dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu (Sam Conway) (11/10/90)
Dear me! The amount of mail I've received in just a few hours! A lot of people seem to have read my description of the talon- tapping peregrine, and now want to know where they can get one of their own! Forgive me if I misled anyone. The "we" in my previous posting referred to the Vermont Raptor Center, which is a Federall-licensed rehabilitation center for birds of prey. We also provide a home for birds who have been permanently disabled and can no longer fend for themselves in the wild. We are also open to the public from 10AM to 4PM every day except Sunday and Tuesday, but that's beside the point. Many people who read my article were under the impression that the peregrine in question was my personal "pet" bird. Please be aware that all birds of prey -- ESPECIALLY peregrines, as an endangered species -- are VERY STRICTLY protected by law, to the extent that being in possession of an identifiable feather from a hawk is a Federal offense. As a wildlife paramedic, I am permitted to be in possession of a bird only as long as is necessary to stabilize it for transport to the center or to a licensed veterinarian. Once again, having a talon-tapping 'grine is loads of laughs, but don't try this at home! -- Sam Conway * What shape do you usually have? dragon@eleazar.dartmouth.edu * Mickey Mouse shape? Smarties Chemistry Dept., Dartmouth College, NH * shape? Amphibious landing craft Vermont Raptor Center (VINS) * shape? Poke in the eye shape?