Falconry Manual

Introduction; Birds of Falconry; Falcons; Kestrel; Merlin; Aplomado; Prairie; Peregrine; Gyrfalcons and Sakers; Hawks; Sharp-shinned; Goshawk; Cooper's; Red-tailed; Peregrines; Harris; Game, Vermin, Predators and Wildlif; Falconry Equipment; Capturing Wild Raptors; Eyess Versus Passager; Care and Attention; Training; Accipiters; Falcons; Suggested Readings; Index.

Frank L. Beebe for 40 years has been one of North America's leading falconers. Born in Canada, he received his introduction to raptorial birds at the age of ten; since that time he has gained extensive experience in the trapping and training of raptors. He took the position as Zoo Curator in Vancouver in 1939 and later served on the Victoria Provincial Museum staff. Beebe took part in the pioneer expeditions to the Queen Charlotte Islands to study and collect the large maritime bird, Peale's Peregrine Falcon. The writer of many articles on falconry, Beebe's interest in the subject has kept him closely allied with the North American Falconry Association, the B.C. Falconry Club and the Falconry Club of America. Formerly a chief illustrator for the Provincial Museum, he lively drawings add an exciting dimension to this falconry manual. His previous books on the subject are largely responsible for the present status and popularity of this ancient sport. He is not only a leading Peale's and Gyrfalcon researcher but has been a pioneer falcon breeder. Probably more falconers and nature lovers have original Beebe paintings than those of any other artist. Few persons have experienced, let alone been able to capture with paint, the intricate working of the predator-prey responses as Frank. He flew his last flight on 15 November 2008.