Small Falcon, Big Farewell
Last Saturday, VINS Education Intern Sarah Sincerbeaux released an American kestrel back into the wild. Watch a video of this bird’s release!
The small falcon came to VINS’ rehabilitation department as a fledgling — he was old enough to have left his nest, but young enough that he may have been relying on his parents for food. He was hit by a pick-up truck on July 11 in Washington, VT, and needed help recovering. The bird came in disoriented and unable to stand, but with some medication and a full menu of mice and fluids, he began his journey back to health.
The kestrel made a full recovery here at VINS. We tested his hunting skills by offering him live mice, which he dutifully captured and ate. This young falcon is now living life where he belongs: in the wild!