Posted by Ron Dudley on December 22, 2009 at 5:40 PM
Mia and I thought that some of you might like to know how this story turned out. We're delighted to report that there's a happy ending!
Previously, on 11-18 and 11-30, we reported in this forum about an escaped falconry kestel (we called him Jack) that we would continually see and photograph on our way to the refuge where we photograph birds. The kestrel still wore it's jesses and we were very concerned that they would get tangled in something and Jack would meet a cruel death. We now know that that bird escaped from John, a local falconer, in mid-October. John has been trying to recapture the bird since then and was finally successful on Dec 12. He was healthy when captured - his weight was only down 5% so he did very well "out there".
Today we met Orion (Jack's real name) "up close and personal" as John was kind enough to bring him to my home for a visit. He is a beautiful, healthy male with his own personality traits unique to him.
The reason we could not see a falconry band on the photos we had taken of him is because Orion had removed his band which apparently is not unheard of. There is a slight injury to his lower leg from him "working it" but it's healing nicely.
Initially we had hoped that the kestrel would be freed of it's jesses and released if ever recaptured but after meeting John and seeing his love and devotion for Orion and learning more about falconry we're just glad that this kestrel is now safe and very well cared for.
It was a delightful hour that we spent with John and Orion. This photo was taken this afternoon while they were here. The second shot shows the falconry band that Orion now wears - again.
Posted by Ron Dudley on December 22, 2009 at 5:41 PM
The falconry band.
Posted by Luke Ormand on December 22, 2009 at 6:04 PM
Thanks for sharing this, glad to see it worked out. I was at a local wildlife refuge today where an injured Kestrel is housed, and was amazed at how small they are when you're up close and personal. There was an Eastern Screech Owl in the cage next to it and the kestrel made the owl look big!
Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 22, 2009 at 6:29 PM
Happy endings for escaped falconry birds are rare. Congratulations on being involved in one. And the bird appears to be excellent health and condition, too. I note the full crop.
Now that Orion knows he can feed himself, and doesn't have to depend on John, I suspect John may have a much harder time conditioning him to allow him to be flown free again.
Ron & Mia, I recall seeing the previous posts and a photo as I recall. Kestrels are truly beautiful birds and I see them often around my home. Thank you for keeping us all up to date and very glad to hear all has come out very well too.
Posted by Ron Bielefeld on December 22, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Great, to hear this Ron. I have known several falconers over the years and they were truly a dedicated group who loved the birds they hunted and would do just about anything for them. They did a lot of education work to help increase the appreciation of this wonderful group of birds.
Posted by Mia McPherson on December 22, 2009 at 9:37 PM
Hi all,
John's 9 year old daughter was very upset when Orion got away, she is ecstatic that he is back. Both John and his daughter do work for a raptor rehab clinic nearby, I'm sure she will grow up with a love of of birds and through them nature.
Posted by Dennis Plank on December 23, 2009 at 4:36 PM
Discussion
9 repliesPreviously, on 11-18 and 11-30, we reported in this forum about an escaped falconry kestel (we called him Jack) that we would continually see and photograph on our way to the refuge where we photograph birds. The kestrel still wore it's jesses and we were very concerned that they would get tangled in something and Jack would meet a cruel death. We now know that that bird escaped from John, a local falconer, in mid-October. John has been trying to recapture the bird since then and was finally successful on Dec 12. He was healthy when captured - his weight was only down 5% so he did very well "out there".
Today we met Orion (Jack's real name) "up close and personal" as John was kind enough to bring him to my home for a visit. He is a beautiful, healthy male with his own personality traits unique to him.
The reason we could not see a falconry band on the photos we had taken of him is because Orion had removed his band which apparently is not unheard of. There is a slight injury to his lower leg from him "working it" but it's healing nicely.
Initially we had hoped that the kestrel would be freed of it's jesses and released if ever recaptured but after meeting John and seeing his love and devotion for Orion and learning more about falconry we're just glad that this kestrel is now safe and very well cared for.
It was a delightful hour that we spent with John and Orion. This photo was taken this afternoon while they were here. The second shot shows the falconry band that Orion now wears - again.
Now that Orion knows he can feed himself, and doesn't have to depend on John, I suspect John may have a much harder time conditioning him to allow him to be flown free again.
John's 9 year old daughter was very upset when Orion got away, she is ecstatic that he is back. Both John and his daughter do work for a raptor rehab clinic nearby, I'm sure she will grow up with a love of of birds and through them nature.
Wish my turkeys were as lucky!
Neil