Falconry, the art of catching game with birds of prey, was first practised in the Far East before 1000 B.C. Introduced into Europe in the ninth century it was, until the invention of guns for shooting birds, the chief sport of the aristocracy. Almost all sorts of birds of prey have been used, from eagles to male sparrowhawks. The birds to be used for falconry must be taken from the nest shortly before they are able to fly. Taming the falcon is a Job requiring skill and dedication and since the bird needs to be flown fairly frequently, should only be attempted by someone with plenty of time to give to it. The trained bird wears a hood which covers its eyes and prevenÃs it from becoming frightened by strange sights and sounds, but can be removed very quickly if it is to be flown. At all times the hawk carries small bells on its legs. These enable the falconer to hear where the bird is if it hides in dense trees while being flown, and to keep an ear on its welfare while the bird is confined in its cage, which is called a mew.
