During training, from what approach do falconers prefer that their birds take the lure?

Falconers commonly prefer that their birds take the lure from a steep dive flying downwind because this approach maximizes the bird's natural hunting instincts. When a bird dives from above, it simulates the hunting behavior of chasing prey, where birds often dive from a height to surprise and catch their target.

Diving downwind also allows the falconer to assess the bird’s speed and agility, showing off its precision and control in flight. The downwind movement can harness the wind to enhance the bird's speed, making it appear more dynamic and capable. Additionally, this technique builds the bird's confidence and reinforces its ability to make successful strikes on the lure, thus aiding in training.

While other approaches can also be valid in certain contexts, they do not replicate the highly effective hunting dynamics that a steep downwind approach does. This choice reflects a balance between teaching the bird effective hunting skills and ensuring successful training sessions.