Falconry Training and Technique - Relationship Between Falconer and Bird

Relationship Between Falconer and Bird

In falconry, a young, but fully-grown, raptor is trained through operant conditioning using the reward of food as a positive reinforcement. Unlike pets, raptors are non-affectionate animals, having no ability to deal with dominant or submissive roles (except the Harris' Hawk). They do not "love" the falconer, they will not aim to please him; they are simply opportunistic and learn that life with the falconer affords the easiest and most reliable source of food and protection. Continuing the relationship, then, is a matter of convenience for the raptor. However, it is often thought there is a bond between bird and falconer, through which each trusts the other. The bird trusts the falconer not to steal its food and provide protection, and the falconer trusts the bird to come back.

Read more about this topic:  Falconry Training And Technique

Famous quotes containing the words relationship between, relationship and/or bird:

    There is a relationship between cartooning and people like MirĂ³ and Picasso which may not be understood by the cartoonist, but it definitely is related even in the early Disney.
    Roy Lichtenstein (b. 1923)

    Our mother gives us our earliest lessons in love—and its partner, hate. Our father—our “second other”Melaborates on them. Offering us an alternative to the mother-baby relationship . . . presenting a masculine model which can supplement and contrast with the feminine. And providing us with further and perhaps quite different meanings of lovable and loving and being loved.
    Judith Viorst (20th century)

    the bird in the poplar tree
    dreaming, his head
    tucked into
    far-and-near exile under his wing ...
    Denise Levertov (b. 1923)