Raptor Rescue at the Double Ditch Ranch

Maybe the bird was dazzled by the rainbow. Or just missed a chickadee and dove down the chimney at its usual 40 MPH

. 

We heard it in the fireplace the next morning and called Raptor Rescue.  We expected a SWAT team with helmets, bullet proof vests and shields.  But it was mild mannered Cynthia who showed up, armed with a towel.

Cynthia dove headfirst into the fireplace

"It's OK," she beamed.  It was a Kestrel, the smallest falcon on the continent.  Only weighed around 4 ounces. Not much bigger than a sparrow.

Cynthia stretched one wing then the other and felt the raptor's legs and feet for broken bones.

It wasn't hurt just filthy from a night in the fireplace

Cynthia let it go.  "It won't do that again," she said.