Is it desirable that your hawk crab after striking a quarry?

When training and working with a hawk, it is generally not desirable for the bird to crab after striking a quarry. Crabbing refers to a behavior where the bird may become agitated or defensive by flapping its wings and making noise, often as a response to stress, discomfort, or potential threats to its catch. This behavior can indicate a lack of confidence and can interfere with the hunting process. A well-trained hawk should ideally exhibit calmness and control after making a strike, which allows it to properly handle the quarry and continue the hunt effectively.

In falconry, the goal is to cultivate a strong bond of trust and understanding between the falconer and the hawk, fostering confidence during hunting scenarios. If a hawk frequently crabs after striking, it may signal a need for further training and reassurance, signaling a breakdown in the ideal hunting behavior that a falconer seeks to establish. Thus, the answer reflects a fundamental aspect of successful falconry and hawk training.