Male falcon retrieved with cup and string around his foot C&C report

[Donna]

Got a call from Tim Jasinski from LENSC yesterday, letting us know that a peregrine was brought in from the area of East 9th and Superior Ave. with string attached to a cup wrapped around his foot. Upon examination, Tim thought the bird had a fairly sharp keel (the breastbone that will protrude when a bird is underfed). He reportedly weighed in at 616grams. LENSC administered fluids and fed the peregrine and he will be seeing the vet today for further assessment. The area where this bird was found down is closest to the Bohn Apartment Building nest site (off East 13th), where there has been an un-banded resident male (that we nicknamed "Spencer" when the female was banded and named "Kate"). From Tim's photos of this retrieved peregrine it seems a distinct possibility that this could be that male, not only based on the location of the pick-up, but also the two birds have remarkably similar features. Although we typically only post our own photos in albums, Tim gave us permission to use some of his pics of the retrieved male and post them for comparison sake. Although there are differences in lighting (so you can't go by coloration), note the very white chest (characteristics of the tundra subspecies) and the facial markings, particularly the distinctive malars with white "cheeks" along with soft gray markings between the mustache and the nape. Bohn is not a place easily monitored (particularly in non-breeding season), so we may not spend much time there to check. But if this guy checks out okay he's likely to be returned nearby (possibly around Burke Lakefront Airport, where this pair is known to hunt).

How sad is this? Great capture and is in good hands!

[Carol P.]

Good job by the folks that captured this little guy!  

Now, I have to wonder why there was a cup with a string attached to it and how did it get wrapped around his leg.  Strange.  

Thanks for posting this Donna!

[Kris G.]

That is bizarre!  Glad he got rescued and is good hands..poor thing.

[MAK]

Looks like he tied one on (pun intended) LOL On a serious note, I'm grateful to those who rescued him!