If your Red-tailed Hawk refuses to come down from a tree after its first free flight, what should be your next step?

When a Red-tailed Hawk refuses to come down from a tree after its first free flight, it's important to prioritize the safety of the bird and to seek guidance from more experienced falconers. Arriving before dawn the next morning to try to recover the hawk is a practical approach, as the bird may be more inclined to come down when it is quieter and still, but it is also crucial to have a strategy in place.

Calling your sponsor for advice is the ideal way to get support in this situation. Experienced falconers can provide valuable insights and strategies based on their own encounters with similar situations, which can enhance your chances of successfully retrieving the bird without causing stress or harm.

Therefore, combining both approaches—attempting to retrieve the hawk the next morning and consulting with your sponsor—creates a comprehensive strategy, emphasizing both action and the importance of mentorship in falconry. This combination acknowledges the necessity of employing different tactics when dealing with the complexities of training and managing a bird of prey.