Falcons

Falcor, american kestrel, Wildlife Education, Falconry, Raptor Rehabilitation

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, Wildlife Education, Falconry, Raptor Rehabilitation

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.

Moira, american kestrel, Wildlife Education, Falconry, Raptor Rehabilitation

Moira - AMERICAN KESTREL HATCHED 2017

Moira was imprinted as a young chick when she was improperly handled by people with no experience in caring for wildlife. She is unreleasable because she depends on humans to take care of her. She does not know how to hunt, or communicate with wild kestrels. She is what we call an imprinted bird.

Sparky - PEREGRINE FALCON HATCHED 2008

Sparky, peregrine falcon, Wildlife Education, Falconry, Raptor Rehabilitation

Sparky is a Peregrine falcon just entering his second year. 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.