Is it desirable for a bird to "crab" after striking a quarry?

When a bird "crabs" after striking a quarry, it typically indicates a confrontation or struggle rather than a successful hunt. This behavior suggests that the bird may be experiencing difficulties, such as trying to hold onto its prey or dealing with another bird that is also interested in the quarry. In falconry, a successful strike ideally results in the bird being able to secure and handle its quarry without such conflict. Therefore, seeing a bird "crab" after a strike is often seen as an undesirable outcome, reflecting a level of aggression or chaos that could compromise the hunt's success.

In this context, other options do not align with the implications of the behavior. Despite the circumstances of the quarry escaping or the hunger of the bird, "crabbing" is more about the struggle at the moment of capture rather than a sign of successful hunting or hunger satisfaction.