2006 Rescue

"Aquilon" (French for "North Wind")

Aquilon was found chasing a mouse across the ground in a field near Tunica, MS. According to his rescuer, his wing looked "funny". The rescuer soon decided after watching for a while that the bird was unable to fly. However, that didn't stop the bird's spirit and will to live. The rescuer had to take off his shirt off and chase him down to subdue him. Then he called an MWR volunteer. Aquilon was very thin but by no means emaciated and was very spunky. Valery Smith, Director of MWR stabilized Aquilon then drove him to All Animal Hospital in Olive Branch. Dr, Cox x-rayed the damaged wing and found that it was just cracked and not broken, so no real medical intervention was necessary. Time was going to make Aquilon whole again.

Peregrine Falcons are such extremely active birds that while healing, Aquilon broke his tail feathers and pulled out other feathers. Since a bird needs his rudder to fly, Aquilon can not be released until he moults. MWR will release him in late fall 2006 if those feathers grow back in.