One Eyed Raptor Escapes U-of-I Wildlife Center

A University of Illinois clinic is looking for a bird of prey that escaped from its handler. The University of Illinois Wildlife Clinic says the American kestrel named Thistle has one eye and can't survive in the wild. The bird escaped Wednesday morning, and was last seen flying west from the veterinary complex in Urbana. Thistle came to the clinic in May 2012 with an eye injury, and College of Veterinary Medicine spokeswoman Chris Beuoy says they have a state permit to keep her as an educational bird. Beuoy says the bird visits schools and goes to public events to educate people about the species. The bird is about 7 inches tall and still has on leather bracelets and straps. Those who see the bird are asked to call 217-333-5300.