They hoped he would take flight, but he remained grounded.
At a Taylor Swift concert in Australia, amidst the excitement of the event, a team of venue workers were startled to witness an unexpected sight cascading from the heavens and landing in the stands below. Rushing to investigate, their astonishment grew as they realized the fallen visitor was none other than an injured peregrine falcon — renowned as the fastest bird in the world.
“They watched him descend from the sky,” recounted Jess Crause, a dedicated wildlife rehabilitator from Sydney Wildlife Rescue. “Despite their efforts to offer assistance and hydration, he remained grounded.”
With uncertainty clouding their next steps, the workers swiftly sought expert assistance. Before long, Crause was en route to the venue, ready to lend her expertise to the unique situation.
Living near the stadium, Crause typically could reach it within 10 minutes. However, on that particular day, the combination of concert crowds and adverse weather conditions posed challenges. Racing against the clock amidst the chaos, Crause navigated her way through the throngs of people. Finally, she reached the scene. Stepping into the venue, Crause was relieved to encounter many curious and laid-back concert attendees.
“The atmosphere among the crowd was electric,” Crause recounted. “They were all genuinely curious, asking about the contents of my carrier and even reading the details on my vest. Everyone was decked out and full of joy, creating an unforgettable vibe.”
Aware of the formidable strength of raptors’ feet and beaks, Crause approached handling Swifty with meticulous care, mindful of preventing any potential harm to both the bird and the spectators. Sensing Swifty’s palpable distress and fear, she was driven by a sense of urgency to swiftly execute the rescue mission.
“Swifty’s inability to fly made containment relatively straightforward,” Crause remarked. “I employed a large towel, ensuring every part of him was covered—body, feet, and head—prioritizing his well-being throughout the process.”
With Swifty safely secured in the carrier, Crause made her way out of the venue, relieved that the bird didn’t appear to have any evident fractures. Nevertheless, Swifty showed clear signs of dehydration and discomfort, indicating the need for a period of recovery.
“I felt a sense of relief knowing that he was contained and out of that environment,” Crause expressed. “I was grateful he was caught before the music began and before the stadium reached full capacity.”
After his journey, Swifty reached the Taronga Wildlife Hospital, where veterinarians confirmed his absence of fractures. Gradually, Swifty transitioned from the intensive care unit to a rehabilitation aviary, providing him with the ideal environment to further recuperate.
Presently, Swifty remains under the care of the wildlife hospital, receiving the tender loving care he requires before his eventual return to the wild. Thanks to the collective efforts of numerous animal enthusiasts, this magnificent bird will soon soar back into the skies where he belongs.