What is an advantage of using a lure with birds of prey?

Using a lure with birds of prey offers the distinct advantage of enabling the ability to recall your bird in emergencies. When a bird is trained to respond to a lure, it becomes conditioned to recognize the lure as a signal for food or a reward. This training can be invaluable for managing the bird during flight, particularly in situations where it may become distracted or if there is a sudden need to get the bird back quickly for safety reasons.

The lure serves as a reliable tool that draws the bird's attention, making it more likely to return to the handler, especially when called, which can prevent potentially dangerous situations or unexpected escapes. This recall ability is essential for a falconer who needs to ensure the safety of their bird in the unpredictable environment where hunting and flying take place. Proper training with a lure helps to reinforce this behavior, ultimately fostering a stronger bond and improved cooperation between the falconer and their bird.