Gyr Falcon
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• The Icelandic (Gyr) Falcon (Male and Female - center photo above)
• As displayed: A rare, hand colored, Bien edition, original Audubon Chromolithograph
• The Audubon was presented to the Academy at the 35th reunion of the Class of 1963 and is autographed on the reverse by classmates.
• The Air Force Academy mascot, the falcon is well known for its speed, accuracy and hunting prowess
• The Gyr falcon, also called Royal falcon, is the largest and most prized of the species (left photo)
• The first Gyr (Athol) was captured in Greenland and brought to the Academy in 1961
• Athol, right photo above, is pictured with 1963 falconer Henry “Hank” Juister.