Falconry Terminology
Eyas means a young hawk in the nest; and taken from the nest for training purposes; or an adult bird which was originally taken from the nest and has advanced into adulthood under the care of a falconer (intermewed). Young birds, which have just left the nest, but are still jumping around on the branches near the nest, prior to flying free are commonly known as branchers.
vi. F1, F2 hawk etc. Various generations of captive bred hawks.
vii. Falconry – the art of hunting wild quarry with a trained raptor
Hawks/Raptors include all birds in the order falconiforms, such as falcons, hawks, eagles, goshawks, sparrowhawks, etc.
Hacking back means to return to the wild state by allowing the hawk to fly free, for an indefinite period, in order that it can develop power of wing and the ability to kill for itself. During this period of free flight, food should be left out at a place where the hawk has previously been conditioned to feed before it is set free. Throughout this hacking period, food should be provided each day, at the same time, in the same place, until the hawk no longer returns regularly. Thereupon it can be presumed to be killing for itself. The hawk should be ringed by a licensed ringer or under the auspices of one.
Passage hawk means a wild, free-flying hawk still in juvenile plumage. In the case of a dispute, when the hawk is in moult it shall be judged as a passage only if it has more than 25% of its juvenile plumage. The decision of the Committee of the provincial falconry club shall be final.
Haggard hawk means a wild free flying hawk in adult plumage.
