TLC is getting falcon rescued from Shropshire cliff back to health

The male falcon was rescued by the RSPCA and Shropshire Fire & Rescue from an area known as Highrock in Bridgnorth, after it became helplessly caught up in netting laid down to prevent rock falls.

Following the rescue, the bird was taken to Cuan Wildlife Rescue in Much Wenlock and centre manager Fran Hill said the vet was called in immediately.

She said: "While the falcon was alert, it was clear he had an injury to the hock on his leg that was affecting the function of his foot, which showed no sign of movement.

"There was also a soreness on his left wing, but fortunately there was no break, it looked like he had just strained it.

"The vet suggested we give physio to its foot each day, which we have done, and we also applied a splint to the damaged foot, something we have used on an injured crow in the past.

"The splint was applied to correct the position of the foot, which he was dragging when he walked."

Fran said that at the end of last week she was very concerned about the condition of the falcon, but feels a lot more confident this week.

She said: "He wore the splint for two days and when we removed it over the weekend his foot reacted better when touched, it also now sits in a more natural position too.

"The foot seems to be improving by the day and the falcon has now gone off for laser treatment on his wing. This is something we have used on swans before when they have hit power lines and it was a successful treatment on all the them.

"I am delighted at the falcon's progress this week and as soon as he is recovered we will be releasing him back into the wild.

"I have had friends call me to say they can hear the female falcon calling for him at High Rock, so we won't be keeping him here any longer than we have to."

Cuan Wildlife Rescue is Shropshire's only 24/7 animal rescue service and it treats around 2000 wildlife casualties each year.

They rescue, care for and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wild animals and birds, then release them back into the wild.

The centre requires £100,000 per year for its day-to-day running costs and relies on public donations and fund raising to cover that amount.

• If you’ve seen an injured wild animal or bird, you can call the centre for advice on 01952 728070. For further information about the work they do or to make a donation visit www.cuanwildliferescue.org.uk