On Monday, June 22, the Richmond Peregrine Falcon fledgling was admitted to the Wildlife Center. This young female falcon hatched on the Richmond Falcon Cam; thousands of people watched the chick grow up in downtown Richmond, Virginia. This is the same nesting location where Maggie, the Center's education Peregrine Falcon, hatched and grew up, though the young bird is no relation to Maggie.
This past week, the young falcon attempted to fledge from her nest two different times; officials with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries thought the first small flight from the nest was a little early, and they returned the young bird to her nest box. The bird fledged again on June 22 and went onto the expressway -- DGIF officials called police to stop traffic to retrieve the bird safely. Officials elected to bring the falcon to the Center for a physical examination and to keep the bird for a short period of time until she is more coordinated in her flight efforts.
Dr. Karra did a quick physical examination on the evening of June 22 and found that the bird had no apparent injuries. Additional radiographs and blood work will be taken on June 23. Center staff will remain in close contact with DGIF officials to determine the next steps for this young Peregrine Falcon.