2 June 2008
I wish that I didn’t have to post this update.
One of the three peregrine chicks at the Washington Mutual Tower in Seattle died late Friday at just under two weeks of age. It was still visible on the live video feed over the weekend.
As it is no longer in the nest at this time, we expect that it was carried off the ledge by one of the adults.
As of noon today (Monday), one chick still appears lively and healthy, but the other seems to be having difficulty even raising its head.
At this point, we do not to know the cause of death of the first eyass.
In earlier years at WAMU, an eyass died within 2-3 days after hatching on several occasions.
But mortality on the ledge, at almost two weeks of age, is not something we have seen here before.
Although we understand that this event may be upsetting and unpleasant for many of our viewers, it is important to remember that mortality is a natural process and part of nature.
It is not easy being a peregrine.
We have elected to let nature take its course and will provide further updates.
