What started as a routine call about an injured hawk turned into a unique rescue mission in downtown Reading—one that showcased quick thinking, compassion, and a bit of wildlife know-how.
On Tuesday, June 24, Officers O’Reilly and H. Alexander responded to a report of a distressed bird near a bus stop outside the former bank at 498 Penn Street. When they arrived, the officers discovered the bird wasn’t a hawk after all, but a peregrine falcon—an uncommon sight on a hot summer day in the city.
Officer Alexander was able to safely capture the falcon, which appeared to be suffering from heat-related stress. The bird was promptly transported to Red Creek Wildlife Center, where it received fluids and care.
Thanks to the timely efforts of both the officers and the wildlife specialists at Red Creek, the falcon is now on the mend and is expected to be released back into the wild soon.
