6 THE AUDUBON BULL DE 
The sport tends to be self-limiting because of the difficulty of obtaining 
birds. Then, the long tedious period of manning and training tends to 
discourage most would-be falconers. Nevertheless, those who stay with it 
are usually thoroughly dedicated both to the welfare of their birds and 
to falconry. 
Public reaction toward the sport is one of curiosity and interest, and 
in most instances a few people are opposed to it. Among the strenuous 
critics are pigeon fanciers and certain sportsmen. But most criticism results 
from misinformation which readily can be overcome by good public rela- 
tions and education on the part of the falconer. 
In general, falconers and falconry are well accepted by naturalists 
and professional biologists, evidenced by the fact that the North American 
Falconry Association is affiliated with the National Audubon Society. Most 
misconceptions concern the care of the birds and their use as hunters. 
In nature the presence of predatory birds and mammals is a normal daily 
occurrence to which the prey species react instinctively. Once such a 
predator has passed by, the prey very quickly resumes other activities. 
Some prey species apparently even enjoy the chase and will actually 
return to tease a falcon which has tried unsuccessfully to catch it. 
If on the other hand, the predator (in this instanct a raptor) is success- 
ful, it catches an individual bird or animal which in most instances was 
singled out because of some slight aberration from the normal. It is this 
specific behavior, common to all predators, which ensures the survival of 
the fittest so necessary to the continued existence of each wild species. 
The kill is accomplished quickly and there are no cripples that get away 
to die slowly. 
