Lanner Falcon Takes On Too Much

lanner falcon held against person's chest and being tube-fed lanner falcon held by her feet against someone's chestThe following story about a lanner falcon was submitted by Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital in South Africa.

A sub-adult lanner falcon (Falco biarmicus) was found grounded in an office complex garden in the Midrand area. Stuttaford Van Lines called our team, and we immediately went out to assist.

The lanner seemed a bit stunned and slower to react than would be expected. We suspect that this youngster tried to kill much larger prey (which is often the case with young, inexperienced birds), and then hurt herself in the process.

Thankfully she did not have any serious injuries, and after some hydration, anti-inflammatory meds, and tube feeding with EmerAid IC Carnivore, she started eating on her own and was back to lanner feistiness in no time.

Arjen van Zwieten added a SAFRING to her leg and she was released back on the Stuttaford Van lines property. Check out the release video.