The new male was outside the nest today, while KathyQ was inside:

            

         

Donna, that is a very cute video! Thank you!

Quest sunbathing today; she stayed in this position for quite a while:

I think they have done so much for S2; she has come so far, and she would have had no chance without the delicate surgery the veterinarians performed and the excellent care she has received. I think it is sad that some people have negative feelings about the further delay of a few weeks before she is released.

The Dutch version of the update I posted yesterday has already been removed from the VWG Gemert site.

[Uncertainties surrounding the rehabilitation of the peregrine S2Gemert, Tuesday, October 9, 2012]

Today there is a new update about S2:

Uncertainties surrounding the rehabilitation of the peregrine S2

Gemert, Tuesday, October 9, 2012

We would like to point out that there are some uncertainties regarding the rehabilitation and the return to the wild of the peregrine S2. Therefore, it seems like a good idea to provide you with more information, and to explain our decision. However, things are still going very well for her!

When the peregrine S2 was seriously injured in late July of 2011, she was brought to us, and in view of her injuries, we had to make the decision whether to euthanize her immediately. The veterinarians decided not to do so. Together we decided to begin treating the peregrine S2 because there was a realistic chance that, despite the complex fractures, she might well be able to make a complete recovery. After successful surgery, to the extent of what is known about this unprecedented treatment of complex fractures, we had hopes that we would be able to release her in early 2012. In the opinion of experts, including veterinarians, falconers, the Netherlands peregrine workgroup and our own expertise, we decided to prepare for her return to the wild after the 2012 breeding season, for reasons which are already well known. During this period, she was housed in a raptor rehabilitation facility where she could recover in peace and quiet. A few weeks ago, she was transferred from there to a specialized falconer who will provide training to bring her into good condition so that she will be able to survive in the wild. Thankfully, the peregrine S2 is displaying normal peregrine behavior and she has become rebellious; this is a well known phenomenon historically in falconry. If we were to disregard this behavior and release her without any training and fitness development, it is inevitable that within days she would die of starvation,  because she would not yet be able to obtain prey for herself. All of these unpredictable processes in the recovery and return to the wild of the peregrine S2 cannot be foreseen, and we must therefore constantly consider and adjust our decisions and options with the interests of the peregrine S2 in mind. But above all, the wellbeing of the peregrine S2 always comes first with us and with all the experts.

We do understand the disappointment that everything will take a little longer before she regains her freedom, but all actions and decisions are being made in the best interests of the peregrine S2. We regret that doubts have been raised on a forum about the expertise and boundless dedication of the rehabilitation center caregivers, falconers, the Netherlands peregrine workgroup, VWG Gemert and numerous volunteers and donors who are involved in the recovery of the peregrine S2. We therefore invite all of them to read all the information we provide carefully so that they will no longer need to post provocative information. Apparently we still have much to learn from you, and we ask you to share your "expertise" with us.

We are still thinking positively and still believe that the peregrine S2 will be released soon! Incidentally, this is not a guarantee, despite all best efforts, that the peregrine S2 will raise another clutch of chicks and that she will not perhaps die in the future from natural causes. In any case, we appreciate the efforts of the many volunteers, donors and professionals who are active for the protection of peregrine falcons and of the peregrine S2 in particular.

After her release, we will go on vacation for a week with no Internet, and we will prepare ourselves for the year 2013, hopefully with the peregrine S2 in the forefront.

George Orwell wrote: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others."

"Sometimes it's better to remain silent ........"

Martin Vink

VWG Gemert

I don't know who, or which forum, has been questioning the decisions made about S2's care. Personally, I think she has been given the very best of care, and that she has always been treated with gentleness and with the greatest consideration. I appreciate all the thought that has gone into doing the very best for her at each stage of her recovery. If her release takes a little longer, I don't think that is a problem; the end result is what is important.

[The rebellious peregrine S2Gemert, Friday, October 5, 2012]

Here is my translation of the latest update on S2. I think it is good that she is so spirited.

