connecting to nature

Falcons and Vultures





TEMUJIN, Gyrfalcon

This male Gyrfalcon was a gift from Northwoods Falconry to Hawk Creek in appreciation of Director Loretta Jones’ efforts to preserve the endangered Houbara Bustard. Temujin is an exciting member of our educational team because, as an Arctic ambassador, he represents animals that can survive in temperatures as cold as -70 degrees! This species thrives in weather much harsher than even the worst Buffalo winters.

Hatched: 5/7/2007, Arrived: 6/13/2007

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Falcon - Blaze

CASPIAN, Saker Falcon

Caspian is a male, captive bred Saker Falcon. Saker Falcons are native from Eastern Europe to Asia. This endangered falcon is the second largest falcon species in the world. Due to their size and hunting style they have been coveted as falconry birds for centuries. Caspian is a member of our flying demonstration team and also takes part in our endangered species programs.

Hatched: 5/1/2010         Arrived: 8/13/2010

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Falcon - Blaze

BLAZE, Peregrine Falcon

This Peregrine Falcon was placed here by the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis, MO. Blaze sustained permanent wing damage from crashing into a window of a skyscraper. Blaze is a highly valued member of our educational team allowing people the opportunity to come face to face with a peregrine falcon, when diving in a stoop peregrines have been recorded at speeds over 280 mph. This feathered missile is the fastest species on the planet!

Hatched: 4/1/2003, Arrived: 6/23/2005

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peregrine falcon Zephyr

HORUS, Peregrine Falcon

Horus, named after the Egyptian Falcon God, was bred and raised at the World Bird Sanctuary in St Louis, MO as a part of their release program. Several months after this male Peregrine Falcon’s release into the wild, he was brought back to the sanctuary and it was discovered that he had a broken coracoid bone. The injury made him unable to gain altitude and he was deemed non-releasable. Since then he has been in education programs teaching people about the recovery of the peregrine falcon in the U.S.

Hatched: 5/1/1999, Arrived: 3/10/2010

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American Kestrel Arrow


ARROW, American Kestrel

This male American Kestrel came to Hawk Creek from another rehabilitator in the Southern Tier. Arrow was hit by a car and sustained permanent damage to his left wing leaving him unable to fly. American Kestrels, while not as fast as their cousins the peregrine falcon, have the unique ability to hover in a field while hunting.

Hatched: Unknown, Arrived: 7/05/2009

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American Condor Fernando

PUKE, Turkey Vulture


This Turkey Vulture, named Puke for his natural defense mechanism of vomiting, suffered brain damage from head trauma when he was young. This gregarious bird is now a member of our flying demonstration team where he flys with our other Turkey Vulture, Barf. Together these boys give people an up-close look at nature’s recyclers and demonstrate the beauty of their soaring flight.

Hatched: 5/1/2011, Arrived: 8/1/2011

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Turkey Vulture - Barf

BARF, Turkey Vulture

The turkey vulture’s natural defense mechanism, vomiting, is certainly unique. The appropriately named Barf is a human imprint from St. Louis, MO. He was rescued by the World Bird Sanctuary, who were notified of a turkey vulture that kept following people around begging for food. Since imprinting is irreversible, he will remain with us as an example of the need for proper wildlife rehabilitation training.

Hatched: 5/1/2004, Arrived: 6/23/2005

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Egyptian Vulture - Dynasty

DYNASTY, Egyptian Vulture

The World Bird Sanctuary rescued this male Egyptian Vulture from an exotic animal dealer. He spent the next eight years in their breeding program. After the death of his mate, he came to Hawk Creek. At the time of his arrival, he was one of only six Egyptian vultures in the country. He is extremely intelligent, and his species is one of the few birds of prey that uses tools to attain a goal. A prime example of this is their use of a rock to break open an egg.

Rescued as an Adult: 1987, Arrived: 7/20/2000

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