September 20, 2011
Following our summer break, the Aiken Audubon Society in Colorado Springs will begin its monthly meetings on Wednesday, September 21 with a visit from the Air Force Falcons (the birds, not the football team). When: Wednesday, September 21, 2011 6:30 p.m., socializing with snacks; 7:00 p.m. program starts; 8:30 p.m., approximate end time Event is free and RSVP is not required. Where: Colorado Division of Wildlife (Colorado Springs), 4255 Sinton Road, Rear Entrance You’ve seen them at the football games, and perhaps at Eagle Days at Lake Pueblo State Park. Now meet them in person as we welcome some of the Air Force Academy falcons and their cadet handlers for our September Aiken program. Learn how the Air Force Academy falconry program works—how the birds are obtained, how they are trained, and what it takes to be one of the select few allowed to care for and train such impressive predators. Some of the birds are from Africa, others are North American natives of the boreal forest. A brief presentation will be followed by an open question and answer session. Come and satisfy your curiosity in this small group setting! There will be plenty of time for photos as well. We recommend this program for children. Perhaps a close-up encounter with a falcon will inspire a lifetime passion for birds. (From the USAF Academy Website) On Oct. 5, 1955, a splendid peregrine was the first falcon presented to the cadet wing. It was named "Mach 1," referring to the speed of sound. While "Mach 1" is still the official mascot name, each bird receives an individual name from the falconers. Ten to 15 falcons are kept in the mews (enclosures for trained hawks) north of the cadet area. The majority are prairie falcons native to Colorado. Cadets train both the tiercels (males) and falcons (females) to perform flying demonstrations. Falconry is one of the extracurricular activities offered to cadets. There are usually 12 falconers, with four chosen from each new class at the end of the year to replace graduating seniors. The new falconers begin training in January under the leadership of experienced upperclassmen, the officer-in-charge and a Master Falconer. Without proper instruction, novices can physically harm the birds or adversely affect their training. Falconers' duties include daily checks of each bird's health and condition, training sessions during which the birds are fed a measured ration of meat, frequent cleaning of the mews and routine maintenance of equipment. We hope to see you there! Christine A. Bucher Secretary, Aiken Audubon Society Perched on the edge of Palmer Park, Colorado Springs -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Colorado Birds" group. To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en.
