Here in Seattle, it seems like just yesterday that we checked nest sites to confirm hatching. The nestlings, or eyasses, at most of the sites are approaching six weeks of age now and fledging (first flight) is imminent.
We had two reminders of this Wednesday, June 6. Two eyasses ended up at PAWS, a wildlife care center north of town, after apparently tumbling off their respective ledges at our I-5 and West Seattle sites. We want to thank everyone involved in their rescue.
Both youngsters are healthy birds – they just weren’t yet capable of keeping themselves airborne and ended up running around on the ground, which is a very dangerous place to be. Dogs, cats, cars and people can all cause injury to a grounded nestling.
At this age, they have remnant patches of white down, and their pristine new feathers are still stubby. They’re not quite ready for flight yet, but they have developed an intense curiosity about the world beyond the nest ledge
Soon, very soon, instinct will prod the other nestlings to leave the security of the ledge and take that critical first flight.
If you find a recently fledged young peregrine on the ground, we suggest calling either PAWS at (425) 787-2500 or Sarvey Wildlife Care at (360) 435-4817. Both have experienced staff that can offer advice and help.
By Ruth Taylor
