Peregrine falcons

In early June a couple walking their dog found an adult peregrine falcon on the ground near Laguna Avenue and Alida Street in Oakland. They caught the bird and brought it to the Lindsay Wildlife Museum’s wildlife hospital. Upon its initial exam it was found that the bird was in good body condition but that it had suffered a fractured ulna in its wing. Staff took radiographs of the bird and found that it had been shot by a firearm. The falcon was taken to surgery the next day and our veterinarian was able to surgically pin her wing. Due to her unique markings the bird was soon identified by one of our volunteers as being Haya. Her mate is Hiko who was born at the San Jose City Hall nest. This year the pair successfully raised two eyasses (chicks) at their nest on the Fruitvale Bridge in Oakland.

Ten days later, a young peregrine falcon was found on the ground at Tiffin Road and Whittle Avenue in Oakland. This young falcon was also found to be in good body condition and was also suffering from a fractured ulna. Radiographs showed that this bird had also been shot by a firearm. She was taken to surgery the next day and our veterinarian was able to surgically pin her wing. From the bands on her legs she was identified as Marina, the daughter of the adult peregrine falcon already recuperating at the hospital.

To date, both birds are doing well and their injuries are healing. Unfortunately the prognosis for both birds is guarded due to the fact that peregrine falcons rely so heavily on their ability to fly to survive. We will continue to post updates on their progress on both this webpage and on our Facebook page.

Lindsay Wildlife Museum is working with the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG), US Fish and Wildlife Services and the Santa Cruz Predatory Bird Research Group (SCPBRG) to find the person responsible for this act. A reward is being offered by SCPRBG through the DFG’s CalTIP anonymous hotline for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator. Anyone with any information regarding this shooting should please call 1-888-DFG-CalTIP (1-888-334-2258).

The wildlife hospital would like to extend our gratitude to the people who have donated towards the care of both Haya and Marina. If you are interested in helping this mother-daughter pair, here is a link where you can donate towards their care.

Update (July 17,2011) Both Haya and Marina are still recuperating at our wildlife hospital. Unfortunately Haya has developed an infection in her wing which can happen given the injury that she sustained. Hospital staff and volunteers are treating her with the utmost care but her prognosis remains guarded. Marina, on the other hand, is doing well and is growing stronger every day. We hope to move her to a larger enclosure soon so we can determine her ability to fly.

We send our sincere gratitude to all of those who have donated toward the cost of their care. To date, the cost of care for the two peregrines has been $9,590.00. If you would like to contribute to their care please follow this link for instructions on how to donate: http://www.wildlife-museum.org/donate