Aberdeenshire peregrine falcon chick released

A FLEDGLING peregrine falcon, found grounded in Aberdeenshire, has returned to the skies after being taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA.

THe fledgling chick is released back into the wild. Picture: SSPCA

Scotland’s animal welfare charity was called in to rescue the young bird of prey earlier this month after it was found lying by a roadside near Kinellar on the outskirts of Aberdeen.

The young peregrine was taken to the SSPCA’s wildlife rescue centre at Fishcross, near Alloa, where it was found to be weak but otherwise uninjured. And, after ten days of rehabilitation, the bird was strong enough to be released back into the wild.

Colin Seddon, the centre’s manager, said: “This young peregrine had only been fledged for around two weeks.

“It’s possible that it may have been stunned after colliding with a car, although there’s also a chance that it was grounded after becoming exhausted while trying to fly in high winds.”

He continued: “Thankfully our vet found the bird to have no injuries or illnesses and after several days of feeding well and exercising its wings we were able to return it to the wild.”

Mr Seddon added: “Peregrine falcons are a great feature of Scotland’s native wildlife and it’s always very rewarding to play a part in their success.”