SHELDON WILLIAMS, Staff Reporter

Four falcon chicks had to be removed from a tree on the premises of Jamaica House recently after a series of potential attacks by their mother against persons who ventured close to where they were nested.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) confirmed that they removed the chicks after they were made aware of the potential danger.

The specie of falcon chicks are correctly known as kestrels. They are also referred to as sparrow hawks, bird hawks and Killi Killi (derived from the call it makes).

very protective

According to Natalie Fearon, manager, Public Education and Corporate Communication branch, the removal was done "on March 28. after a report was received from a representative at Jamaica House that an adult kestrel had nested in a tree located close to a walking path, and was swooping down on pedestrians passing close to the tree."

"Kestrels are very protective of their young and will defend their nest from animals and people passing near the tree where they are nesting."

She also said the birds are being safely kept in an area where they are expected to thrive.

"The chicks, which were fully feathered, were taken to the Hope Zoo where they are being cared for. Fully feathered chicks are mature enough to survive without their mother. The adult kestrel was not removed."

According to NEPA, a kestrel is a small falcon (19-21cm long) and feeds mainly on lizards, large insects such as grasshoppers, and mice and small birds. They can be found in all habitat types from cities to forests.

Kestrels are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act (1945), Wild Life Protection Act (Amendment) Order, 1998.

Under the Wild Life Protection Act, it is a breach to hunt, injure or molest any protected animal or bird. Anyone caught in breach can be fined up to $100,000 and/or imprisoned for up to one year.

Possession of the whole or part of any protected animal or bird; including being in possession of the nest or egg of a protected bird is also an offence under the act.

Offences may be reported to NEPA weekdays, (8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) toll-free, 1-888-991-5005 at 754-7540 or to the nearest police station.

"The chicks, which were fully feathered, were taken to the Hope Zoo where they are being cared for. Fully feathered chicks are mature enough to survive without their mother."