IT was a less than perfect first flight for one of the young peregrine falcons at Salisbury Cathedral. 

Raphael was blown off the spire on Wednesday and had to be rescued. 

Kevin Drew, of Creatures in Crisis, came to the bird's rescue after reports of a peregrine in distress during the strong winds.

"It had jumped off or flown out trying to take its first flight but it was so windy that when it went to take off it was blown and pinned back against a wall," he said. 

"When I arrived he was trying with all his might to get away."

Once he was rescued Kevin took Raphael back to the rescue centre to give him a check over before reuniting him with his sister Aveline yesterday morning. 

"He is OK now and back up with his sister," said Kevin. 

  • Creatures in Crisis relies on donations from the public to continue its work and care for the animals it rescues. Anyone wishing to support the charity can do so by visiting creaturesincrisis.org or its Facebook page.