We look forward to seeing her show off her abilities in the coming years. Females are, in fact, 1/3 larger than males, so she could be one of the largest falcons you will ever see. She is a full white-phase Gyrfalcon which is the largest of the falcon species. We are excited to announce Nova, our newest member of the falconry team. Comparatively, peregrine falcons almost exclusively hunt medium-sized birds like pigeons. Gryfalcons primarily hunt other birds, but will occasionally take mammals if the need arises. This hybrid of falcon species combines the Gyrfalcon’s large size with the speed of the peregrine. Karena is a Gyr-Peregrine hybrid who is known for her aggressive personality. ![]() She was hatched at the Academy in 2014- only days before graduation as the Air Force Thunderbirds practiced overhead. Karena is another one of the Air Force Academy’s performing mascots that you can witness during halftime at Academy home football games. Despite her condition, Cairo’s sweet disposition has helped her transition into a new role as an excellent presentation bird, vital in educating the public about her species and the Academy’s program. Unfortunately, Cairo developed a heart condition and is no longer able to stand the stress of flying. Cairo previously belonged to a civilian falconer who hunted with her. She is a 10 year old Anatum Peregrine falcon acquired in the Spring of 2018. Apollo’s attitude is endearing to his handlers, though we encourage everyone to admire him from a distance.Ĭairo is one of the Air Force Academy’s newest falcon mascots. He’s one of the only falcons that we ask people not to pet because he will bite, and can be extraordinarily stubborn. Apollo has been flying at football games longer than any of our other birds, but he’s more irritable in his old age. He is a 15 year old Gyr-Peregrine hybrid, and is known for diving to brush his wingtips on the grass when flying. ![]() Air Force Academy.Īpollo is one of the Air Force Academy’s performing mascots. We affectionately call them nature’s fighter pilots, making them a fitting mascot for the U.S. Falcons prey on other birds, making them experts at air to air combat. ![]() His flying pattern is characterized by sharp turns, climbing high so that he can dive with fantastic speed. Ace is notorious for his love of flight, always eager to fly off the glove and play in the wind. Ace is actually short for his full name, Achilles, but is fitting with the flying culture of the Academy. 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.Īce is a 12 year old Gyr-Saker hybrid that performs at halftime of Air Force Academy football games. It is vital that novices receive proper instruction in order to successfully train and safely maintain the physical health of the birds. ![]() The new falconers begin training in February under the leadership of experienced upperclassmen, the officer-in-charge and a Master Falconer. There are usually 12 falconers, with four chosen from each new class at the end of the year to replace graduating seniors. The birds are flown throughout the year, weather permitting, to keep them in top condition.įalconry is a fantastic and rewarding extracurricular activity offered to cadets. Hybrids are used because they combine size and flying ability. Cadet falconers currently use Gyr-Saker and Gyr-Peregrine falcon hybrids in flying demonstrations, although they have also historically used Prairie falcons. While their public performances are limited to outdoor venues, such as football games and cadet wing parades, the falcons appear at many other athletic contests and civic events. Trained and handled by cadet falconers, the birds soar and dive, sometimes zooming low over the heads of captivated spectators. Audiences across the country have been intrigued and delighted by the aerobatics of the falcon, flying mascot of the U.S. Since 1956, cadets have shown and flown these majestic birds before thousands of cheering spectators. Experts once said falcons could not be trained to perform before huge crowds because they would panic and flee.
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