What does "to carry" imply when a hawk has successfully caught prey?

The phrase "to carry" in the context of falconry refers specifically to the action of a hawk flying off with its kill after successfully catching prey. This behavior indicates that the hawk has captured its target and is now taking it to a secure location, typically to feed or consume the prey away from potential threats.

When discussing the other choices, it’s important to identify what they imply. While the hawk may return to the falconer after catching prey, this does not accurately capture the essence of "to carry." Similarly, protecting territory or preparing to hunt again does not involve the actual action of carrying prey. Instead, "to carry" focuses explicitly on the hawk's physical act of grasping and flying away with its catch, which emphasizes the successful execution of its hunting skills.