It’s with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Montgomery, our exhibit American Kestrel.
Montgomery first arrived at VINS as a patient on September 8th, 2014. He was found in Berkshire, VT after multiple people noticed him on the ground for a few days. It is unclear how he became injured, but a likely cause was being hit by a car. In the initial exam he was found to have trauma to his left eye and a fracture to his left wing. Montgomery was also emaciated as he was unable to feed himself after sustaining those injuries.
After nearly two months receiving treatment for his injuries rehabilitation staff decided his injuries were too severe for release. Though he was able to navigate his enclosure it became apparent he was blind in his left eye and the fracture was severe enough that his wing could not allow for perfect flight, which is necessary for birds to hunt and survive out in the wild. On November 12, 2014 Montgomery was added to the exhibit to live out the rest of his days as an ambassador to his species.
Montgomery was likely a hatch year bird when he arrived for care at VINS, so he was 11 years old when he passed. For such a small bird this is a long life even in a captive setting. Most kestrels are lucky to make it past their second year!
Montgomery will be deeply missed by all who met him over the years. He could often be seen perched next to his enclosure-mate, loudly calling out “killy-killy-killy”—a common kestrel call—after being fed his afternoon meal. The loss of every bird is always difficult, even for our pint-sized ambassadors. He will be missed.
Adopt in memory of Montgomery, and help provide care to our animal ambassadors at the VINS Nature Center.