Friday May 16th, 2008 7 AM Rescue call

At 7:30 am on a 70-degree morning, we received several messages about what was thought to be a baby owl. This Good Samaritan called Washington Humane Society who referred him to us. After leaving a voice mail for us, they called The Emergency Veterinary Services of Vancouver who also referred him to us. We returned the calls for help. Upon arrival, he showed us where the bird was found in their pond. The bird turned out to be an American Kestrel Falcon.

The trees in the backyard showed no sign of other Kestrels.

The resident Goose didn’t see one either.
Upon first glance, you could tell that this falcon was sleeping.

He was tired from his unexpected bath.

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A brief tap on the ground woke the tired bird.

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The Kestrel knew she was being rescued and didn’t struggle while being picked up.
Once in the transportation carrier, the bird was ready for the doctor’s office.

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After another search for siblings or mates, we discovered this bird was a lone traveler.
Then we were off to the American Wildlife Foundation for a doctor’s exam.

Arriving at Doctor Janet Ackermann’s, she prepared some fluids to administer for hydration.The doctor also gave a dose of additional medications.

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Upon further exam, Doctor Ackermann confirms that this is an adult female Kestrel Falcon.

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Although this bird showed no obvious wounds, the doctor noticed behavior indicating the prognosis that there may be a head injury.

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I left feeling confident that Dr. Ackermann would give the Kestrel its best chance for survival after its unexpected swim.