RSPCA: Just the ticket – traffic warden rescues bird of prey from storm

Tuesday, 3 January 2012 5:11 PM

Just the ticket – traffic warden rescues bird of prey from storm

Peregrine falcon given a new start for a new year

A bird of prey was given a new lease of life on New Year’s Day after it was released back to the wild by the unlikely hero who rescued it – a traffic warden.

The peregrine falcon had been nursed back to health at RSPCA Stapeley Grange wildlife centre in Cheshire after being brought in by hawk-eyed Lee Gallagher. The warden was caught in torrential rain as he patrolled his patch in Birkenhead, Merseyside at the end of November.

Whilst crouched up against a wall for shelter he spotted the bedraggled bird sitting in the middle of the road, looking dazed and battered by the extreme weather. He cautiously approached the falcon, and found the bird in an exhausted state and in dire need of help.

Lee, 40, from the Wirral, said: “I am used to handling birds so knew how to approach with my jacket as a shield, but I was very surprised the falcon didn’t try to peck me or attack in any way.

“It was as if he knew I was there to save him and just stayed in my arms until I got him to the car and then let me stroke the back of his head.

“It looked very confused out there in the road, and I think the bird may have hit a wall and fallen due to the fierce rain, which was almost horizontal.”

The falcon was kept at the wildlife centre for a month, where it was checked by a vet for broken wings or limbs, then fed up and cared for until it was considered it was strong enough to be released back to the wild. On New Year’s Day (Sunday), Lee joined RSPCA staff to see it returned to near where it was found.

Andrew Smith, from Stapeley Grange, said: “It is fantastic that Lee didn’t get into a flap when he found this bird and had the calm of mind to pick it up and bring it to us. It was in quite a bad state and would have struggled had he left it where he was.

“I just hope his new feathered friend doesn’t land on a double-yellow line now and test the friendship!"

Lee said: “To actually see a bird like this in the distance in the wild is one thing, but to actually get so close, have the honour of rescuing it, and then actually be there as it makes its way back to where it belongs was a once in a lifetime experience.

“It was like all my Christmas presents rolled into one and the best new start to the year for me and him.

“It is nice to show that us traffic wardens don’t always deserve the bad reputation we have –some of us have a soft side.”

Notes to editors

— Please call the press office for photos and interview opportunities with Lee on 0300 123 0244/0288.

— *The Peregrine Falcon was an endangered species for many years but is now off the danger list. The bird is still protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and must be registered if kept in captivity.

— Their name comes from the Latin word peregrinus, which means "to wander" due to its traditional migrating habits.

— This bird is one of the most widely distributed species in the world. It is found on every continent except Antarctica. It can survive in a wide variety of habitats including urban cities (where it often is found nesting on cathedrals and other tall buildings), the tropics, deserts and the tundra.

— Peregrine falcons are the fastest flying birds in the world – they are able to dive at 200 miles per hour. Although speeds like these would normally damage the bird, special bones in the nasal cavity channel the wind and a third eyelid protects the eyes. Peregrine Falcons can also fly upside down as the female does during the courtship flight when she accepts food from the male in flight

Tags:
• animal welfare