The second of three nestlings at the Washington Mutual Tower is experiencing problems at this time and appears to be in the process of dying for unknown reasons.
Both adult falcons have been present and trying to feed it all day. The adult female is "chupping" at the chick repeatedly, in an obvious effort to induce it to feed.
But the nestling is not responding.
We have contacted the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife in an effort to try and rescue the chick at this late stage. However, based on their established policies, they have made the decision to allow nature to take its course in this case. Since they are the governing body for wildlife in our state, we must legally abide by their decision.
We have never seen this type of mortality among peregrine eyasses in Seattle before this year. To have two nestlings die at this late stage of development is unusual for us. So we are all extremely interested in learning more about what exactly is going on with the WAMU birds this season.
Martin Muller also reports the late deaths of several eyasses at another Seattle area nest site this spring. Once again, we have not seen this type of late season mortality among nestlings on the ledge before this year.
In the interests of determining the cause of death, WSDFW has kindly granted us permission to collect the WAMU nestling, but only after it has died.
Denise Kolb, at Wright Runstad, has generously arranged for us to visit the ledge and collect the chick post-mortem. So we want our readers to know that everyone is cooperating and working hard to do the right thing.
WSDFW has also agreed to assist with the necropsy and try to establish exactly why the chick died. Their veterinarian has expressed interest in the case and is expected to run toxicology tests on the nestling.
It is going to be challenging to collect this bird after death but before the adult female removes it from the ledge. FRG volunteer, Vivian Gross, will be checking on the chick late this afternoon. Another volunteer will be checking in the morning. Once we establish mortality, we will do a drop to the ledge and collect the chick. It will then be transported to the WSDFW.
Thanks for your patience and your concerns regarding this peregrine.
