o. However, once a pheasant levels-o, they can y at speeds
o up to 40 miles an hour.
Signalling the alcon can be done by raising
the arm, or even by showing the palm o your
hand. This silent message will keep the alcons
interest and inorm her o the imminent ush,without disturbing the quarry.
Arable Lowland
When the alcon is upwind o thehiding quarry it is time to let the dog
o and fush the game under her. The
quarry will undoubtedly fy towardsthe nearest cover.
Pick up the alcon, either rom hercaught quarry (outcome one), or by
calling her to a lure thrown out onto
the ground by the alconer (outcometwo). An experienced alcon can now
be fown again on the same day, or thealconer can call it a day and reward
their bird or a good fight.
35
Flushing the quarry The stoop Picking up
page 232
page 266
Flushing game
Picking up
4 5 6
Upon seeing the fush and hearing theshouts rom below she will stoop at
great speed to intercept the quarry
beore it reaches cover. Outcome A:The alcon will strike the game with
closed talons, causing it to tumble tothe ground with her looping over to
dispatch. Outcome B: The alcon willstrike but inaccurately, or miss all
together as the quarry jinks to avoidthe stoop; this results in a tail-chase
oten nishing as the quarrybeats the alcon to cover.
Stooping falcons have been
known to reach speeds inexcess of 200 mph; you
can quite literally hear themtearing through the air.
3.4 - Flight details Cut out images breakup the spread in a
good way.
Frutiger has been used
for the page references,
it matches Sabon well.
Flights better at
this size.
Lines crossing over
are distracting.
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DISCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKING
RMATIONMAKING
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Final designs
Tomlinson
HuntingwithRa
ptors
www.tomlinsonbooks.com
Falconry; a noble sport with a historydating back to 720 BC, now rising inpopularity as newcomers experience thedeep bond between man and bird oncereserved only for the regal and gentryof the land.
This book acts as a guide to thenewcomer, and a reference to theexperienced falconer or austringer.You will nd step-by-step illustrationsof possible ights in a variety ofenvironments found in the UK.
Raptor characteristics, trainingmethods, and falconry tasks are shownin rich photos and described by leadingfalconry professionals.
Flights & Theory
30
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DISCOVERY TRANSFORMATION MAKING
Beore deciding which bird you would
like to fy you should analyse the
environment you have available to fy
in. A clear understanding o what you
want to achieve will not only dictate
the best bird or you, but also the kind
o equipment required and the type o
quarry available.
This section o the book is split into
our environments you may encounter
in Britain. Within each environment
you will nd examples o possible
fights; rom grouse hawking in the
Highlands, to Lowland hare hawking.
Arable Lowland
Woodland
Highlands
Open Flatlands
Where a ight is described you will nd helpful
links to specic tasks in the task s ection of
this book; these may be step by step guides
or simple reference tools that are a common
feature of many ight types.
31
The cover design has been re-
designed from the version below.
When printed and assembled as
a blad, the previous cover was
too busy, as the elements did not
work together. The chosen version
(left) is a more minimal approach,
and exaggerates the shape of the
birds wing.
HuntingwithRaptorsHistory Flights & Theory Raptor Choice Training Methods Falconry Tasks
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32 Arable Lowland
Red-legged PartridgeAlectoris 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.
Jan F eb
Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
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.
Jan Feb
Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
The Mallard Anas platyrhynchosMallards can be found in small ponds and
ditches in lowland areas. A dog is a necessity
as they are difcult to ush; river birds should
be left alone.
Jan Feb
Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus
Pheasants are a large quarry requiring a
heavy falcon to catch them from a stoop, or a
Goshawk from the st. In level ight they are
very fast, reaching speeds up top 45mph.
Jan Feb
Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug
Sep Oct Nov
Dec
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 difcult to nd them away from cover.
Jan F eb
Mar Apr May
J un J ul A ug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
Brown Hare Lepus europaeusLarge 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.
Jan F eb
Mar Apr May
J un J ul A ug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
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.
Jan F eb
Mar Apr May
Jun Jul Aug
Sep Oct Nov
Dec
Gulls (e.g. Herring and Lesser Black Backed)
Like Skylarks, the falconer requires a licence to
take any gull. A large falcon own from the
st can provide great sport; look for freshly
ploughed elds.
Jan F eb
Mar Apr May
J un J ul A ug
S ep O ct Nov
Dec
The game is spotted rom a car whiledriving over the hawking groundor on oot rom a distant location.Binoculars are required to prevent the
quarry fushing early.
Upon spotting a covey or singular birdin the open, the alconer will removethe hood, and cast o the alcon romsuitable cover, allowing the bird to
gain height overhead.
longwing stoop at feathered game
You can see in this photo the
tail-mounted telemetry transmitter.
Whatever environment you y in,
use telemetry i you dont want to
lose your alcon. It is a good idea to
ft the transmitter beore arriving at
the ying ground to prevent rushing
when you spot quarry.
spot the quarry casting off falconers approach
On site o the alcon overhead thequarry should stay in position and liefat to the ground. It is now time orthe alconer to approach calmly with
the dog on a lead. Signalling to thewaiting alcon so she ollows above.page 235 page 260Spotting game Hooding
1 2 3
A cock pheasant may weigh as much as fve pounds, but the
average is probably closer to three pounds. They have relatively
short wings or this weight, which accounts or their slow take-
o. However, once a pheasant levels-o, they can y at speeds
o up to 40 miles an hour.
Signalling the alcon can be done by raising
the arm, or even by showing the palm o yourhand. This silent message will keep the alcons
interest and inorm her o the imminent ush,
without disturbing the quarry.
