TRAINING BIRDS OF PREY. By Jemima Parry-Jones.

(1994) later reprint. 4to (199 x 270mm). Pp160. Colour and b/w photographs and illustrations. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a good and very well thought-of introductory manual for the would-be falconer. "Having re-read the beginning of this book, I am concerned that it may seem a little negative to the reader who is hoping to train and care for a bird of prey or owl. Well, it tends to be that way, but only because I want to point out the pitfalls and help you avoid them. This book should make mistakes less likely and give you an idea of some of the philosophy behind the important elements in falconry. A good understanding of birds of prey and owl-keeping should make you enjoy it all the more and, at the same time, give any bird you might own or look after, a safe, happy and comfortable life. ...I am still getting hundreds of phone calls per year from people who either don't know how to start in falconry, or who have started and got it all wrong. ...Secondly, looking at the books that are currently available, there are some gaps, particularly on owl-keeping, that are crying out to be filled." Lots of sound, hard-headed advice, with the assumption that the reader has not yet consulted any other books on the subject. Chapters include: What bird should I get?; Quarters for birds of prey and owls; Falconry furniture and equipment; Collecting the new bird. Training your bird: Buzzards; Owls; Falcons; Eagles; Hawks. Appendices discuss vitamins for birds of prey, and give useful addresses.