Falcon Hospital in Doha, Qatar

Today I went with the boys and a group from church to visit the falcon hospital here in Doha. It is an impressive facility and it was interesting to see all that falcon care requires. Justin and Ryan were especially excited that I share the pics we took with their cousin, Ian. Ian, here you go. If I were rich I would fly you out here and try to get you some sort of falcon internship. :)

Here are some falcons in the waiting room. After check in at reception, the owner or handler is given a number and can wait with the falcon. There were some people holding their birds, but I didn't take pictures of them as I know I wouldn't appreciate someone snapping pics of me in a vet waiting room.

The man who gave us the tour was very interesting and knowledgeable. All of the employees there were patient as we observed them at work. If I had a falcon I would take it here.

Sometimes falcons need replacement feathers. They have a cabinet with drawers of feathers sorted by size and color/pattern. You want to try to get a close match so the other falcons don't laugh. 😜

Working on the falcon's claws. Kind of like a spa day. :) The machine in the background monitors the falcon during her procedure.

I love how they put the falcon out so it is easier to perform procedures. Just remove the hood and stick her head in the little container.

Pretty fancy treatment rooms and a lot of cool equipment.

Examining x-rays and checking out blood and fecal lab work. The large monitors above the microscopes are used to show owners what the lab techs are seeing so they can help explain the results and what steps need to be taken for treatment.

Ever want to look down a falcon's throat? Me neither really.  After inserting the scope we got a crystal clear view on the big screen.

Falcons just kind of go when they need to go so watch where you walk!  The staff do a good job cleaning up quickly, but still...

J and R were hesitant to touch this falcon.  It is healing from surgery and hanging out at the hospital. The part on the hood that covers the beak keeps it from picking at the spots that are healing.

Parts of the wing are bound as well. Don't want the falcon to go all crazy and start stretching out too much before it is ready.  Ryan still isn't sure. I guess the bird could poop on him, but that's about it.

We got a peak at the imaging and surgery areas upstairs since they weren't being used. I couldn't believe how big the hospital is.

Walking back towards the car. They should let some hungry falcons out to help control the pigeons. No, that isn't Justin walking with Ryan.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff of the Falcon Hospital.  We learned a lot.