A peregrine falcon found injured on the ground near Nottingham has been nursed back to health and reunited with its family, a development that one of the rescuers described as bringing tears to their eyes.
The bird of prey was discovered in an unusual state for its species, as peregrine falcons typically do not land on the ground after fledging. Jon Beresford, a founder of Birds of Prey Rescue (BAR), speculated that the young falcon likely sustained injuries during its initial flights from the nest, possibly by hitting an object.
BAR treated the bird for a month, but the shelter lacked the necessary facilities to continue its rehabilitation, specifically for learning to fly. Consequently, the peregrine was transferred to an aviary at Leicestershire Wildlife Hospital. "It's a privilege not only to treat such a magnificent bird as a peregrine falcon, but also to release her and see her fly again so well," Beresford stated.
Upon its recovery and release, the falcon was able to locate its parents and siblings, guided by their calls. The reunion was an emotional moment for the rescue team. It was also discovered that the injured falcon was the offspring of a male peregrine that BAR had successfully treated the previous year.