What modern technology revolutionized recovery of lost hawks?

• A. GPS satellite tracking
• B. Cellular tracking apps
• C. Radio telemetry
• D. Flare signaling

Answer: (C)

Tracking a lost hawk hinges on having a signal you can actively follow in the field. Attaching a small radio transmitter to the hawk provides that, emitting a signal you can detect with a handheld receiver. By using a directional antenna and reading how the signal strengthens or weakens as you move, you can determine whether you’re getting closer or farther and even triangulate the bird’s exact location. This approach works in rugged terrain and without relying on any cellular network or satellite data, making it highly practical for real-time recovery.

In contrast, GPS-based or cellular tracking can provide precise coordinates, but they require different equipment, connectivity, or ongoing data access that isn’t always reliable in the field. Flare signaling isn’t a method for locating a missing bird at all. The radio-transmitter system offered the most immediate, field-ready way to locate and recover a lost hawk, which is why it represents the pivotal advance in falconry recovery methods.