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I am very happy with the decision to release S2 later in the year. It gives her much better chances, be it on the tower with Pa or somewhere else.

Special thanks to: Slechtvalken Forum Nederland in cooperation with
the BCAW forum for their world-wide fundraiser.

Now isn't it nice that they mention us specifically?

Donations are still welcome and I for one will certainly send them a little Christmas present, they really deserve our ongoing support.
VWG is a small organisation of volunteers and they can use the support as a thank-you for their commitment to the Peregrine Falcons on the Tower in De Mortel.

Optional translation of the latest update on S2:

S2 will not be released in the near future

Gemert, Thursday, December 8, 2011

Contrary to earlier reports, the peregrine S2 will not be released soon into the wild. The plan now is that S2 will not be released before, but after, the breeding season.

The Vogelwerkgroep Gemert has made this decision after consultation with some experts.

Until recently, everything was designed to release S2 as soon as possible, based on the idea, the sooner the better. We also wanted to make every effort to release S2 well before the breeding season in order to avoid a repetition of what happened in 2007. Now the veterinarian Caroline Hommers has indicated that the final phase of rehabilitation - the conditioning of the falcon by a falconer - could almost begin; we hope that this could still take place.

From the consultation with the falconer, it became clear that for the training (in order to create and gain confidence), another three months should be taken into account. That means that if this were to begin now, S2 could be released at the end of February. This is not only just before the breeding season, but also in the middle of the mating period. During this time of year, hormone levels for peregrines are at their highest, and territorial battles are at their most intense. And that has been demonstrated by S2 herself in 2007. It is estimated by the falconer that no matter how well S2 may have been rehabilitated, she will be no match for her opponent, and possibly even on the same day she (literally) will get the worst of it.

His advice is therefore to release S2 after the breeding season. In July and August territorial behavior is much less intense, and peregrine falcons tolerate each other much better. Also, territorial battles may take place at any time, but the likelihood that the falcon who loses may be able to leave the battlefield without physical injury is much greater.

Peter Geneijgen of the Netherlands Peregrine Group supports this view, and BirdLife Netherlands concurs with this approach.

The Vogelwerkgroep Gemert has therefore decided not to release S2 in February, in the heat of battle, to more or less throw her to the lions, but to give her a better chance by releasing her after the breeding season. This gives us the opportunity to ensure that she is even better prepared physically. S2 and all her followers will therefore have to be patient.

With the many donations from the Netherlands and around the world which have been made to VWG Gemert's bank, we will be able to provide compensation to the veterinarians and caretakers of the peregrine S2.

Donations

We would like to thank all donors from the Netherlands and abroad for their contribution to the care, treatment and recovery of the peregrine S2.

Special thanks to:

Slechtvalken Forum Nederland in cooperation with the BCAW forum for their global fundraising.

Donations are always welcome for the care, treatment and recovery of the peregrine S2 and for the protection of peregrine falcons in general.

Donations may be transferred to:

From abroad:

Bic: RABONL2U
Iban: NL61RABO0155098950

From the Netherlands:

Rabobank 1550.98.950 Tnv Vogelwerkgroep Gemert, Trade, Specifying: Peregrine S2

Thanks for pictures and translations Kitten face and Corienna.

I am so happy they shoos e to Reese her after breeding time. This will give S2 a much better chance. I am pulling for her success, but without any losses.

I also had tears in my eyes. Nature is what it is, but my heart is with S2.

It is darn cold here today and I froze my fingers so I am having trouble typing

Sorry......

again, but different ..... maybe it is accepted........

Grrrrrrrrr.

All good things into tree........We say.

Just had a major catch up on S2's progress. Thanks to all who are providing us with translations. I too am relieved that she won't be released until after the 2012 season. It would be heartbreaking after all she has been through to let her go when the odds are stacked against her smack bang in the middle of the mating season. We can be patient, in the knowledge, that absolutely everything is being done to give S2 the greatest possible chance of surviving, whereever she ends up.

Poor S2, how she must long to be free. I was so hoping that she could be released before the breeding so that the other female could not claim the nest with her young this year. I wanted S2 to get her nest back but if she would not be strong enough to battle, then that would never be possible and she would just end up badly hurt again or dead. I hope the additional confinement will not take away her spirit. I'm sure they know what is best.

I too would like to continue to support S2 but would like to do so by credit card online. How can this be done? Thanks.

Wonder how S2 is. Seems so long since we have had an update.

Unfortunately there aren't any updates on S2 posted. The latest updates have been about the work they are doing on the cameras and microphones. De Mortel has been selected to be in the Beleef de Lente season so begin March we will get live pictures and sound of Pa and 2OR (if that's who he chooses to be his mate which it looks like will happen).

Thanks for the update on no update Suzanne!