What is a recommended practice to avoid a hawk from screaming?

Taking the hawk to the food is a recommended practice to avoid a hawk from screaming. This approach aligns with the natural behavior and instincts of the bird. When a hawk is taken to the food, it can feed in a more controlled manner, participating in the feeding ritual. This minimizes stress and anxiety, which can contribute to excessive vocalizations.

By bringing the hawk to the food, the falconer is also reinforcing the concept of association between the handling experience and a positive outcome, such as feeding. This helps the hawk feel more secure and less likely to express frustration or aggression through screaming.

The other options may not effectively address the reasons behind the hawk's vocalizations. For example, taking the food to the hawk might not create a positive experience if the hawk is agitated or in a specific mood, and leaving the hawk alone does not provide the needed interaction that could calm it. Feeding only once a day may lead to hunger-related stress, which can result in increased vocalizations, as the hawk may feel it needs to demand food. Thus, bringing the hawk to the food establishes a more trusting and relaxed environment that helps reduce unwanted noises.