Falconer learns lesson: Hawks matter, too

A falconer from Thurmont learned not to play favorites with his birds of prey: He’s been ordered to pay restitution of more than $1,400 for neglecting an injured hawk.  

Christopher Swann, 28, also had his state falconry permit revoked for 18 months as part of his sentence.   

Maryland Natural Resources Police officers charged Swann during an annual permit inspection of his Frederick County home. They seized an injured American kestrel hawk they said wasn’t getting proper medical care.  

The hawk was treated by a veterinarian and moved to a wildlife rescue center in Hampstead.