If you are a bird, you expect to be able to fly. It must be difficult when you spread your wings, flap really hard and nothing happens.

That is what happened to the kestrel that was brought into care late last year.

She was found sheltering in a doorway of industrial premises near Prestwick.

The workman picked her up, put her safely in a cardboard box and left her in a warm office. He did the right things. Most birds following an accident will be in shock and heat will help them recover.

When the bird arrived at Hessilhead, we could see she was in good condition. Flight feathers were missing from her right wing, but it was impossible to see if there was damage to the wing tip.

An X-ray would have helped, but that wasn’t possible. The vets didn't want any raptors on site as a bird flu precaution.

The other problem with the kestrel was that she didn't seem to see. In the cag, she behaved as if she was blind, always facing the back wall. However, after a few days, the bird was self-feeding. Time would tell.

Last week was the time for the kestrel’s release. It was good that we knew where she had been found.

Releasing a bird in its own territory is always helpful. We chose an open area and opened the box.

Sometimes we wait for a while until the bird recovers from the journey. Not this time. She was off like a rocket.