What does the phrase "rake away" mean in falconry?

The phrase "rake away" in falconry refers to the action of abandoning the flight and careening away from the intended quarry. This term is often used when a falcon, after being unable to successfully engage with prey or feeling threatened, veers off in a different direction instead of continuing its pursuit. Understanding this term is crucial for falconers as it relates to the behavior and decision-making processes of the bird during a hunt, influencing how a falconer may need to respond to their bird's actions in the field.

While the other options describe behaviors or scenarios that can occur in the practice of falconry, none accurately capture the specific meaning of "rake away." For instance, flying low to the ground can be a strategy used by some birds during hunting, and striking quarry relates to the actual catch, but neither directly corresponds to the abandonment of pursuit implied by "rake away." Therefore, the phrase’s specific connotation of abandoning a flight is what makes this answer correct.