What does downwind mean in falconry?

In falconry, downwind refers to the direction in which the wind is blowing, specifically when a bird is flying with the wind at its back. This orientation can be beneficial for the falconer and the bird for several reasons. When a raptor is flying downwind, it can conserve energy and maintain a higher flight speed, allowing it to cover more ground effectively while searching for prey. Additionally, prey animals may be less alerted to the approach of a bird coming from downwind, as they often rely on their sense of smell and hearing to detect predators. Flying downwind can thus increase the chances of a successful hunt.

Other options represent different flight conditions. Flying against the wind would typically create more resistance, making it harder for the bird to maintain speed and altitude. Flying in circles does not pertain specifically to wind direction but is a behavior sometimes associated with searching or thermalling. Flying at a low altitude simply describes the height at which a bird is flying, without reference to wind direction. Therefore, understanding the concept of downwind is crucial for effective hunting strategies in falconry.