PHOENIX (KGUN9-TV) - A peregrine falcon chick that hatched in a nest box on a downtown Phoenix high-rise was struggling seen struggling through a dedicated web cam.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department stepped in to take action.
The wild chick was having difficulty using its legs which was causing it to fall and flail its wings, said Lynda Lambert, Public Information Officer with AZGFD.
AZGFD removed the chick from the nest box and it was taken to the Phoenix Dog/ Cat/ Bird Hospital, where veterinary staff donated their services to reveal any physical problems, said Lambert.
The bird was in good health, but had splayed legs. Splayed legs make it difficult for it to stand or move normally.
Small splints were fitted to the bird’s legs to help fix the problem before it was placed back in the nest.
AZGFD biologists will continue to monitor the nest-cam and evaluate the chick’s progress over the next several days.
“While we are guardedly optimistic about the chick’s chances, despite our best efforts and hopes, sometimes nature has other plans,” said AZGFD Watchable Wildlife Program Manager Randy Babb. “It’s important to note that this chick is not out of the woods yet.”
The AZGFD peregrine web-camera is part of the department’s Wildlife Viewing program, which encourages Arizonans to learn more about the wonders of wildlife.
A donation account has been set up to help defray the costs of the AZGFD's web-cameras.
