What should a falconer do if a hawk is mobbed by ravens?

• A. Attacks the ravens
• B. Release the hawk
• C. Try to call it down calmly
• D. Fly a different direction

Answer: (C)

When a falcon is mobbed by ravens, the priority is to quickly reestablish control to protect the hawk and the hunt. Calling the hawk down calmly is the best move because it reestablishes contact with the bird, pulls it away from the distraction of the ravens, and allows you to recover control or move the bird to safety. This reduces the risk of injury, loss of the quarry, or the hawk becoming overly stressed.

Attacking the ravens isn’t appropriate and can escalate danger or cause damage. Releasing the hawk would leave it to fend for itself in the mob, increasing the chance of injury or loss. Flying in a different direction might avoid the immediate harassment, but it doesn’t address the risk to the hawk or the need to regain control, and could lead to further problems.