Molted feathers from your Red-tailed hawk may be kept for what purpose?

Molted feathers from a Red-tailed hawk may be kept for imping purposes, which refers to the practice of repairing a bird's feathers. In falconry, maintaining a bird’s plumage is crucial for its health and performance, especially during hunting. Imping involves attaching the fresh, molted feathers to the existing damaged ones to restore the bird’s ability to fly efficiently. This is a practical and essential technique used by falconers to ensure that the hawk can function effectively in the field.

Feather dusting, crafting souvenirs, and educational display may have their own merits, but they do not hold the same significance in the context of maintaining the bird's health and operational readiness. Therefore, the primary reason for keeping molted feathers is for imping to support the overall well-being of the hawk.