A WEST Belfast man has appealed to the public for help in finding his peregrine falcon bird.
The falcon, named Blue, belongs to falconer Jim Auld, who has flown falcons for more than 20 years.
Last Thursday, whilst out training, the falcon went missing from the Belfast Hills.
The peregrine falcon, also referred to simply as the peregrine, is a bird of prey that is renowned for its speed.
Speaking to the Andersonstown News, Jim explained: "I have had it for over a year. It is a young adult bird. It is in the process of training to be flying free which takes a considerable while.
"It recently changed its feathers from a brown colour to a blue-grey colour. It was just on its third free flight when it flew off on me last Thursday.
"It has a bell on it so people will probably hear it before they see it.
"This can happen to most falconers but there is a chance you can lose it completely so time is of the essence.
"A farmer in Dundrod sent me a photo of it within a few hours. I have had calls and messages about potential sightings in Dublin, Derry, Coleraine, Randalstown and Tyrella but nothing has come from any of them.
"It is more likely going to be between Belfast and Lisburn, somewhere like Crumlin, Glenavy, Stoneyford – those sort of areas.
"It hasn't the experience of a wild-reared bird. It certainly wouldn't have the fitness to survive. It is unable to keep itself alive, so it’ll die of hunger and starvation.
"If you see it, please contact me and I will be out straight away."
If you can help Jim you can contact him on 07710808439.
