Guidelines to demonstration givers
Birds should be accustomed to giving demonstrations and be tame and fit, with good plumage. Birds used for hunting, in general do not make good display birds. The welfare of the birds must be kept under consideration at all times.
A flying display should include a static display so that the public can get near to the birds to view and ask questions - not necessarily- some main rings don’t want one.
It is recommended that Owls, other than Eagle and Horned Owls, should not be displayed.
Hawks showing signs of agitation or distress should be removed from the display. Hoods should not be left on hawks for any length of time.
It is recommended that no more than six birds should be brought to the shows. Generally more than one vehicle is required if more than six birds are to travel in safety & comfort.
A suitable shelter is required for a static display. Signs giving the species, should be visible and legible - shade, a solid back & sides & a dog proof, child proof fence are minimum requirements.
At no time should the static display be left unattended. At no time should birds be left on field cadges or perches in or adjoining the flying area in view of the flying birds, even if attended. All birds except the birds being flown at the time should be either in the vehicle, well out of view, or on the sheltered weathering lawn with an attendant.
Perches, baths & equipment should be in good order. Full bathing facilities should be available to all tethered birds of prey throughout the day except for those about to be flown.
Article 10’s are required for all appropriate Annex A birds on display. No wild disabled birds to be put on display to the public.
It is advised that children to be discouraged from taking part in displays. Flying of the birds should be by traditional falconry methods; the flying of hawks to alight on the head, face or any part of the body except the gloved fist is absolutely not acceptable. At no time should the public handle the birds.
If possible, there should be two people to demonstrate.
Birds should be flown with telemetry and field jesses, whenever possible.
The Demonstrating Team should wear country dress and behave properly at all times and avoid undue sensationalism in act or statement. Any music linked to the demonstration must not give the impression of a circus act. Falconry must not be brought into disrepute.
The Demonstration Team should have Public Liability Insurance for at least one million pounds.
Falconry
Falconry is the sport of taking wild quarry in its natural state and habitat by means of trained hawks. Any publicity involving birds of prey has a potential for benefit and harm. Benefit comes from increasing appreciation of birds of prey and the art of falconry. Harm comes from stimulating a desire to possess hawks in those who lack the time and expertise to look after them or who may try to obtain them illegally: or by showing birds in a condition that is detrimental to the birds and possibly to the viewing public.
Displays of hawks on perches (static displays) are best undertaken in conjunction with demonstrations of birds in flight. Generally, static displays without a flying demonstration are misleading as no birds are seen untethered or flying free. Therefore those giving static displays must be prepared to explain that the hawks are hunted/flown free on a regular basis.
Objectives
The object of any display of birds of prey should be to educate the watching public with strong emphasis on the need for bird conservation. This can be achieved by clearly stating the role, which birds of prey play in the ecology of the countryside. This should be supported by suitable leaflets at all times, e.g. from Countryside Alliance, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, etc.
The Law and Insurance
It is illegal to take from the wild in Britain or import from abroad any species of birds of prey unless approved by the D.E.T.R. Show organisers must, therefore, ensure that anyone giving a demonstration has the necessary licences or can account for the origin of the birds. Show Organisers need to take particular care that Display Givers are not collecting funds illegally or claiming charitable status fraudulently. Both the Organiser and the Demonstrator must check that Display Teams have adequate public liability insurance and are keeping within the law. Handling birds without gloves or encouraging birds to land on peoples heads may make insurance policies void.