AMHERST, N.Y., June 10 (UPI) -- A wildlife biologist says a peregrine falcon that resided for years in Buffalo, N.Y. before disappearing has been found in a nearby suburb.
Connie M. Adams, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said the 20-year-old bird was found Tuesday in Amherst, N.Y., a year after it vanished from its regular home at Buffalo's Statler Towers, the Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Wednesday.
Adams said it appears the male falcon had been forced out of its regular nesting spot by another bird.
"He just disappeared. Gone without a trace," she told the News. "Instead, we find out that he had been evicted (by another bird)."
Joel Thomas, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals wildlife administrator, said the animal was found with a severe leg fracture and could potentially have internal injuries.
"If he wound up dead in the cage tomorrow, I wouldn't be shocked because he's in real rough shape, beyond being attacked," Thomas said.
