Back again:

       

A short afternoon visit:

         

[October 6, 2016]

October 6, 2016

The results of the CT angiography are now in:

We wanted to update you on “Freedom� the bald eagle’s CT angiography results. They came back normal, meaning there is no difference in circulation/blood perfusion between the leg that hung from a branch as it was wrapped up with twine, and the other leg.

Our current plan is to continue supportive care and see if there are any signs of regeneration at the nail bed. If not, we will have to assume that the germinal layer (cells that produce the talon sheath or nail) in those toes have been damaged and are no longer functional.

[September 29, 2016]

Updates on bald eagle Freedom, from The Raptor Center:

September 29, 2016

“Freedom� is a hatch year bald eagle (hatched earlier this year) admitted to TRC’s clinic in July after being tangled in twine and hanging from a branch upside down from his left leg for at least 2 days.

Our colleagues and partners at the Veterinary Medical Center, at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, agreed to help. They provided advanced imaging (CT angiography) to evaluate the circulation in “Freedom's� feet, particularly the leg from which he was hanging.

An update today:

Still no confirmation of hatching. Pappa visited the balcony this evening and stood there for a long time looking in the pot plant.

We're trying not to dwell on the eggs not hatching and instead spend time saying hello to Lady and Pappa.

What's lovely is that Pappa has moved his roosting spot to above our gate in a nearby palm tree. It's reassuring waking up and seeing him.each morning.

Perhaps the breeding won't be successful this time round. Maybe Pappa is getting on in breeding years. Maybe Lady is not quite ready. Maybe there are environmental factors at play. It has been very hot here...and unbelievably dry too.

Will keep you posted.

Even if the eggs are not going to hatch, it is still good to have Pappa and his new Lady on territory. I hope they both stay safe.

I also hope that everything is okay with Tracy and her family.

Afternoon visit, with bonding:

     

       

An update today:

Unfortunately no hatched eggs yet. I was called away on a family emergency so haven't been able to check. This evening I can confirm that no eggs have hatched. Will keep hoping.

Thanks for the link, Kris!

After almost four months in rehab, the date and time have now been set for Papa's release. From Fontenelle Forest Raptor Recovery today:

Great news. 19/K will be released at the state capitol building on Monday at 10:30 a.m.!

Can't wait to see him back home with Alley! I hope everything goes well for both of them from now on.

19/K in care,  back on June 20; a very handsome tiercel.

An afternoon visit from DC:

       

   

Looks like Rhea Mae on the nest ledge right now.

She's gone again:

[Police investigate shooting of peregrine falcon after 25-year vendetta against birds of prey]

September 30, 2016

Another peregrine has been shot, in an area with a long history of raptor persecution.

Police investigate shooting of peregrine falcon after 25-year vendetta against birds of prey



Such a beautiful little juvie. I hope he/she will make a full recovery.



Photos: Devon and Cornwall Police.

Part of the article:

This incident is now subject to a police investigation and Devon and Cornwall's Police Wildlife Crime Officer Josh Marshall is appealing to anyone who can help to contact them with information that will assist in locating the offenders.

He said: 'These types of investigation are incredibly hard to investigate as very often there are no witnesses or lines of enquiry. It is clear that someone in the local community will hold the key to what has taken place.

"This Peregrine Falcon will have been shot by someone having a clear motive to destroy this rare bird of prey. The community in this area need to be aware of this incident and every effort should be made to bring the offender to justice.

"Within the community of Ipplepen are extremely privileged to have such magnificent birds on doorstep. I am calling on those residents to stand up, come forward and report to me any concerns or suspicions they have around those that may be responsible for such an act."

The RSPB is offering a reward of £1000 for information leading to a conviction.

Tony Whitehead, speaking for the RSPB in the south west said: "We know that Devon has long been a bird of prey persecution black spot and the area where these birds were found has seen five such incidents over the past 25 years alone. We need to stop this.

"Whatever drives a person to do this, it's important to understand that killing birds of prey is not only barbaric, it is also against the law. This makes the perpetrators, however they seek to justify their behaviour, no more than common criminals and we'd expect them to be treated as such."

More information:

http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/police-investigate-shooting-of-peregrine-falcon/story-29766729-detail/story.html

Someone was up there for a long time:

Thank you for this. What a beautiful falcon !!!!!

You're welcome, Tapper Gal! I agree, DC is a very handsome tiercel. 

As of September 29, Island Girl has already travelled 2,156 miles! She really is a remarkable falcon.



Map from the Southern Cross Peregrine Project.

Tracking page for Island Girl:

http://www.frg.org/track_pefa12.htm

Rhea Mae:

Glad you were able to capture her band here...always a thrill to know for 100% sure it still is Rhea Mae!

That's why I posted the pic . . . didn't have a good view of her face, but a clear view of her bands. I am always happy to know for sure it is Rhea Mae.