Burned Falcon Flies Free Again After Almost Year-Long Recovery

SHREWSBURY, MA —After nearly a year of rehabilitation, an American kestrel has been released back into the wild.

Poppy arrived at Raptor Tales Rescue in Shrewsbury last summer, after unknowingly perching on a methane pipe that caught on fire. Poppy, who is an American kestrel, which is the smallest and most colorful falcon in North America, was left with severe burns and injuries and was unable to fly.

Raptor Tales Rescue is a nonprofit wildlife center that rescues and rehabilitates raptors in need in the area. When Poppy arrived, staff at the rescue modified her enclosure with lowered nest boxes, perches and ramps to help her recover.

For many weeks, the crew waited to see if her feathers would regrow properly. "It was unknown if Poppy’s feathers would molt normally, questioning her releasability," the rescue wrote.

However, after 46 weeks of waiting, her feathers were replaced, and she was cleared to be set free. Ultimately, Poppy was set free by Matt Lame, the staff member who took care of her each day.

"He personally released her and as she quickly left his hands, we could see the many emotions take over," the clinic wrote. "He whispered to have the best life possible."

American kestrals are considered a species of greatest conservation concern. That's because of a population decline due to habitat loss and pesticide use. You can learn more about ways to help conserve them here.

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