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The news from VWG Gemert about the tragic loss of S2 is absolutely devastating. She was so close to being released, and being able to return to her home and to Pa. Now she will never have that chance. I am still in shock and disbelief about what has happened.
Here is my translation of the post from the site:
The peregrine S2 has died unexpectedly
Gemert, Sunday, October 14, 2012
The peregrine S2 died unexpectedly earlier this week. A necropsy by a veterinarian has revealed that her death is the result of an invasion of fly larvae. Everyone involved is very upset by the death of S2. This feeling is further exacerbated by the fact that she was on the verge of making a successful return to the wild.
The well known peregrine S2, who since 2007 successfully raised her chicks at the nest on the tower at De Mortel, was found last year with a fractured wing. Upon closer examination, it became clear that the wing fracture was caused by a shotgun. The veterinarian Caroline Hommers, along with Dirk Riemersma. successfully performed surgery to repair the wing fracture. After several months, the injured wing had made a good recovery. The release of S2 was postponed until this fall. Her place on the tower had in the meantime been taken over by another peregrine, and we wanted to protect her from a territorial battle.
Under the authority of the Someren bird sanctuary, the peregrine was provided with accommodations in a quiet environment where she could continue to recover and go through her annual molt, while awaiting her release. Last month, she was moved from there to a falconer for the final phase of the rehabilitation process. The falconer would work to correct the loss of conditioning resulting from her captivity. Then she would be able to catch prey for herself.
The falconer, who is very knowledgeable and experienced with peregrine falcons, was on the verge of beginning the training. This was delayed until the last flight feathers had grown in completely. It was believed that S2 could fly well, and that her release could reasonably take place within a few weeks.
The falconer found the peregrine falcon dead one morning earlier this week. S2 had eaten the previous evening, and had shown no sign of illness. Raptors usually show signs of illness only at a very late stage, because in the wild they cannot afford to appear ill. Even if they should recover from an illness after a few days, in the wild they are by then so weakened by lack of food that they are no longer able to catch prey and often will not survive. The probability is great that the predators will then themselves become victims. For these reasons they will continue on to the bitter end.
Upon closer examination by the falconer, it appeared that the lower part of the body was affected. Precisely because the falcon was given a rest to complete her molt, the damage was hidden by the feathers and the falcon herself had shown no sign of illness that he could detect. The falconer is very upset about what happened to this very special bird, at this stage, while she was in his care.
The peregrine S2 was then transferred to the veterinarian Caroline Hommers to be examined. She found that the cause of death was the result of an invasion of maggots or fly larvae, called Myiasis. At a certain stage of their lives, the larvae feed on the dead or living tissue of a host. Maggots usually live in cadavers, but may also invade living tissue, primarily through an open wound. An adult fly lays eggs in the site, which hatch shortly after they are laid. Under ideal conditions, within a few hours of the eggs hatching, the larvae may travel through the skin towards the abdominal cavity. They cause massive tissue destruction. This can result in death within 24-48 hours of suffering pain. A final X-ray confirmed unmistakably that this was indeed S2. The white color leg band with the number S2 and the leg band from the migration station had been removed temporarily because of the anklets and jesses involved in the training. A brief statement from Caroline Hommers is attached at the end of this message.
Alas, alas, this brings to an end the extraordinary story of S2. One of the most famous, perhaps the most famous, peregrine in recent years. We wanted so badly to give her a new future, and were already preparing to release her. Dutch Radio Engineering had designed a special transmitter by means of which we would be able to follow S2 for a few months after her release, and which would then fall off. Enting Films was ready to film her first wing beats as she took flight, for a documentary which would be made about S2.
It was not meant to be; the story comes to an abrupt end here.
Vogelwerkgroep Gemert thanks all those who in recent months have made efforts on behalf of the peregrine S2. The veterinarians, the Someren Bird Sanctuary, the falconer, BirdLife Netherlands, the Netherlands Peregrine Workgroup, all the donors who have contributed to the rehabilitation of S2 and all the faithful followers who have admired her during all these years.
Statement of the Veterinarian:
Cause of death of the peregrine S2
To be 100% sure that we are indeed dealing with S2, there is first of all an X-ray of the right wing. In this, the old fractures are clearly seen. However, it is also clearly seen that the bones grew back together well. There would therefore be no doubt that the wing would be able to function correctly again. Unfortunately, we will not have the opportunity to observe this.
During the necropsy which was performed on S2, it was found that the cause of death was an invasion of maggots or fly larvae, called Myiasis. At a certain stage of their lives, the larvae feed on the dead or living tissue of a host. Maggots usually live in cadavers, but may also invade living tissue, primarily through an open wound. An adult fly lays eggs in the site, which hatch shortly after they are laid. Under ideal conditions, within a few hours of the eggs hatching the larvae may travel through the skin towards the abdominal cavity. They cause massive tissue destruction. This can result in death within 24-48 hours of suffering pain.
With pain in my heart, I say goodbye to S2.
It has been very enjoyable to work with S2 and to collaborate with all the people involved, in order to contribute to the preservation of wildlife in The Netherlands. Sadly, this particular bird left us much too soon.
Dr. Caroline Hommers
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We have been waiting for these preliminary findings of Caroline Hommers concerning the death of the peregrine S2, and unfortunately we have to provide you with this very sad message. She was so close to being successfully released, and then it still went wrong!
VWG Gemert
Arno Teunissen and Martin Vink
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