Rescued falcon gets second chance

Roy White holds a falcon he rescued Tuesday morning on Turkey Creek Road after noticing buzzards circling overhead. White brought the bird to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, where officials consulted the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for guidance. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — What began as an ordinary Tuesday morning turned into a wildlife rescue after Roy White spotted a group of buzzards circling over a falcon along Turkey Creek Road.

Concerned that the bird was injured or in distress, White investigated and found the young raptor on the ground. The falcon appeared unable to escape and may be blind in one eye, according to White.

Determined to help, White secured the bird and transported it to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff John Kirk contacted the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources for guidance on how best to handle the situation. After discussing the bird’s condition, state wildlife officials advised that the falcon should be released back into the wild.

A close-up shows the falcon rescued by Roy White on Turkey Creek. White said the bird appeared to be blind in one eye. Wildlife officials advised releasing the raptor back into its natural habitat. (Citizen photo by Roger Smith)

The bird remained alert while in White’s care, occasionally turning its head to observe its surroundings despite the apparent eye injury.

White said he was glad to help the raptor and ensure it had another chance in the wild.

, , ,

1 / ?