That was such a thoughtful thing to do. I do hope they can speed up her release. It might make her feel better to be with her mate. Oh, I sure do hope he sticks around!!
Went to the Raptor Center and cleaned a bunch of cages. Got there just in time to see Frightful 'graduate' to the biggest flight cage there. She was quite excited and really wanted to just fly out and away. She is definitely VERY alert and eager. And quite the flier. I have to doubt that she'll pass the flight qualifications, since I watched her turn in air as she realized the netting walls and the dimensions of her new space. It was COOL!
I also got to lay out the 15 mice (200 grams) that are her meal for the next 48 hours. The raptors usually fast on Sundays, to more closely mimic wild diets where they don't get to eat every day and to give the caregivers a break. So she got an extra ration because they want to get her built back up faster. And because she NEVER leaves leftovers.
Thay also think I should release her at my house, since I found her at one end of the valley and I live at the other end. They are as certain as I am that Frightful and her mate are the hawks that circled my yard last summer, so that means she'll recognize the space as soon as she takes to the air. They prefer to release birds in their known territory whenever possible.
No all we need is for Mr Frightful to wait for her....
She's definitely a perkier and more active bird than even a week ago. She may be cleared for release next weekend. They want to weigh her one more time, but she clearly thinks she's ready!
She's watching me pick up poop and maybe thinking about giving me more?
"Quit looking at me!"
"MY mice!"
I look at this beautiful, powerful bird and am amazed that I caught her and held her in my arms.
Wonder if my chickens will be mad when I release her from my back deck. The raptor folks think I should since I'm at the other end of the valley where I found her. And since I'm certain that she and her mate circled my yard all last summer...
Part of why they want to release her ASAP is that weather is getting a lot closer to mating season. Although I haven't seen him again, I also haven't been in the same area on the recent warmer days. But they don't think he'd have moved on yet.
I'm very much
that everything goes according to plan.
She would be okay if he tried to find someone else, as long as he didn't try to bring the new dame into this territory. Then she'd have to fight the new gal
If he abandons her for a new bird in new territory then she'd have to find a new mate.
But they don't think he'd have gotten to that point yet. It's my understanding they usually don't breed until the weather is consistently warm, and that's why she's still within a good 'window' for release back to him.
Praying for Frightful to have a 'happily ever after' ending to her story!