What action does "casting off a longwing" refer to?

The term "casting off a longwing," refers to the practice of managing a hawk's weight during the molting period, where a falconer ensures the bird's weight remains higher than its ideal flying weight to maintain a certain level of energy and health. Longwinged birds, such as falcons, rely on their ability to soar and glide effectively, and maintaining a higher weight can aid in sustainable energy levels during training and flying.

This practice is important because it helps prevent them from becoming too lean and potentially losing the strength or stamina needed for hunting or performing in the field. A well-managed weight during molting allows a falcon to actively engage in its natural behaviors without undue stress or fatigue.

In contrast, the other choices involve different aspects of falconry and avian behavior that do not directly pertain to the specific practice of managing weight during molting. For example, driving quarry to take cover focuses on hunting techniques, while feeding during the training process relates to immediate care and conditioning. Pulling out of a stoop is a term related to the bird's flight and hunting technique rather than its weight management during molting.