PORT ANGELES — When the opportunity came, Corina didn’t hesitate.

She shot off like a rocket on a course for freedom.

Corina, the nickname given to a 2-year-old Peales peregrine falcon, was released Saturday near 11th and Oak streets in Port Angeles after a month of rehabilitation and care at Washington State University’s veterinary teaching hospital in Pullman.

The falcon was found injured in late December near Fifth and Oak streets and captured by state Department of Fish and Wildlife officials.

She was then taken by plane to Pullman.

There, Corina was placed under the medical wing of Kristi Ilyankoff, head veterinary technician assistant at the animal hospital.

Ilyankoff said X-rays revealed soft tissue damage in one of the bird’s wings, but no serious injuries.

Enclosed flying area

The falcon was given several weeks of care in an enclosed flying area as officials planned for her return to her native skies.

Federal wildlife regulations require that rehabilitated birds be returned as close as possible to where they are caught.

Ilyankoff said falcons have often found homes in cities and other urban environments.

A suitable spot for release was found in the front yard of The Tudor Inn bed and breakfast at 1108 S. Oak St.

A small crowd of onlookers, some armed with cameras, watched as Ilyankoff opened the transport cage.

Few got a chance to even trigger the shutters — it was over in an instant.

Corina winged it for a nearby tree to get her bearings.

A few minutes later, she was heading north, back in the direction of the area where she was caught in December.