Author: Claudia Harris

We recently received this contact from Gaynor F. who has been studying the Combined Course (Modules C1 to C9) Gaynor has made fantastic progress, but contacted us recently to clarify the answers to one of the questions in Module C9

Gaynor writes:

“I am reaching the end of this excellent course and in the last quiz I got question 23 incorrect . It says

I sometimes work away from home, so leave my hawk tethered during the week and fly her at the weekend. Choose 4 statements you think are true. Score –

I think I confused myself because I think that the statement
‘Permanently tethering your Hawk is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981’
is true ?

I guess its incorrect as an answer to this question because it doesn’t apply as the man flies his birds at the weekend but it is a bit ambiguous . Maybe it should just say as relates to this situation or something like that .

Overall its been a wonderful course thank you”

We were very happy to let Gaynor Know that the correct choices for this question are:

• Trained Owls should never be tethered
• This could be an offence under the AWA 2006
• The Hawk Board Guidelines suggest that flying at least 4 times per week is the minimum acceptable
• Trained Hawks and Owls should be free-lofted to enable them to express normal behaviour

Our multiple choice questions are designed to encourage our learners to think carefully about the options presented as possible answers. In this case, The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is silent on the subject of tethering of owls and raptors in captivity. Instead, this is dealt with for non-professional keepers in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and for professional bird of prey keepers the Zoo Licensing and Animal Activities legislation expand on the AWA 2006 and are more specific.

Congratulations Gaynor on completing the course.

Raptor Awards CIC Surpasses 4000 Tests Milestone

Raptor Awards CIC the UK’s only network of quality assured Instructors and assessor serving the Bird of Prey community are thrilled to announce a significant milestone. In a testament to their commitment to education and excellence, Raptor Awards has successfully conducted over 4000 tests of knowledge and understanding for bird of prey keepers working towards a certificated course.

About Raptor Awards CIC: Falconry Education

Raptor Awards CIC is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to improve the welfare of captive birds of prey through education and training. As the sole quality-assured network of specialist instructors in the UK, they offer a range of Falconry and bird of prey courses catering to individuals at every skill level – from absolute beginners to aspiring professional falconers. These courses encompass both theoretical and practical aspects, providing a comprehensive learning experience.

The Journey to 4000 Tests

Reaching the milestone of 4000 tests is a remarkable achievement for Raptor Awards, reflecting their unwavering commitment to fostering knowledge and skills within the bird of prey community. These tests play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals working with Birds of Prey meet the highest standards of expertise and understanding. “Testing ensures that learners have covered the whole curriculum and helps towards their eventual certification” said Director Derek Hartshorne earlier today.

National and Occupational Standards: Setting the Bar High

At the core of Raptor Awards’ mission is the development of the International Standards for Bird of Prey Welfare. Through collaboration with professional falconers, raptor veterinarians, and other internationally renowned experts, Raptor Awards meticulously devises and accredits training programs and courses based on ‘the standards’. This ensures that individuals entering the field of falconry are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to uphold the welfare and good husbandry of Birds of Prey. Read more about the National Standards here: #read article

Flexible Learning Options: Study Anywhere, Anytime

One of the standout features of Raptor Awards’ offerings is the flexibility they provide to learners. Whether one prefers studying at home or opting for short courses at centres across the UK, Raptor Awards ensures that aspiring falconers can access quality education that suits their individual preferences and schedules.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Commitment to Excellence

As Raptor Awards looks back on this remarkable journey, they remain steadfast in their commitment to excellence. The road ahead involves further collaboration with experts, the continual refinement of educational programs, and the ongoing support of the Bird of Prey community.

Check out the current list of courses here: #browseourcourses