The rebellious peregrine S2

Gemert, Friday, October 5, 2012

Today we have been in contact with the falconer who is currently engaged in the training and the ongoing rehabilitation of the peregrine S2 in preparation for her return to the wild. S2 has been staying with this falconer for several weeks, and he is very optimistic about her progress and the synchronized movements of her wings. Intricate surgery had been performed by the veterinarians Caroline Hommers and Dirk Riemersma on a complex fracture which was repaired successfully by their surgery!

However, there will be some delay in her rehabilitation and training to return to the wild. The peregrine S2 is somewhat rebellious, and is no longer accepting of her situation. She was apparently very quiet and calm with the sanctuary caregiver/falconer who removed her from her enclosure, but now she is very rambunctious with the specialized falconer who must bring her into good condition. This is common behavior in wild raptors who are trained by falconers. Initially they appear quiet and calm, but subsequently begin to protest when their initial fear has been overcome. The falconer must persevere in order to regain their trust, after which progress can be made. The peregrine S2 has also broken an older primary wing feather which she had not yet molted. In itself, this is not a problem, but the adjacent new primary is still coming in and is now at greater risk of being damaged. The falconer has therefore decided to let her rest for a few weeks so that the new primary feather can finish growing in safely, and the older, damaged primary can be molted.

The expectation is that in about three weeks creancing of S2 can be commenced, and that her work with the lure will bring about good progress in her physical conditioning. This implies that her release would take place in the middle of November at the earliest.

Although our patience is being put to the test, and this seems to be a disappointment, for the sake of a good outcome for the peregrine S2, we believe that this is the only appropriate way to proceed, and that we should not make any hasty decisions.

We will keep you informed of further developments regarding the peregrine S2.

VWG Gemert

[Peregrine S2 with the falconerGemert, Wednesday, September 19, 2012]

Just finished translating the latest update on S2.

Not surprisingly, she is a fast learner!

Peregrine S2 with the falconer

Gemert, Wednesday, September 19, 2012

The peregrine falcon is being tamed, or in a sense "worn down", as in falconry terms. The bird will become accustomed to her unfamiliar surroundings, and her natural fear of the falconer will be overcome. This is necessary in order for her to become ready to be released to fly.

As can be seen in the video, this is already going well. S2 sits quietly on the block and remains calm. Also, she is already eating prey on the glove. For several days after she was removed from the rehabilitation center, and was equipped with anklets and jesses, she showed this behavior.

S2 is demonstrating that she is a fast learner. She has now been transferred to the falconer, who will allow her to fly. He is currently working to allow S2 to get used to the lure. The lure is an artificial prey on a rope to which bait is attached. S2 must now learn that she needs to grab the lure to obtain food. Once she sees the lure as prey and has no doubt about taking it, the falconer will be able to creance her. The falcon flies loose and always tries to reach the lure faster. This is expected to begin within a few weeks, and will bring her into condition again.

In the meantime, there are also live images to be seen on our ustream channel.

We are still working on testing this, but it is a start and we hope that it works well so that you will be able to follow live the return of the peregrine S2 to the wild.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vwggemert#id11537244

Sincerely,

VWG Gemert

The video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rQP_4JVNIU#ws

Still thinking of Beauty, and lighting candles for her. 229 candles now.

236 candles for Beauty now. Hoping for another good update very soon.

Great pics of Rhea Mae and Tiago, Dumpsterkitty! It's great to see them together.

Still lighting candles for Beauty. 141 at the moment.

What a great update! Thank you!

While there are a number of other boxes north of downtown, Unity did not choose one.  She laid eggs on a metal sheet holding a chute away from a wall.  It's full of stuff, much of which seems to be pigeon poop.

Thank you, Dumpsterkitty! What would be the chances of providing a nest box for Unity somewhere close to the site she chose?

Candles were down to 82 - lit three more. So glad to see today's great update on Beauty.

Beautiful new avatar, Carol!

What a great update! Thank you, Carol! And thank you for checking on the possibility of photos. Much as I would like to see her, I totally understand how important it is not to stress Beauty while she is recovering.

I am very concerned about what may happen when she is released. What other nest boxes are available which might be usable by one of the falcons? I am not sure what type of nest box, if any, Unity has had.