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Peregrine falcon Grinnell released after recovery

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CAL FALCONS | COURTESY

UC Berkeley’s peregrine falcon Grinnell healed from injuries sustained fighting other falcons. Members of Cal Falcons note Grinnell looks healthy and was flying well.

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NOVEMBER 19, 2021

Following his recovery from injuries likely sustained during a fight with rival falcons, UC Berkeley’s peregrine falcon Grinnell was released from the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital.

Peregrine falcon Grinnell was brought to the Lawrence Hall of Science to be released back into the wild Wednesday after being treated at the sanctuary, according to Jennifer Modenessi, director of communications and marketing at Lindsay Wildlife Experience.

Modenessi also noted Grinnell has recovered well from his acquired injuries.

“He was in really good condition at his final exam on Tuesday,” Modenessi said. “He seemed really feisty and ready to go. His feathers had grown in under his chin and his upper beak saw new growth. The wound on his left wing looked really good.”

After facilitating Grinnell’s recovery, Krystal Woo, lead wildlife veterinarian at Lindsay Wildlife Experience, began to plan the falcon’s release, according to Modenessi.

Modenessi, who was present Wednesday, said Grinnell was eager and excited to be released back into the wild. She, along with Woo and members of Cal Falcons, delivered Grinnell to the Lawrence Hall of Science.

“The return was very quick, as he was eager to get back in the wild,” Modenessi said. “(Woo) just unzipped the kennel and it didn’t take too much coaxing for Grinnell to shoot out of there and fly.”

Grinnell has since been seen around campus by members of Cal Falcons. According to Sean Peterson, campus graduate student in the department of environmental science, policy and management and member of Cal Falcons, Grinnell is healthily flying around Berkeley.

Peterson noted Grinnell returned to the Campanile shortly after his release.

“Seems like he is doing pretty well,” Peterson said. “He was flying really well when he was released and returned to the Campanile an hour and a half after release.”

Annie, Grinnell’s partner, has also been seen around campus, according to Peterson. Whether or not Grinnell and Annie will continue to mate, however, is still in question.

Peterson said Annie has been receptive to the new male occupying the tower and his courtship behavior, but noted that she has had a successful relationship with Grinnell in the past.

“It seems like she likes the new male,” Peterson said. “She has had success with Grinnell in the past too so it is difficult to see how she will react to the two males. She might let the males fight it out or she might take a side. We just don’t know yet.”

As for the new peregrine falcons, the male has remained around campus and is competing with Grinnell for the territory, Peterson added.

The female that arrived at the same time as the male has been less present and has not been seen in a week.

“Currently there are three falcons on campus: Grinnell, Annie and the new male,” Peterson said.

Contact Philippe Jin at [email protected].
LAST UPDATED

NOVEMBER 19, 2021


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