Green TD Steven Matthews released a young kestrel back into the wild last week, two months after he rescued the injured bird in Bray.
While kestrels are a relatively common sight in Wicklow, they were recently moved from the Amber to Red list on the Birds of Conservation Concern list 2020-2026 because of their decline in viable breeding population in recent years.
Deputy Matthews found the injured bird on Sidmonton Road back in September. He said:
“I was on my way to the train station one morning in August when I noticed an injured bird at the side of the road. At closer inspection I realised it was a bird of prey who appeared to have an injured wing and was unable to fly. I got him into a carrier box but was unsure of how to best care for him so I contacted my friend and colleague Nature Minister Malcolm. Noonan. Malcolm put me in touch with Kildare Wildlife Rescue. One of their brilliant volunteers met me half-way between Bray and Kildare and took the bird in to be treated. At that point they didn’t know if the bird would make it or not. Over the next few weeks I checked in on it several times and found out it was a six month old male. Then last week I got the very welcome call to say that he had recovered and was ready to be released back into the wild.
“I collected him and went up to the lower slopes of Bray Head with a few fellow environmentalists and prepared to release him from the box. I was nervous that he mightn’t take flight or would be disoriented but as soon as he was set free he soared up and out over Bray Head. It was a magnificent sight and quite emotional to behold.
“I have to pay tribute to the Kildare Wildlife Rescue, which rescues, rehabilitates and returns native Irish wildlife in not just Kildare but also surrounding counties like Wicklow. They are always looking for donations and if you want to support a really worthy charity, its an excellent choice. Meanwhile if you spot an injured wildlife casualty, give them a call to see if they can help,” concluded Deputy Matthews.
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