Jess (falconry) the bird, but the width is proportional to leg-length. Traditional jesses are made from a single length of leather, and slits are placed strategically along the jess to allow it to be looped through itself and around the ankle of the bird so that it fits comfortably but securely about and just above what would be the bird's ankle. With Aylmeri jesses, as created by Major Guy Aylmeri, the end of the jess is instead looped through itself repeatedly to form a "button", or knob at one end. The thin, pliable end of the jess is then threaded through an
Falconry peregrine falcons flown against the red grouse, or merlins in "ringing" flights after skylarks. Rooks and crows are classic game for the larger falcons, and the magpie, making up in cunning what it lacks in flying ability, is another common target. Short-wings can be flown in both open and wooded country against a variety of bird and small mammal prey. Most hunting with large falcons requires large open tracts where the falcon is afforded opportunity to strike or seize its quarry before it reaches cover. Most of Europe practices similar styles of falconry, but with differing degrees of regulation. Medieval