American Kestrel Spinal and Wing Injuries: Patient 22-763
We love our tiny birds of prey at the wildlife center!
This pint-sized falcon is an adult male American Kestrel. He was recovering at the wildlife center for nearly a month after being found in Gettysburg with a broken left wing, spinal injury and wounds on his face. While we don't know exactly what happened, based on his symptoms, we suspect he was hit by a car or had a high-speed collision with a building. He was released near where he was found into an ideal kestrel habitat.
American Kestrel Populations in the U.S.
Although still relatively common across the United States, American Kestrel populations continue to decline because of habitat loss, decreased prey abundance and limited nesting options. Pesticides used on open farm lands that kestrels use to hunt, and insects being one of their favorite foods, make it difficult for adults to provide for themselves and their chicks. Nest boxes and restoration projects have helped, but there is still a lot of work to be done to protect these native birds from declining even further. We are happy to help with every individual that comes our way!
