A Young Peregrine's Journey Ends Too Soon

Sometimes rescue means recovery. Sometimes it means providing a peaceful end to suffering.

A young peregrine falcon was found injured along a highway near Sekiu and brought to Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue by a caring family. The bird had apparently been struck by a vehicle and had suffered devastating injuries.

Peregrine falcons are among nature's most extraordinary athletes. Capable of exceeding 200 miles per hour in a hunting dive, they pursue other birds with remarkable speed and precision. Along our coastlines, they hunt over shorelines, open water, and cliffs.

But even these powerful hunters face tremendous challenges during their first year.

Young peregrines must learn to hunt, establish territories, and navigate unfamiliar environments. They may travel long distances, sometimes displaced by older, established birds. Roads and vehicles introduce additional hazards into an already difficult journey.

When healing isn't possible

When this young peregrine arrived at our center, the injuries were extensive. The right humerus, an upper-wing bone, was shattered. The right upper leg was fractured and displaced, and the right eye was badly injured.

After evaluating the damage, we determined that recovery was not possible. The kindest decision was humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering.

Every bird that comes through our doors matters. We work toward rehabilitation and release whenever possible. When that isn't possible, giving an animal a peaceful end is also an important part of compassionate wildlife care.

We're grateful to the family who stopped, recognized that this bird needed help, and brought the peregrine to us.

Help protect young birds on our roads

As autumn days grow shorter and daylight saving time ends, more drivers find themselves traveling during darkness or twilight.

Please slow down and stay alert for wildlife near roadways, especially at dawn and dusk. A few extra moments of caution can make a difference.

If you encounter an injured bird of prey, keep your distance, avoid attempting to handle it without professional guidance, and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.

We couldn't save this young peregrine, but we could make sure its suffering ended with care and dignity.

Please help us give other injured wild birds their best chance. Share this message, drive with wildlife in mind, and consider supporting the work of Discovery Bay Wild Bird Rescue here.

Photographs: The young peregrine upon arrival and a radiograph documenting the severity of its injuries.

The following images may be distressing to some viewers.

View injury photograph and X-ray — sensitive images