Falconer's Prized Falcon Escapes, Sparking Frantic Search in Suffolk

On 2025-11-04, a 76-year-old falconer named Mick Smith found himself in a distressing situation after his female peregrine falcon, Chanel, managed to escape while he was visiting his partner in Brantham, Suffolk.

Smith, who lives near Ely in Cambridgeshire, had brought his two falcons with him over the weekend, as it was the birds' hunting season and he needed to monitor their feeding. However, since he did not intend to fly the birds, they were not equipped with GPS tags. This proved to be a critical oversight when Chanel, a 3-year-old falcon, disappeared from the back lawn on Sunday, leaving her untraceable.

Immediately, Smith turned to social media, posting about Chanel's escape and seeking help from local residents in the Brantham area. He has been searching the region tirelessly since Monday morning, but the falcon has not responded to any calls or lures. Smith fears that Chanel may still have her leash attached, which could get caught in trees as she hunts for food.

The falconer believes the bird's escape was due to a mistake in his tying of the "falconer's knot" that had secured the falcon. He stressed that Chanel would not attack anyone, but might fly off if approached. Smith has urged people to keep an eye out for flocks of crows, rooks, and seagulls, as they tend to mob birds of prey, potentially revealing Chanel's location.