The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center will release the first Merlin falcon ever successfully raised in a rehabilitation setting in Virginia on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 4:30 p.m. The release will take place at Smith Park, and the public is encouraged to attend.
When the young falcon arrived at the Center in early July, after the tree it was nesting in was cut down, staff and experts were unsure of its species. “Between the guesses of biologists, veterinarians, falconers, rehabbers, and our own seasoned staff, we heard everything from American Kestrel to Peregrine Falcon—and then, the most surprising suggestion of all: a Merlin,” the Center said.
Merlins are not known to breed in Virginia; their typical nesting range is far to the north in Canada. Once the bird’s primary feathers grew in, it became clear that it was indeed a Merlin. This case marks only the second documented instance of Merlins nesting in Virginia.
While adult Merlins occasionally pass through the region, having a fledgling in care is extraordinary. Even more encouraging, the first known Merlin nesting site in Virginia remains active, with the parent pair returning each year. This new case offers hope that Merlins may one day establish a home in Southwest Virginia.
“Well, they’re just a rare bird. Usually they nest in Canada, places like that, far north of us,” said Chester Leonard, Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center Executive Director. “So to have one in Virginia, it’s a rare occasion. It’s kind of a treat for us as rehabbers. But it’s just a special, unique bird. We actually, we never have them. So it’s important that we kind of help maintain this population that’s making its way into Virginia.
The public is invited to witness the release of this remarkable bird on Sept. 11 at Smith Park at 4:30 p.m.
For those inspired by this conservation success story, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center invites supporters to attend its gala on Sept. 27 at Hotel Roanoke or participate in an upcoming online auction. All proceeds support the Center’s mission of giving wildlife a second chance. Tickets can be purchased here.