Peregrine Falcon Grounded At Airport

The following story about a peregrine falcon was shared with us by Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida.

A peregrine falcon with an intake weight of 833 grams (about 1.8 pounds) arrived October 17, 2024. She was found grounded at the local international airport on a runway and likely suffered a collision with an airplane.

Our initial examination found that the falcon had a deep laceration on her neck with the jugular vein visible and an injured right wing. Once the falcon was stabilized, X-rays confirmed there was a fractured ulna with butterfly fragment. Initial care included subcutaneous fluids, basic wound care (manuka honey with bandaging of the neck wound, figure 8 stabilization of the wing fracture), and pain management.

The next day surgery was performed to debride the necrotic tissue on the neck and do primary closure on the wound. A second surgery was done at 72 hours to stabilize the ulna fracture with a pin and cerclage wires. After six weeks, the fracture was healed.

During the initial treatment phase, the falcon was not eating on her own and received three tube-feedings daily of EmerAid IC Carnivore to maintain her weight. It took about seven days and many different food presentations and enclosure setups to get the peregrine to start eating on her own.

The medication plan included antibiotics, several drugs for pain management with an anti-inflammatory, and medication used to minimize the risk of aspergillosis infections. Over the next month, the falcon underwent physical therapy every other day to help improve her range of motion, and cold laser therapy to reduce inflammation.

The falcon is recovering well and is currently undergoing flight conditioning to regain strength. This week the falcon was being introduced to falconry techniques including manning and creance flight conditioning. Soon we can move forward with off creance conditioning. Once her agility and muscle strength return, she will be released.