![]() Karena is another one of the Academy’s performing mascots that you can witness during halftime at home football games. Kara is one of the gentlest falcons in the mews, and she is a great ambassador for her species and the Academy. The cause of Kara’s condition is not known, but it hinders her ability to fly. She has a medical condition known as stargazing syndrome, where she tends to tilt her head back and look upward or at odd angles. Kara came to the Air Force when she was young. ![]() Eclipse does not fulfill any flying demonstration role for the cadet falconry team but instead represents the Academy as an ambassador for the institution and for awareness for birds of prey. Eclipse was transferred to the Academy from the raptor program at the Royal Gorge in Cañon City, Colorado. 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.Įclipse is the program’s oldest falcon mascot. Unfortunately, Cairo developed a heart condition and is no longer able to stand the stress of flying. This does not hurt or hinder her in any way but does make her look more intimidating!Ĭairo was acquired in the spring of 2018 and previously belonged to a civilian falconer who hunted with her. Several years ago, Athena had a mishap when her talons got stuck in her nostrils, causing the top of her beak to grow in three separate parts instead of one. We affectionately call them nature’s fighter pilots, making them a fitting mascot for the Academy.Īthena is the daughter of Aurora, the Academy’s previous official mascot. 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 a nickname short for his full name, Achilles, but fits with the U.S. This hybrid falcon performs at halftime of our home football games. 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. 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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