WASHINGTON – Sure, the District’s bald eagles made news by nesting and raising families in the nation’s capital.
And Tom and Audrey, the Kent Island ospreys got some coverage for becoming foster parents to two young chicks.
But another raptor’s come to town to win your heart, and your sympathy.
A young, presumably male, kestrel – or sparrow hawk – the smallest member of the falcon family, was found wounded in the District. A resident called animal control, and the little raptor was raced over to City Wildlife and is under the care of veterinarian Mary Ashley Laine.
Laine says the patient has a broken leg.
“We splinted it, and are providing pain medication and are feeding it.” And that’s a good sign, says Laine, who explains when animals are stressed and uncomfortable they stop eating.
“This one has a great appetite, so we’re very pleased with that. It makes us very hopeful that he’ll continue to progress.”
City Wildlife has trained volunteers who assist in the care of animals brought in.
“And so far he’s doing wonderfully,” says Laine.
Laine says because he’s a bird of prey, being able to hunt is dependent on that leg’s ability to heal.
Once the fracture has healed the kestrel will need conditioning and some rehab to make sure he can fend for himself. Kestrels are common birds of prey, but Laine says their numbers have dwindled in the D.C. area. Kestrels at insects, lizards, small birds and mice.
City Wildlife takes in all types of wild animals: from caring for baby squirrels to fostering fledglings and possums. You may recall that City Wildlife assisted when a snowy owl was seriously injured and was found in McPherson Square.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to your report.
