October 28, 2013

Peregrine Falcon Set Free Along Kennebec River

A young male peregrine falcon returned to the wild today along the banks of the Kennebec River, thanks to the efforts of the Maine Warden Service, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, and Avian Haven.

The bird, estimated at about a year old, immediately took flight and was soon out of sight.

The bird was captured by Warden Kris MacCabe after it was spotted hopping on the ground in new Sharon in August. MacCabe transported the bird to Avian Haven.

Avian Haven nursed the bird back to health in its raptor facility and today Wildlife Rehabilitator Marc Payne and MDIFW Biologist Erin Call set the bird free.

Peregrine falcons have been federally de-listed from the endangered species list, but breeding pairs of peregrines are still on the state list. There are an estimated 25 pairs in Maine.