With a young hawk that is trained to take hares, special attention is given to it when it is on its first few kills.

When on rough ground as it is in this picture the falconer or his friend will take special care of the hawks tail.

Often when they are dealing with a large quarry such as a hare the hawk spreads her tail for an extra support.

With the tail spread, it is at its weakest, especially spread over uneven ground where a vital tail feather can be damaged or broken.

Here the falconer holds the tail closed whilst the hawk eats and pulls at any reward given to it.

It is so important to keep the hawks in as near feather perfect condition, if they are to have any chance at catching the fleet footed hares.