Rare Falcon Will Rehab at PHS After Surgery

A rare Merlin Falcon, injured below its wing, is recovering from surgery at the Peninsula Humane Society's Wildlife Rescue Center on Rollins Road in Burlingame.

The injured falcon, found by a citizen in Palo Alto, arrived at the Center last week with significant tearing on the underside of its right wing. Wildlife staff are speculating that the Merlin was the victim of an attack by a larger raptor.

During a 15-20 minute procedure on Tuesday, the lead veterinarian at the humane society repaired the tear, closing the wound with a few stitches.

Members of PHS will continue to keep an eye on the bird, and monitor the damaged wing.

They expect that the wound will begin to heal at the site of the tear.

The prognosis for recovery is promising; PHS say that in a best-case scenario, the falcon could be released in two to three weeks.

According to spokesperson Scott Delucchi , this type of falcon – a smaller raptor at just 10” – is an uncommon patient for the shelter; they only receive one or two annually.

By comparison, the PHS/SPCA Wildlife Rescue Center annually receives several dozen Red-Tailed and Red-Shouldered hawks requiring care.

The goal for all injured, sick or orphaned wildlife is to help them recover or develop, then be released back into their natural habitats. Each year, PHS/SPCA says it achieves the goal for approximately 1,200 wild animals.

PHS/SPCA’s wildlife rehabilitation work is funded by donations, according to Delucchi.  Dozens of volunteers help a small number of paid staff care for animals year-round.

PHS/SPCA is one of the few humane societies in the entire United States that cares for wildlife; most focus on dogs and cats only, or dogs, cats and small domestic animals.

This Saturday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., PHS/SPCA is hosting “Walk on the Wild Side,” a public open house for its newly completed wildlife enclosures in Burlingame. Members of the public are invited to walk inside and around roof-top accommodations for wildlife.

You can get more information by calling 650.685.8510.

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