Falcon ?

[Scott C.]

This is a long shot, but does anyone know much about falcons? Reason being we found a baby one at work. It can't fly yet, and has an injured right eye. We captured it , and would like to nurse it until it can fly away. You think it's a lost cause with the bum eye(a total loss)? We've saved a seagull, and a couple of little birds before , but I think this may be a little different. Any help would be appreciated. Internet seaches are kind of hard especially when :? is what I spend most of my time doing while on the computer. Thanks.

 

[tarantulakeeper]

Seek professional help

What little research I've done into falconry/raptors, most are protected by serious state laws. You can't even own one until you have a license which in Arizona requires several years of study under a licensed falconer. I would recommend contacting the California game and fish department which will have the name of the most convenient rescue. Injured falcons, hawks, owls, eagles etc. in AZ are raised and released if possible. If not, they become part of an educational program. There are also federal laws involved. Good luck, John

 

[Immortal_sin]

We have access here in Oregon to a licensed raptor rescue person. All hawks, owls, eagles, etc....go to this person for rehabbing if possible. Like John already mentioned, contact the fish and game dept and ask them to give you names and numbers, or what to do with it. I suspect Cal laws are pretty stringent regarding these birds....

 

[esotericman]

Ahh, sea gulls and other birds are not Federally protected.

I work for a Raptor Rescue group on the weekends. It takes a lot of work to get them hunting. You have to feed them quail and other birds...

I suggest calling the State wildlife folks, ASAP. They grow too quickly, and minor mistakes now can destroy this bird's life.

I understand the disire to do it yourself, but please, not with a falcon.

 

[fantasticp]

You can try gchurma@yahoo.com/nangul@cox.net , (George). He is an ex-fiancee, so I don't even know if the address is still valid, but I know his parents raised an abandoned parraquin (sp?) falcon a few years back. They are total bird freaks. Just explain the situation and don't mention my name.

 

[Scott C.]

I understand the disire to do it yourself, but please, not with a falcon.

Thanks for the replies, and the soon to be heeded advise everyone. I could care less about the laws. That bird would be cat food right now if it was not captured. What I do care about is it having a fighting chance at survival. I have no desire to do anything myself. Just a desire to help the bird. Thanks again.

 

[Wade]

If the bird has lost an eye, it will probably not be releasable. They depend on binocular vision and it will have a hard time capturing food. Life as a captive at a rehab or educational facility woul be it's best hope.

Wade

 

[Scott C.]

If the bird has lost an eye, it will probably not be releasable. They depend on binocular vision and it will have a hard time capturing food. Life as a captive at a rehab or educational facility woul be it's best hope.

Wade

I figured as much, but either way it beats the neighborhood cats.

 

[Scott C.]

Update

I contacted the CA fish and game, and they gave me a number to a raptor rescue facility which just so happens to be no more than 20 minutes away. I'm still waiting for a call back from them, but everything looks good for the little one so....... Thanks again for all the advise. I'll post a couple pics I took asap.

 

[Wade]

I figured as much, but either way it beats the neighborhood cats.

Oh yeah! Such animals end up doing a lot of good. People tend to care more about animals when they can see them up close, so good program animals can boost conservation programs through positive P.R.

Wade

 

[Scott C.]

Happy ending

The predator bird is safely at a wildlife refuge now. Here is the pics of it I said I would put up......
Here's the damage:

And here is the baby in all it's glory:

 

[Immortal_sin]

wow, so glad you were so close to a rescue facility! What a gorgeous bird!

 

[MyNameHere]

egads, she's bee-yoo-tee-full!

I'm glad she was able to get the care she'll need. good job!

 

[tarantulakeeper]

Wow, that is such good news! John