Bells and Bewits for Falconry

Written by rick in Falconry Equipment

lanner-falcon perched on branch

Have you ever wondered about the significance of bells and bewits in the world of falconry? These seemingly small accessories play a vital role in hawking, adding practicality and symbolism to the ancient sport. As a falconer myself, I have come to appreciate the importance of these humble tools and how they contribute to the bond between falconer and bird. So, let’s explore the world of falconry bells and bewits and uncover the secrets they hold for those who engage in this pursuit.

What are bells used for in falconry?

The bell is an essential tool utilized in falconry, designed to assist falconers in locating and tracking their birds of prey during flights and hunts. There are different types of bells available, ranging from small jingle bells to larger brass bells. The benefits of using bells in falconry include improved bird visibility, easier bird retrieval, and enhanced safety for both the bird and the falconer. 

The bell is usually secured to the bird’s leg using leather straps or anklets to attach bells to a bird of prey properly. Common misconceptions about bells in falconry include the belief that they hinder the bird’s flight or cause discomfort, but when properly sized and attached, bells do not impede the bird’s movement or cause any harm.

cooper hawk flying

What are bewits used for in falconry?

Bewits are narrow strips of leather or nylon that are used to secure the jesses, or straps, to a raptor’s legs. They play a crucial role in falconry by providing a secure attachment for the falconer’s equipment. Different types of bewits are used depending on the size and strength of the bird. Proper fitting and maintenance of bewits are essential to ensure the bird’s safety and comfort during training and hunting. 

Historically, bewits have been used for centuries in falconry practices, highlighting their importance in this ancient art. However, with the advancement of modern falconry techniques, alternatives to bewits, such as anklets or anklet tethers, are now being used in some cases.

How to attach a bell and bewit to your bird of prey

Attaching a bell and bewit to your bird of prey is a delicate process that requires care and precision. Below is a step-by-step guide to ensure you do this correctly:

  1. Select the Right Size Bell and Bewit: Ensure the bell is neither too heavy nor too noisy for the size of your bird. The bewit must be of adequate length and width to fit securely around the bird’s leg without being restrictive or loose.
  2. Prepare Your Materials: Cut the bewit from a piece of high-quality leather or nylon. Also, have your bell, jesses, and a small knife or leather punch on hand.
  3. Attach Jesses to the Bird: Slide the jesses through the eyelets on the bird’s anklets. Make sure they are even and that the knots are secure.
  4. Fit the Bewit: Punch a small hole at either end of the bewit. Thread it through the eyelet of the bell, then wrap the bewit around the bird’s leg above the anklet and fasten it by pushing the ends through the bird’s anklet and securing it.
  5. Check the Attachment: Make sure that the bell hangs freely and is not obstructed by feathers. The bewit should be snug but not too tight as to impede the bird’s movement or cause discomfort.
  6. Test the Bell: Give the bird time to adjust to the bell’s weight and sound. Observe its behaviour to ensure it’s comfortable and can move freely.
  7. Regular Checks and Maintenance: Regularly inspect the bell and bewit for signs of wear and tear and replace them as necessary to ensure the bird’s safety.
falconry bell

Remember, the welfare of the bird is paramount. If you are unsure at any stage, consult with an experienced falconer or a falconry equipment specialist.

After conducting extensive research over my years in this hobby, I have determined that bells and bewits play crucial roles in falconry. Bells are used to track the movements and location of falcons during flights, providing valuable information to the falconer. On the other hand, bewits serve as secure attachments for jesses, ensuring the safety and control of the falcon while allowing for easy removal. These tools contribute significantly to the effectiveness and success of falconry practices, highlighting their importance in this ancient art form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Different Types of Bells Used in Falconry, and if So, What Are Their Differences?

  • Various types of bells are used in falconry, each with unique designs, sound variations, attachment methods, and sizes. 

Can Bells Be Customized or Personalized for Individual Falconry Birds?

  • Yes, bells can be customized and personalized for individual falconry birds. 

What Are Some Common Materials Used to Make Falconry Bells?

  • Some common materials used for falconry bells include brass, stainless steel, and aluminium. 

What can happen if my bewit is worn and I still use it? 

  • Using a worn bewit can lead to the loss of the bird or cause harm to its legs. 

rick

Welcome to my falconry website! My name is Richard, and I have been practising the art of Falconry for over 15 years. My fascination with birds of prey began at a young age when I visited a falconry sanctuary as a kid. The experience was truly captivating, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to learn more about these majestic birds. So my dad and I started to adventure towards the possibility of one-day becoming falconers, and that's how my journey in Falconry began. I find birds of prey to be remarkable at hunting prey. Their strength, speed, and intelligence are truly remarkable, and I've always been fascinated by the relationship between a falconer and their bird. The first bird I started my falconry journey with was a Harris Hawk, as I knew these were the easiest birds to start with. Unfortunately, I lost my Harris Hawk during the early days of training, which was devastating. However, this loss only made me want to try harder and do better in perfecting the art of Falconry to ensure I never lose a bird. Over the years, I have mentored many apprentice falconers and shared my knowledge and skills along the way. I have experience with a variety of birds, including different species of Hawks, Falcons, and Owls. Although my Best choice of bird to hunt with has always been my Peregrine falcon Jules. I have also worked with many experienced falconers and bird trainers, greatly expanding my knowledge and skill set while observing and learning. Unfortunately, due to a lack of information on the web, I struggled to find what I needed when I started in Falconry. Thus, I created this website to make learning about Falconry easier and faster for those interested. Now with the information and experience, I will provide throughout this site, understanding Falconry should be much easier than when I started out.

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