Zara was released yesterday afternoon (8/25/22) at approximately 2:45 pm at the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge. It was determined that she would be able to feed herself and survive.

Amy Mahar, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYDEC) sent us a video of Zara’s release which was very successful. Please click on the link below to see Zara’s flight to freedom!

We hope to receive some more pictures of Zara’s release. When we do, we’ll share them.

Here is a collage of still pictures from the video. Thanks Joyce!

Thanks to all that contributed to Zara’s second chance at a life as a free Peregrine Falcon! Who knows, we may hear about her again in the future, raising a family of her own.

Farewell Zara!

Zara is improving nicely. The soft tissue injury to her right shoulder is healing and she’s looking much better, eating well and fattening up. Zara also received her first West Nile vaccine. She’s VERY feisty, according to June Summers, President, Genesee Valley Audubon. June was able to share a couple pictures of Zara in her flight cage. She’s flying well and gaining height.

Now for some very good news! We are happy to report that Zara has started the next stage of her journey.

On Friday, August 19th, the DEC transferred Zara to a facility that can teach her to catch food in flight. She will be released as soon as she can do that.

We want to thank Gary Zimmerman from Black Creek Wildlife Station for all his hard work in caring for Zara. Over the years, we have brought many of our falcons to him, including Mariah and a few of our young ones. Please consider donating to the Black Creek Wildlife Station.

Black Creek Wildlife Station, Inc.

169 Burnt Mill Rd.

Churchville, NY. 14428

Here are a few more Zara pictures shared by our watchers.

June Summers, President, Genesee Valley Audubon Society, visited Zara today. She’s been in a smaller cage resting, due to her soft tissue injury and she’s put on weight.

Zara will get vaccinated tomorrow against West Nile. Then, depending on how she looks, she will be moved into a larger cage.

It’s so wonderful to see her doing well.