Rehabilitated Falcon Released

[Donna]

Rehabilitated Falcon Released
A peregrine falcon was released back into the wild Monday in Lycoming County. Two sisters are credited with rescuing the falcon last week.

The bird is alive thanks to their quick thinking and some help from a rescue clinic.

The peregrine falcon was nearly a goner almost one week ago. Now Lucky is healthy again, ready to leave the game commission headquarters near Jersey Shore.

Kristina Franklin of the Big Woods Wildlife Rescue Clinic cared for the eight-year-old female after it was injured on the highway in Williamsport.

"It had a head injury, an eye injury and an abrasion on the wing. She just happened to be very strong-willed oriented so therefore she healed quicker," Franklin said.

Lucky's comeback might never have happened if it hadn't been for Marylee and Justina Laird, sisters who were in the right place at the right time.

"I realized it was alive. It started flapping its wings so I turned around and came back," said Marylee Laird.

The Laird sisters came upon the injured falcon on a stretch of Route 220 in Williamsport near the Market Street exit. It was in the middle of the highway. They rushed out into traffic and saved the falcon's life. Now it's free again in the wild.

"We were on the brim of the highway, 30 people are passing and hitting it as we're waiting to get this bird," Marylee Laird recalled.

"I didn't care. I knew she needed help and that's all I cared about," added Justina Laird.

The sisters looked on Monday as Franklin let Lucky go, watching proudly as the falcon flew for the first time since they rescued it.

"That felt unbelievable. I loved it. It was," Justina Laird said.

"It's good. I'm glad she's back in the wild but I'm definitely. Now I don't know what she's going to be doing. I'm going to worry," Marylee Laird said.

[jeanne]

Really affirms the goodness people can have.  So glad all of them are safe!

[Annette]

Happy peregrine