OPH's Healed American Kestrel Henrietta Returned

By Sgt. Shawn Harrington

On 8/31/23, Lauri Arndt from the Raptor Center brought our little American Kestrel back out to OPH. We brought her out near zone 7 on the south side and let her go back into the wild. She flew into the first cottonwood tree and perched.

As we were walking away, Lauri was stating how the property was ideal for this species because of the high light poles. Just then the little bird flew back out and landed on the pole right in front of us. She swooped down to the ground and grabbed something then flew away again.

Shortly after that, she again flew back out and around us, then landed on a light pole for a photo. I am glad I was able to be a part of helping this little bird. I know for me when I get to see the wildlife around here, it gives me a moment of peace or a small escape from where we work.

Attached are pictures of Henrietta (that's what we named her)!