What is the purpose of using braces in falconry?

The use of braces in falconry primarily serves to secure or protect a hawk that is wearing a hood. When a hawk has the hood on, it limits its vision and helps to calm the bird, making it easier for the falconer to manage during transportation or in situations where the bird might become agitated. The braces help prevent the hood from being struck or knocked off, ensuring the bird remains calm and focused.

In practice, using braces aids falconers in maintaining control over the bird's behavior, thereby facilitating a safer environment for both the bird and the handler. This application of the braces directly aligns with traditional falconry practices aimed at ensuring the bird's well-being and effective training.

Other choices do not address the specific role of braces. Restraining a bating bird involves different techniques and tools tailored to manage the bird’s movement, while enseaming and entering a hawk refer to specific methods of training and handling that do not involve the use of braces.