Peregrine falcon dies after flying into glass wall in downtown SLC

Peregrine falcon dies after flying into glass wall in downtown SLC


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SALT LAKE CITY — One of the peregrine falcolns that nests in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building and has captured the attention of Utahns around the state has died, according to officials.

"Solo," the only peregrine falcon to hatch at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building this year died on Saturday. The bird had sustained injuries on July 3 after flying into a glass wall at the Zion's Bank Tower at a high rate of speed. The bird was doing some flight training trials when the accident happened.

"I think that notably the glass is confusing," said Bob Walters, the Watchable Wildlife Coordinator with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. "I always tell people that it's a little bit like humans who also have trouble with glass that goes to sliding glass doors and convenience store windows. It's a tricky substance and entirely unnatural. Sometimes they get out of there and escape with their life with bumps and bruises, and sometimes it's an immediate death."

The bird was taken by volunteers on July 5 to a Salt Lake City rehabilitation center to be treated for the injuries. The animal specialist, Jo Stoddard, did X-rays on the bird and found no fractures. Solo did suffer several soft tissue, nerve and spinal cord injuries, though. The injuries caused a flaccid paralysis of the legs, incontinence and head trauma, according to Stoddard.


I think that notably the glass is confusing.

–Bob Walters


The peregrine falcon was housed in the rehabilitation center for a 10-day period and had some minor improvements, but eventually Solo died as a result of the injuries.

Walters manages a team of 35 volunteers that have been involved in watching and caring for the falcons that nest in the Joseph Smith Building. The birds began nesting in downtown Salt Lake City buildings in 1984, and have continued to return to their nest area over the years, even despite the absense of their nesting box during the construction of the City Creek Center.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints paid to install a live streaming HD camera near the nest box of the peregrine falcons earlier in the year. For those interested in viewing the footage of the peregrine falcons, click here.

Top Image: Salt Lake City Peregrine Falcon's Facebook page

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Dave Cawley

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