The peregrine falcon that was found at Selby Abbey after being shot is recovering well.
She has put on a bit of weight and is looking a lot happier. However there is a long way to go yet.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police in Selby said: “Once she is recovered enough to start flying, she will need to get back to her full fitness before she is able to be released back to the wild.
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“As peregrines can reach speeds of up to 200mph in order to catch their prey, she will need at least two months flying in captivity to build up her strength.”
Selby officers says they would like to say a big thank you for all the time Jean Thorpe, (an Accredited Raptor Rescue Rehabilitator from North Yorkshire) has put into looking after this bird and the ongoing care and time that she will need.
They added: “Without people like Jean we would not be able to give these great creatures the best opportunity to be wild again.”
She tweeted that the bird was: “Eating well, looking so much better. One leg is weaker and she’s still not got to the top perches. The shot will have ripped through muscle, tendons and nerves so still very much wait and see.”
Shotgun pellets throughout the bird’s body
On 7 May 2021, the 8-year-old female falcon was discovered in the grounds of Selby Abbey with injuries which meant she was unable to fly.
The peregrine was rescued and X-rayed by a local falconry specialist vet, Mark Naguib, who found a number of shotgun pellets throughout the bird’s body. The peregrine is ringed by the British Ornithology Trust so was able to be traced back to being released as a chick near Newark eight years ago.
North Yorkshire Police Constable Sarah Ward said: “Peregrine falcons are a protected schedule one species and it is shocking that anyone would target one in this cruel and callous way.
“Our county should be a haven for birds of prey and this type of cruelty will not be tolerated.
“If anyone has information about this worrying incident please get in touch and report to us. You can either call 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
RSPB Investigations Officer, Jack Ashton-Booth said:
“We are appalled at this deliberate and illegal attack on a protected peregrine falcon. The bird was riddled with shot, including one piece lodged in its head. Incredibly, it is still alive but it’s touch and go.
“We urge anyone with information to contact North Yorkshire Police immediately. Alternatively, if you wish to speak out in confidence, please don’t hesitate to call our Raptor Crime Hotline on 0300 999 0101.
“Peregrines are incredibly good at adapting and are increasingly living alongside us in our towns and cities, and are a joy to see nesting on tall buildings like cathedrals. Nature is in trouble, and we must embrace it or risk losing it.”
If you have any information about this incident please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting ref: 12210119786