A search is underway for a peregrine falcon that has gone missing in Belfast.
The bird of prey, a species once threatened with extinction in parts of the UK and Ireland, is renowned for being the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of up to 240mph when diving to catch prey.
The falcon, named Blue, belongs to west Belfast falconer Jim Auld, who has flown falcons for more than 20 years.
The falcon, named Blue, belongs to west Belfast falconer Jim Auld, who has flown falcons for more than 20 years.
During hunting flights, Jim’s dog, Ben the German pointer, helps locate prey in open fields, stopping and pointing out birds hidden in the grass. Once a bird takes flight, Blue swoops into action, climbing high before diving at speed to make the catch.
The falcon was not wearing its tracking device at the time, making efforts to locate the bird significantly more difficult.
Blue disappeared while flying at an old quarry site in Belfast on Thursday. The falcon was not wearing its tracking device at the time, making efforts to locate the bird significantly more difficult.
Speaking to The Irish News, Mr Auld explained: “It was my fault. Blue got frightened because of a car. I was trying to put the telemetry (tracking device) on whenever it got frightened, so I didn’t manage to get it on him. So, with no telemetry on it, it’s flying with no control. He will be scared.”
The bird is not a danger to humans, but it will die if not found in the coming days. Its last sightings were between the Hannahstown, Dundrod and Stoneyford areas.
Blue disappeared while flying at an old quarry site in Belfast on Thursday.
Mr Auld added: “The bird is frightened, but I believe it killed a crow the other day, because a farmer in Dundrod walked past and saw it on top of a crow, and knew it wasn’t a wild bird as it didn’t fly away. The farmer could tell it was used to people.
“However, I’m only after a phone call saying that somebody saw it in Lisburn, so that just tells me blue is so scared and lost, he’s a new bird, and relatively young.
“I am worried because the bird will go wild or else it’ll die. It’s not an experienced hunting bird. It is unable to keep itself alive, so it’ll die of hunger and starvation.”
Blue’s last sightings were between the Hannahstown, Dundrod and Stoneyford areas.
Mr Auld is appealing for help to find his “companion”. He said that, despite their reputation and the hostility birds of prey can sometimes face, Blue is far more than a hunting bird and is a valued companion he is desperate to bring home.
He added: “The birds are just past being saved from extinction, because they were under real pressure through pesticides (DDT). Other hunters kill them regularly. There is a whole raft of people that are anti-bird of prey, and so they have a hard time.
“If you saw a peregrine falcon, there could be literally dozens of crows and magpies surrounding it, trying to kill it. A lot of people appear to dislike them, but to me it is an underdog, and I like an underdog.”
The falconer continued: “It’s nature, it’s part of that cycle of life, same as everybody else, it deserves its place there. Blue won’t be fit enough or fast enough or have enough energy to be able to go after the potential next meal. So, it’s all about survival for it. The longer it goes on, the less chance that there is of him being found. He’s, my companion, and I want him home.”