Peregrine falcon given a new start for a new year

04.01.12

A bird of prey was given a new lease of life on New Year’s Day after it was released back to the wild by the unlikely hero who rescued it – a traffic warden.

The peregrine falcon had been nursed back to health at our Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Cheshire after being brought in by hawk-eyed Lee Gallagher.

 

Peregrine falcon caught out by extreme weather

Traffic warden Lee was caught in torrential rain as he patrolled his patch in Birkenhead, Merseyside at the end of November.

Whilst crouched up against a wall for shelter Lee spotted the bedraggled bird sitting in the middle of the road, looking dazed and battered by the extreme weather.

Lee cautiously approached the falcon, and found the bird in an exhausted state and in dire need of help. Lee, 40, from the Wirral, said:

I am used to handling birds so knew how to approach with my jacket as a shield, but I was very surprised the falcon didn’t try to peck me or attack in any way.

It was as if he knew I was there to save him and just stayed in my arms until I got him to the car and then let me stroke the back of his head.

 

A new start for a new year

The falcon was kept at our wildlife centre for a month, where it was checked by a vet for broken wings or limbs, then fed up and cared for until it was considered it was strong enough to be released back to the wild.

On New Year’s Day (Sunday), Lee joined RSPCA staff to see it returned to near where it was found. Andrew Smith, from Stapeley Grange, said:

It is fantastic that Lee didn’t get into a flap when he found this bird and had the calm of mind to pick it up and bring it to us. It was in quite a bad state and would have struggled had he left it where he was.

I just hope his new feathered friend doesn’t land on a double-yellow line now and test the friendship!

Did you know?

Peregrine falcon facts

• Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means 'to wander' due to its traditional migrating habits.
   
• This bird is one of the most widely distributed species in the world. It is found on every continent except Antarctica. It can survive in a wide variety of habitats including urban cities (where it often is found nesting on cathedrals and other tall buildings), the tropics, deserts and the tundra.
   
• Peregrine falcons are the fastest flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour. Although speeds like these would normally damage the bird, special bones in the nasal cavity channel the wind and a third eyelid protects the eyes. Peregrine falcons can also fly upside down as the female does during the courtship flight when she accepts food from the male in flight.

Our work with wildlife

As well as rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, we're working to improve the welfare of wild animals.

• Read some of our amazing wildlife rescue stories.
   
• Find out how we're helping wildlife, both in the wild and in captivity.