July 1, 2011 - Celebrating Freedom

Yesterday marked the release of two females, Hope (band A28) and Sky (band A29), plus one male Rex (band A06).  Little Rex still sported downy white feathers on his crown, but the girls were virtually down-free. From a distance, one might think they all look alike but on further examination, each possesses their own feather patterns and dispositions.


Hope-It's all in her name

   

Rex - Has spunk!




Sky - A Sweet Beauty

These three were ready for their freedom, flying perch to perch and watching the previously released birds from inside their hack box. It was time to weigh, check feathers and paint their wings with green marks before giving them true freedom. Within a couple minutes of opening the hack box, these three walked out of their blind, looked around to peruse the area, bellied up to the feeding tray for a bite, then ventured out to the rooftop ledges where they spent a rainy night looking down on the city streets, flapping wings while in a run, and further gaining coordination and confidence. By this morning, all three had flown off the roof. The team has been visually tracking and observing them through the day, and will work the weekend to be certain they adapt well.

Our other releases are well on their way to independence also. Kanoa proved himself as a bird of prey and was observed taking a black bird on his own. As a team member, the feeling is akin to seeing your child take their first steps! Delta and Vito are ‘the boys’ and have become fast pals. Where one flies, the other soon follows in an almost identical flight pattern. Roxanne and Lucky Linde are frequent visitors back at the rooftop. Pennington, who we affectionately call Penny, remains under staff care as she continues to develop her strength.  She has developed quite a curious personality and remains a delight to care for as she continues to gain momentum.  Staff remain optimistic for her future.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO FALCONS AND FRIENDS!