Why are bells important in falconry?

Bells are primarily important in falconry because they help track the hawk's movements. When a falconer is flying their bird, especially in open areas where the bird may fly far away or become obscured, the sound of the bells provides a way to locate the hawk. This auditory cue allows the falconer to follow the bird's position and behavior during a hunt or flight.

Using bells can enhance the safety and monitoring of the hawk, as they signal when the bird is in the air and provide continuing auditory feedback about its movements, which is crucial for effective management during training and hunting sessions. This tracking feature ensures that falconers can quickly locate their birds and respond accordingly, particularly in situations where visual contact might be lost.