Grinnell, the famous peregrine falcon who nests with his family at University of California at Berkeley’s Campanile tower, got out of the hospital and is likely on his way back to school.
Walnut Creek’s Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital said Tuesday it released Grinnell at UC’s Lawrence Hall of Science in the Berkeley hills, where biologists determined Grinnell could easily find his way back to his nest.
Grinnell was brought to Lindsay on Oct. 28 after he was found at the Berkeley Tennis Club sitting on a garbage can and not moving or flying away. Doctors found injuries from a possible intraspecies fight, including damage to his upper beak, a wound near his chin and throat, and an injured left wing.
Grinnell had minor surgery on his wing and received two weeks of rehabilitation, including homecare with a volunteer species manager and falcon expert.
Lindsay’s lead wildlife veterinarian Krystal Woo said Grinnell’s recovery was especially rewarding, as peregrine falcons can be challenging to treat.
“Peregrine falcons can generally be difficult patients due to their intense natures and high stress levels while in care,” Woo said in a statement. “Grinnell’s progress had its ups and downs and just as I was beginning to worry, he started healing. Grinnell has been a good patient.”
Researchers are following Grinnell’s progress to see how he’s received at home by partner Annie after disappearing for a few weeks. Peregrine falcons are known to mate for life, but may find a new mate if one dies.
photo: Grinnell the peregrine falcon who nests on the UC Berkeley Campanile tower along with his partner Annie, was recuperating at the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital in Walnut Creek after he was found injured at the Berkeley Tennis Club. (Dr. Krystal Woo)
I think we can all agree this is a feel good story. Nice he gets to go back to his family for the holidays.
I agree Hanne, read it and smiled.
Cute little guy.
I heard the DA dropped the charges.
He will be killing pigeons tomorrow!
No chicks to feed this time of year (unless you count sharing with Annie).
I hope she stuck around… been about a month he’s been gone…. you know how Birds are.
Lynyrd Skynyrd, “Freebird,” Oakland Coliseum 7/2/77
https://youtu.be/QxIWDmmqZzY
Great story!!
That is my facial expression while looking at the grocery bill from safeway recently.
@ this_that ~ LoL! Me too.
I wish that bird well.
Hopefully he is able to win back Annie. Another Falcons stole his wife!!
Yes this is a really “feel good” story.
Great success story about the good caring folks at Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital, and beautiful Grinnell. I just hope Annie wasn’t the one responsible for damaging his upper beak, wounding him near his chin and throat, and injuring his left wing before leaving him on a garbage can not moving or flying away.
@Silva……A falcon’s lovers spat? He might have been “bird-doggin” around or would that be “dog-birdin” around? You know what they say about a falcon’s scorn…maybe he was on the down-low with White Bird in a golden cage?
@Silva My guess is a suitor for Anne, who appears to be especially, fertile, thought he could displace Grinnell who may be aging … and appears to have been successful at putting him out of commission, if only temporarily. Grinnell may have been replaced at this point. They mate for life, but a younger, stronger male may have something to do with the “life” of its competition. Nature is brutal, but the survival of the birds, as in progeny, is the driving force.
YES!!! I love Lindsay Wildlife. Great kind caring people.
Someone could write a TV soap opera about the whole affair, call it Falcon’s Nest.
This is a feel good story. The Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital takes such good care, and we’re truly blessed to have them in our area. I have confidence that Annie will take good care of Grinnell. Love birds are charming…
Grinnell: “I’m ready for my closeup.”
That bird is worth more than a Biden or a Bush!