What is the best way for a beginner to assess a raptor's condition?

Weighing the bird is crucial for assessing a raptor's condition because weight can provide immediate insights into the bird's health and nutritional status. For falconers, monitoring a raptor's weight helps determine if the bird is at a healthy body condition, as weight fluctuations can indicate issues such as malnourishment, illness, or dehydration. Regular weighing allows an apprentice to track changes in the bird's health over time, helping to establish a baseline weight that is ideal for that particular species and individual.

The other methods, while useful, do not provide as comprehensive or quantifiable an assessment as weighing. Visual inspection offers subjective observations but may miss underlying health issues. Checking the brightness of the bird's eyes can indicate alertness and potential health but does not reflect overall physical condition. Feeling the keel is important for assessing muscle condition and body fat; however, it is typically more effective in conjunction with weighing to give a full picture of the bird's health.