What does "manning" refer to in falconry?

The term "manning" refers to the initial steps in the taming of a wild raptor. This process is crucial in falconry as it involves acclimating the raptor to human presence and interaction. During manning, falconers typically use techniques that help the bird become comfortable around people, which might include handling, feeding, and providing a safe environment for the bird to build trust. It is a foundational aspect of training, allowing for successful handling and training in later stages.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the meaning of manning in falconry. Training raptors in a group is not related to the individual taming process. Flying a hawk is a different action altogether and refers to the time spent in flight, while the feeding process for trained birds does not involve the taming aspect that manning emphasizes. Thus, the definition of manning as the initial taming steps stands out as the correct choice in this context.