Falcon released at KLEW transmitter site

“Stephens” peeks out of his carrying case just before flying away over the LC Valley.

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Story Published: Nov 14, 2009 at 12:13 PM PDT

Story Updated: Nov 14, 2009 at 12:13 PM PDT

By Matt Loveless

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LEWISTON - His trip to the warm south was delayed a bit, but now a peregrine falcon can begin his journey.

The WSU School of Veterinary Medicine released their latest rescue, Stephens, at the KLEW transmitter site Friday morning.

"Stephens was brought in by a falconer, who had helped another person who had found him, got his in a hood and a white bandage and brought him down to WSU," said Dr. Nickol Finch of the WSU Vet School .

Stephens was brought into the Vet hospital on October 2. Doctors spent weeks nursing the injured raptor back to health, setting two bones in his wing. Finch said after four weeks of healing, and two more of physical therapy, Stephens was ready to begin his migration south.

Stephens is just the most recent in a string of rescues.

"We tend to get about four falcons a year, and this is the first one we've released this year," said Finch. "We usually release about one a year. As of last year we've got 95 raptors, and released about 35."

Finch said the KLEW site at top of the hill was an idea place to release Stephens, on his migration path. He's expected to head to California and Finch said perhaps even farther.

"He flew the direction we didn't want him to go, but that's okay," said Finch. "He'll get his bearings and turn around and go the other way. As far as flying, he was nice and strong. The wind didn't bother him at all. It actually helped him out a little bit."

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