Help Needed in Locating Escaped Falcon

Pigeon Forge’s American Eagle Foundation is asking the public to help locate a missing falcon.

Scimitar (sim-it-ar), a female Peregrine Falcon, escaped from the American Eagle Foundation’s “weathering yard” near Dollywood in Pigeon Forge about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st.

“The American Eagle Foundation is conducting it’s own search efforts but would like to increase the chances of rescuing their bird by asking Sevier County residents to keep their eyes peeled for this medium sized falcon who has a grayish-black head, a dark blue-gray back, a small beak, and white and black bars across her chest and under her wings,” the American Eagle Foundation said. “Scimitar is a very special bird and the American Eagle Foundation is grateful for all those residents who will keep a watch out for her.”

The public can distinguish Scimitar from other wild birds of prey by the dangling leather falconry straps attached to her ankles.

If you believe you have sighted Scimitar, please call either of the following numbers: 865-809-3282 or 865-809-2385. You may also email eaglemail@eagles.org with the word “URGENT” in the subject line.

Photo courtesy of the American Eagle Foundation

Scimitar came to the American Eagle Foundation in 2007 after suffering a wing injury. She was deemed non-releasable and became part of the organization’s educational program, appearing in the “Wings of America” birds of prey show at Dollywood.

In September 2011, the organization’s Bald Eagle named “Volunteer” escaped from the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary at Dollywood and was missing for more than three weeks before a sighting by tourists staying at a Wears Valley rental cabin prompted the bird’s recapture.