Which factor is critical to maintaining a healthy relationship between a falconer and their bird?

Building a strong bond through interactions is essential for a healthy relationship between a falconer and their bird. This bond is developed through consistent and positive engagement, such as rewarding behavior, gentle handling, and spending time together. Strong relationships can lead to better trust and cooperation, making training sessions more effective and enhancing the overall performance of the bird during hunting or flying. A falconer must understand that the emotional connection can significantly impact the bird's willingness to work and its overall well-being.

While regular feedings and consistent training are important aspects of falconry, they serve as complementary practices to the foundational bond established through interactions. Conversely, minimizing handling would likely hinder the development of trust and comfort between the falconer and the bird, which is counterproductive to creating a harmonious and effective partnership.