Fly free, V

Viator, an American Kestrel

One of the hardest things for a falconer to do is release his bird.  Our oldest son is an apprentice falconer and trapped and trained his first falcon a year and a half ago.  Yesterday, he let him go to be a free raptor again. 

It's amazing how a wild raptor can find it's way into your hand,


your heart, and your home. 


However, he was never a pet.  He was our son's companion and hunting partner. 


They learned a lot together.

He taught him to sit on his hand. 

Return to the glove.

Hunt for starlings.

There were parts about his stay that I could have lived without...  the mouse defrosted in my microwave,  dead birds thawing in the mudroom sink, and of course messes (where they shouldn't be) that let me know there was a falcon in the farmhouse.

Through it all, Viator became part of the family.  But what comes out of the wild must go back to it.  He deserves to be free.

Fly free, V
 And as we said farewell (he's on the power pole in the distance)

the sky welcomed V home.

Comments

  1. I have to say, that right now, I have " tear's " running down my face, that was very touching, what a beautiful animal, and a very grown up young man.

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  2. That is such a beautiful bird. What a wonderful learning experience for your son!

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  3. Oh, Kim. Your son must be missing him and worrying about him. But I know he was preparing him for the transition back into the wild, so I hope V does well, finds a mate, and lives a long life.

    The V was a wonderful sign...

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  4. Oh my, what a momentous event. I think victor will do fine. Jake got him ready for his freedom I know.

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  5. Oh my, that was very emotional. And what a mature, lovely son you have there. (I love that you captures a V in the sky too.... )

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  6. I had no idea that falconers set their birds free! No doubt there is a big space where V lived in your hearts..I hope he comes back to visit.

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  7. The sweetest post Ive ever read! i am almost in tears right now..thanks so much for sharing! ;) HUGS,Rachel

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  8. What a wonderful adventure for a boy! You must be so proud of your son. Thank you for sharing!

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  9. What an experience! Beautiful bird. So many lessons here and such a heartfelt ending - yet a new beginning also.

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  10. Wow, this was really amazing, and the pictures are wonderful. Thanks for sharing! I bet it's very difficult to let them go, but an end is just a beginning.

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  11. Great sense of humor, beautiful home, and facinating hobbies. I am going to enjoy your blog. Beautiful bird. My neigbor always gets mad when the predatory birds hit the bird feeder. I find it facinating.

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  12. What a wonderful story and experience for yor son! I'm so glad you shared it! Thanks for linking it to the barn hop!

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  13. Wonderful post:) I've enjoyed visiting your blog today. You have a lovely home, and I thank you for sharing:)

    Blessings,


    Sherry

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  14. Wow. What a strong son you have. Lovely story.

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  15. That is so awesome and I just know falcons will forever be in your sons heart! :D

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