Pip, my Female Harris Hawk...

Pip, my female Harris hawk in pursuit of a rabbit through woodland a good few years back.

Flying a well-conditioned Harris hawk off the fist at bolted rabbit is great fun and a good challenge. This flight was on the edge of some pine woodland which can be difficult to fly in when they are thick, so flying off the fist can help. I have spent many happy hours flying rabbits with Harris hawks!

Fantastic picture by Andrew Stevens.