Peregrine falcon found shot may soon be ready for a test flight

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The peregrine falcon that nested at We Energies' Milwaukee County Power Plant continues to recover at the Wisconsin Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Center after she was found shot.

"Madame X" was discovered in a yard outside the Cocktails & Dreams tavern at 55th & Grant in West Allis on February 27th.

A part-time employee was in the kitchen, looked out the window and saw near the shed what she thought was a hawk. The peregrine falcon was promptly taken to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for care.

We Energies officials say X-rays revealed Madame X had been shot and also suffered a broken collar bone.

Experts at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center have been giving Madame X around-the-clock care and her prognosis continues to improve. 

Those caring for Madame X say she's "eating like a horse," and say follow-up X-rays reveal good bone growth at the collar bone fracture site. 

Wildlife Rehabilitation Center experts say Madame X is "by no means fully healed" but say she may soon be ready for a test flight.

Authorities continue to search for leads in this case.

A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the personal responsible for what happened to Madame X.

Peregrine falcons are listed as an endangered species in Wisconsin. Shooting one is a serious crime, punishable by jail time and fines.

If you have any information, you’re asked to call West Allis Crime Stoppers at: 414-476-CASH (2274). Callers may request confidentiality.