323 Lester Road, Apopka, Florida 32712, United States
Falcons
Falcor - AMERICAN KESTREL HATCHED 2014
Falcor came to ARC as a young bird with a severe wing injury. Although we did what we could for him, birds wings heal very fast, and it's hard to correct an existing injury, and unfortunately he us unable to fly. So now he lives with us as an Education Ambassador!
Professor Slinky - AMERICAN KESTREL HATCHED 2015
Professor Slinky was found on he ground after falling out of his nest. He sustained an injury to his Central Nervous System (CSN) which caused him to have a "head tilt". Although this looks cute it is a real issue. After months of treatments on supplements, Professor Slinky is able to hold his head up properly.
Sparky - PEREGRINE FALCON HATCHED 2008
Sparky is a Peregrine falcon. This male Peregrine Falcon, or Tiercel, suffered an injury to his wing, most probably during migration south. He was found, and treated in Alabama. Sparky was transferred to the Avian Reconditioning Center from a respected rehab center for evaluation for release. Even though the bones of his wing had healed, his caretakers were unsure if he was strong enough to survive in the wild, and it was decided that falconry training, and a bit of hunting experience, would determine of the bird was healthy enough to release. Glove training began, and Sparky learned quickly, being a very personable bird, and eager to learn. Unfortunately, he was never able to begin the hunting portion of falconry training. Due to nerve damage, Sparky is unable to grow primary feathers which is essential for flight.
Gem - peregrine falcon hatched 2019
Gem arrived at the Avian Reconditioning Center on New Year’s Day in 2020! Gem was a falconry bird. Falconry training is beneficial in that it helps young birds of prey reach their hunting potential by giving them exercise and experience. Unfortunately, while out hunting in the afternoon, she injured her left eye. Her falconer brought her to ARC in hopes of saving her left eye, but the injury was too severe. Since she couldn’t continue hunting or be returned to the wild, it was decided that ARC would be Gem’s new home.
Ford - Aplomado falcon hatched 2023
Ford falcon is an Aplomado Falcon, the only North American falcon still on the endangered species list listed as endangered. He is a captive-bred bird bought specifically to help educate people about this species and sport of falconry. Aplomados are more social than other falcons, such as the Peregrine, and will even hunt together. Ford certainly lives up the social tendency of the species and seems to like everyone he meets. He is very vocal and his raucous calls can usually be heard from anywhere on the property.
Sarka- Merlin
Sarka was a juvenile when she was transferred to ARC in December of 2019 for evaluation of a fracture to her right metacarpal (wrist bone.) The fracture was old and successful repair was not possible making Sarka incapable of the flight skills she would require for hunting and surviving in the wild.
Sarka was named and sponsored by the Barony of Darkwater, a central Florida group and member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
Ms. Q- Crested Caracara- hatched 2014
Ms. Q. was transferred to ARC in 2016. Her wing was permanently injured and so she cannot be released. When Caracaras become excited, their yellow facial skin flushes, and can turn quite pink, quite a sight to see! Ms. Q. enjoys taking a bath on hot summer days. If you meet her at ARC, listen for her call - it's gravely rattle is a unique sound indeed.
Solstice- Peregrin falcon- hatched 2025
Although we don’t have Peregrine Falcons nesting in Florida, they do migrate through the state in spring and fall. Solstice, a juvenile Peregrine Falcon, was transferred to ARC from north Florida. She was found in the interior of a cell phone tower. On examination, she had an old fracture of her ulna which healed properly but sustained nerve damage with the trauma.