What distinguishes a good falconer?

A good falconer is distinguished by their ability to consistently place the hawk on quarry, which reflects a deep understanding of both the bird's capabilities and the hunting environment. This skill demonstrates the falconer's proficiency in training and handling the bird, as well as their knowledge of how to effectively utilize the hawk’s natural instincts and hunting behaviors. Successful hunting relies not just on having a well-trained bird, but also on the falconer's strategy and decision-making in the field.

Training speed, awareness of anatomy, or the quantity of hawks owned do not necessarily correlate with effective hunting results. While being aware of the hawk's anatomy is important for health and care, it does not directly impact the falconer's effectiveness in placing the bird on quarry during hunts. Similarly, owning multiple hawks might suggest experience, but it does not inherently mean that a falconer is skilled at consistently achieving successful quarry outcomes. Ultimately, the key measure of a falconer's success lies in their ability to connect with their bird to fulfil the hunting goal.