When tethered to a block perch, a falcon with overly long jesses is at risk of what?

When a falcon is tethered to a block perch with overly long jesses, the primary risk is that the bird may inadvertently straddle the block. This position can lead to improper posture and could potentially hurt the bird’s health, as it might not be able to rest comfortably or move freely. The length of the jesses in this scenario does not directly lead to flight or tangling issues; instead, it allows for excess movement that facilitates the straddle. Properly fitted jesses should allow enough length for the bird’s comfort while preventing situations where the bird can become awkwardly positioned, which can cause stress or injury over time.