An RSPCA inspector brought the Hobby in as it was thin and unable to fly. Closer examination showed the left wing was slightly dropped with a small wound so he was put on a course of antibiotics and painkillers. There had been no improvement after a few days so the Hobby was anaesthetised for an x-ray to be taken. While the falcon was under it gave me the opportunity to admire the beautiful colours and patterning of his feathers. Some of the key features are their dark slate grey colour, black ‘moushache’ and rusty red undertail. It was great news the x-ray looked good so he should just need feeding up and a bit of time for the wing to recover.
It is important that on release the Hobby has the strength and full use of its wings to be quick and agile enough to catch prey as well as for its migration to Africa for the winter. Hobbies are rarely spotted in the wild and it is not often that we see them at Stapeley so I felt very privileged to be taking care of one.
By Michelle Bite
Sponsors of Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre and Cattery
To donate to Stapeley text and our orphans: STAP70 £2 or £5 to 70070
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