Falconer seeks help after young bird escapes in Dornbirn

A young falcon has escaped in Dornbirn and cannot yet hunt for itself, ORF reported. Falconer Burkhard von Drasek is asking the public to help find the bird.

The falcon broke free in Hatlerdorf, Dornbirn. Von Drasek said it would not survive in the wild because it has no hunting experience. He expects the hungry bird to appear near houses.

He believes it may be somewhere between Lustenau and the Dornbirn Ried, but said it could already be within a 30-kilometre radius of Dornbirn.

The falcon is about 40 centimetres tall when standing and has a wingspan of around 1.3 metres. Its plumage is dark brown with a white chest, and it has distinctive silver identification rings on its legs. It is a Nordic falcon and is larger than most native birds of prey.

Anyone who sees the bird should take a photo with a mobile phone and send the sighting, including the exact time and location, to von Drasek on 0676 775 6913. The public should not attempt to capture the falcon themselves.