Shot Peregrine Falcon Recovering After Wildlife Rescue

A peregrine falcon is fighting its way back to health after being shot in Strabane, Northern Ireland, thanks to a remarkable team effort between vets and wildlife rehabilitators.

The injured bird was found in a garden on Station Road on January 9th. A concerned resident spotted the falcon and immediately contacted authorities, setting off a chain of care that may have saved its life.

X-rays at Parkview Vets revealed the devastating truth: shotgun pellets were lodged throughout the bird's body, with one pellet shattering its leg. Despite the severity of the injury, the team refused to give up on the magnificent raptor.

Veterinarian Louise at Corry & O'Hare Vets in Omagh performed delicate surgery to pin the broken leg back together. The procedure required precision and skill, as peregrine falcons are protected birds and every effort needed to be made to ensure full recovery.

The falcon is now recuperating at Dooletter Wildlife Rescue in County Fermanagh, where experienced rehabilitators are monitoring its progress daily. The sanctuary provides specialized care that gives injured wildlife the best chance at returning to the wild.

Why This Inspires

This rescue represents something bigger than one bird. Peregrine falcons were once endangered and have made an incredible comeback through conservation efforts, making each individual bird precious to the population.

The community response has been overwhelming. Locals are donating through multiple channels to cover veterinary costs and rehabilitation expenses, showing that people care deeply about protecting wildlife.

The collaboration between ordinary citizens, multiple veterinary practices, and wildlife experts demonstrates how powerful community action can be. One person noticed a bird in distress and made a call that mobilized an entire network of care.

Police are investigating the shooting as a serious wildlife crime, which carries significant penalties in Northern Ireland. The public response sends a clear message that harming protected species won't be tolerated.

Wildlife rehabilitators say the falcon's prognosis is cautiously optimistic. With proper care over the coming weeks, it may eventually be strong enough to soar through Irish skies once again, a living testament to what compassion can accomplish.