BIRD-WATCHERS from across Ireland had gathered in Castlemaine harbour in Co Kerry yesterday to watch the release of a rare gyre falcon - but the bird brought here aboard a ship a week ago refused to fly.
The young gyre falcon, the largest falcon species in the world, had wandered hundreds of miles from the cold tundra of its native Greenland to land exhausted on a French fishing vessel 120 miles off the southwest coast.
Nursed back to health by the crew, she flew away but soon returned to the comfort of the ship.
The crew of the Illumbehanded her over to marine biologist Kevin Flannery in Dingle who in turn gave her into the care of Dr Allan Mee, the raptor scientist in charge of the re-introduction of the white-tailed sea eagle to Killarney.
Dr Mee said he was taking the falcon back to the secret eyrie of the eagles in the Macgillycuddy's Reeks where a further examination would take place.
The bird had gained weight over the past week, but something must be amiss, Dr Mee said.
"She just did not want to leave my hand," he said.
Dr Mee said another attempt at release would be made after the bird was thoroughly checked out.