What must a falconer focus on while caring for an American Kestrel?

A falconer must focus on several important aspects of caring for an American Kestrel, making the emphasis on weight management especially critical. Weight management is vital for the health and performance of the bird, as it directly affects its energy levels, hunting capabilities, and overall well-being. An American Kestrel that is too heavy may not fly well, while one that is too light could be unhealthy or unable to sustain energy during flight.

Additionally, awareness of other avian predators is important because interactions with them can lead to stress or injury for the kestrel. Understanding the bird's position in the ecosystem helps falconers mitigate risks and ensure a safe environment for the kestrel.

Injuries due to bating, or the act of flapping and hitting perches, are also a concern, as these can lead to physical harm that affects the kestrel's ability to hunt and fly. A falconer must monitor and manage these potential injuries to maintain the bird's health.

Since weight management, awareness of other avian predators, and attention to injuries are all crucial factors in the successful care of an American Kestrel, it is clear that all these elements are interconnected in providing comprehensive care for the falconry bird.