[ light laughter; whether or not one approves of the reason, it has its chime back. ]
It is rather difficult to put a hood over.
But no, a hood in falconry covers the entire head of the bird and renders it sightless so that it can be kept safely. Much as horses have blinders put on to keep them from seeing things that might make them startle and hurt themselves, their keepers, or whoever might be standing by.
Society is hardly a place for even tamed wild creatures, but since we insist on bringing them, we shield them from the bits of it that might give them such flight. Most birds hardly mind it, it makes them feel drowsy and safe. Merlins are rather the same, once you manage to hood them. They are not all too pleased by letting their falconer decide what they can and cannot see, however, and are legendarily disinclined to be hooded again once freed.
no subject
It is rather difficult to put a hood over.
But no, a hood in falconry covers the entire head of the bird and renders it sightless so that it can be kept safely. Much as horses have blinders put on to keep them from seeing things that might make them startle and hurt themselves, their keepers, or whoever might be standing by.
Society is hardly a place for even tamed wild creatures, but since we insist on bringing them, we shield them from the bits of it that might give them such flight. Most birds hardly mind it, it makes them feel drowsy and safe. Merlins are rather the same, once you manage to hood them. They are not all too pleased by letting their falconer decide what they can and cannot see, however, and are legendarily disinclined to be hooded again once freed.