Youngest member of famous Cal Falcons family found injured in Berkeley Marina

(KRON) — One of four young peregrine falcons hatched this year in the University of California, Berkeley’s Campanile bell tower was rescued from the water at the Berkeley Marina on Wednesday. Rescuers say the falcon suffered a broken wing and possible head trauma.

Nox, short for Equinox, was rescued from the water in Berkeley by Bay Raptor Rescue, according to the scientific group Cal Falcons, which monitors the nesting site atop the tower and shares videos with a loyal following on social media. The injured falcon was taken to WildCare in San Rafael for further evaluation and recovery.

“It appears Nox had some mishaps while out of view of the Cal Falcons webcam,” WildCare wrote on Facebook. X-rays from vets showed Nox had suffered a broken metacarpal in his right wing.

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“A broken wing, in particular, is an injury that is serious for any bird, but especially for a peregrine falcon,” wrote WildCare. “These birds are the fastest animals in the world, swooping down at 200 miles per hour to catch their avian prey from the air. To survive in the wild, a peregrine falcon must have powerful wings and perfect agility.”

According to the wildlife hospital, Nox was unable to stand properly on Wednesday, although he could use his feet and legs, leading veterinarians to suspect possible head trauma. He is currently receiving medication for pain and swelling, and the wing has been immobilized to heal, according to WildCare.

Since Wednesday evening, the wildlife hospital has been checking whether an operation on Nox’s wing injury is possible.

Cal Falcons and WildCare urge the public not to call WildCare’s hotline for updates on Nox so that lines can be kept open for incoming emergency calls.

Nox is the youngest male of parents Annie and Archie and has an older brother named Eclipse and two older sisters named Aurora and Sol. In May, the Cal Falcons held their annual naming contest for Annie and her lovelies’ newest litter of chicks.

Anyone who would like to donate to Nox’s treatment and the care of other injured wild animals can do so on the WildCare website.

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