34
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33
Longwing stoop at eathered game34Longwing ight at gulls rom the fst 36
Shortwing / Broadwing at ur and eather 38
Shortwing at small hedgerow game 42
Longwing at small game 44
Broadwing ollowing-on 46
The most common environment that most alconers
will experience in Britain, Arable Lowland has many
dierent characteristics and thereore many dierent
birds can be fown at a variety o quarry. However, like
all areas, it has its own dangers such as power lines,
and an enclosed landscape adding to the possibility o
losing sight o your bird.
Once permission has been given by the landowner, the
alconer may choose the sort o fight that best suits the
land they are on and the quarry they wish to hunt.
Some quarry such as rabbits may be caught all year,
but eathered game such as pheasants and partridge are
seasonal, with some requiring a licence.
Potential fights are described step-by-step over the
next ew pages, but remember, you are dealing withanimals and innumerous possibilities o variance so be
prepared or all eventualities.
The most common Britishenvironment has a lot to oer
Arable Lowland
When the alcon is upwind o thehiding quarry it is time to let the dogo and fush the game under her. Thequarry will undoubtedly fy towards
the nearest cover.
Pick up the alcon, either rom hercaught quarry (outcome one), or bycalling her to a lure thrown out ontothe ground by the alconer (outcome
two). An experienced alcon can nowbe fown again on the same day, or thealconer can call it a day and rewardtheir bird or a good fight.
flushing the quarry the stoop picking up
page 232
page 266
Flushing game
Picking up
4 5 6
Upon seeing the fush and hearing theshouts rom below she will stoop atgreat speed to intercept the quarrybeore it reaches cover. Outcome A:
The alcon will strike the game withclosed talons, causing it to tumble tothe ground with her looping over todispatch. Outcome B: The alcon willstrike but inaccurately, or miss alltogether as the quarry jinks to avoidthe stoop; this results in a tail-chaseoten nishing as the quarrybeats the alcon to cover.
Stooping falcons have been
known to reach speeds in
excess of 200 mph; you
can quite literally hear them
tearing through the air.
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260
Hold the hood by its plume andapproach from below with the beakopening facing the bird. A lowapproach prevents startling the hawk.
The hood is used in the manning process
(acclimatising to humans and the human world) and
to keep the raptor in a calm state, both in the early
part of its training and throughout its falconry career.
Out of all the falconers aids the hood is the most
important piece of equipment.
There are various styles and types of hood for raptors
within falconry. The hood is hand made, often from
kip leather or suitable kangaroo leather. There are two
standard types used in American/European
Falconry; the Anglo Indian
hood (non-blocked) and made
from one piece of leather. The
Dutch Hood, that is a three piece hood blocked on
a special mould called a hood block, whichis designed to best represent the shape of the
raptors head, also allowing space for the
eyes with an adequate neck width.
It is essential that the hood ts the raptor
in a comfortable way or the raptor
will reject the hood outright, making
training very difcult.
hooding
low approach1
Hood types
A good hood should meet a number of criteria:
the hawk should not be able to get it off.
The hawk should be able to feed and cast
through it safely. It should be light in weight,
sit comfortably on the hawks head without
causing condensation, irritation or trailing
braces which annoy the hawk. It should be
light-tight. It should not cause sores around the
gape or pinch the nape feathers. It should be
tough, durable, weather-proof, and easily
cleaned or renovated.
Once accustomed to the hood, a
falcon will be at complete ease
when wearing one, becoming
so relaxed as to fall asleep.
A well tting quality hood
may be expensive but is
a real investment in thewellbeing of your bird.
Falconry Tasks
230
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261
As the chin strap o the hood meets thebeak, use a rolling motion, ollowingthe shape o the alcons head, to rollover and down.
Gently push the hood down into placewith the tips o your fngers, thenpause. It is vital to have a alcon thatwill sit with the braces undone.
Use one hand and your teeth to closethe hood by pulling the longer bracesin a swit motion. Dont worry, a wellftting hood cant be over tightened.
Hooding as seen in The Art
of Falconry, by Frederick II
of Hohenstaufen (1250)
Dutch hood
Well tting but
often heavy
Arab style
Soft and light-weight but
can lose its shape
Blocked Arab
A great t and hard wearing,
especially with synthetic braces
Anglo-Indian
Easy to make and often used for
hawks rather than falcons
Falconry Tasks
roll over push in place draw the braces2 3 4
Flushing game 232
Spotting game 235
Using the lure 254
Lost birds and telemetry 256
Hooding 260
Picking up 266
Bird handling 270
Food types and feeding 278
Coping and imping 280
Housing and perches 282
Fitting equipment 286
Travelling 288
231
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Acknowledgements
Throughout this project I referred to a number of sources; this
section gives details on these materials.
Copy
Text within the spreads is a mix of my own, falconry books
seen in the discovery stage, and Wikipedia.
Photos
Most photos of hunting scenes, equipment and hooding
practice have been taken by me with the kind permission of
the people detailed below. Other photos of quarry and raptors
(including the cover image) have been taken from ickr and
bought from iStock.
Tony James has been a falconer
for 33 years and treasurer for the
British Falconers Club for 4 years.The photos taken for this project
were of his rst year Peregrine
Falcon. He was kind enough to
let me handle and photograph
his fantastic collection of falconry
books and antique hawking
equipment.
The Hawk Conservancy kindly
allowed me to take close-up
photos of the hooding process.
The Hawk Conservancy Trust
is a conservation charity and
visitor attraction that has for
many years worked in the elds
of conservation, education,
rehabilitation and the research of
birds of prey, both in the UK and
overseas.
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