Gates Rescues A Peregrine Falcon!
We were called out to an emergency rescue yesterday in Markham. This beautiful falcon was stuck on the balcony of a penthouse suite. We believe the falcon must have hit into the window while chasing a smaller bird of prey such as a pigeon. Luckily, the lady in the suite called us and Gates Wildlife Technician Nick headed there immediately. Nick was able to assess the falcon and noticed that his wing seemed to be injured indicating that he could not be released on site. Nick put a shirt over his eyes to calm him down and put him into one of our cardboard boxes to bring him down to the ground. OSPCA (The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was there to transport the falcon to Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, where he will be treated for his injuries and rehabbed.
While Gates Wildlife Control is adept at rescuing injured birds like the Peregrine Falcon, they also specialize in a range of animal removal services to help homeowners and businesses deal with unwelcome animal guests. Their expertise spans from Starling bird removal services to managing challenges posed by Raccoons, Squirrels, Skunks, Bats, Starlings, and Pigeons.
Peregrine Falcons are classified as a species of “Special Concern,” which means they are not endangered or threatened but may become threatened or endangered due to a combination of biological characteristics and identified threats. The Peregrine Falcon faces many of the threats that other species at risk face such as habitat loss and destruction, disturbance and persecution by people and environmental contaminants. These falcons are one of Canada’s most well known species at risk, owing almost 50 years of public attention and conservation efforts.
Peregrine Falcons are very impressive birds as they are one of the fastest moving birds. As adults they are able to reach speeds up to 112 km/h while in pursuit of prey and can dive at speeds up to 320km/h. They catch medium sized birds in the air with amazing dives and are masterful at catching pigeons in the city. These Falcons look to nest on tall structures such as skyscrapers and cliffs, where they will sit on high perches waiting for the right opportunity to catch their prey.
Fun Fact: The oldest recorded Peregrine Falcon was at least 19 years, 9 months old when it was identified by its band in Minnesota in 2012.
Photos taken by Gates Wildlife Technician Nick.
