According to falconry practice, are bells needed when using telemetry?

In falconry, the use of telemetry has become a critical tool for tracking birds of prey, especially when they are flown free in the field. Telemetry devices, typically comprising a transmitter attached to the bird and a receiver with an antenna used by the falconer, allow the falconer to locate and follow the bird's movements long after it has left sight.

The reason bells are not needed when using telemetry lies in the functionality of each tool. Unlike bells, which provide an audible signal to the falconer whenever a bird moves, telemetry provides precise location data, allowing the falconer to track the bird's position accurately. Thus, when a falconer employs telemetry for tracking, the added weight and potential complications of bells become unnecessary.

Telemetry makes it easier to locate a bird without relying on auditory signals, and it is particularly beneficial in vast open areas where a bird might fly far and out of sight. As such, leveraging the advanced technology of telemetry reduces the need for traditional tracking methods like bells.