Here is a report I just received from Terry Commander on the two hawks that left the nest prematurely:

Hello,
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner…. I am not in the office on Thursdays.
Here’s a latest for those who are just joining us, and the latest news from our front.

A few days ago two of the chicks fell from the nest…. our office manager saw them fall! One (Chick 1) ended up on the ground, and the other (Chick 2) on a branch in a nearby tree about halfway between the nest and the ground. We watched and watched and never saw the chicks who fell get fed. The adult hawks brought several feedings to the remaining chicks in the nest, but we were uncertain as to whether the other two were getting their “fair share”. All day we received reports from several people in our building, all who were keeping an eye on our precious birds. We got several reports that the one on the ground had gone into the bushes and was “dragging”, or some said “favoring” the left wing. We had also been in contact with the Chattahoochee Nature Center -Wildlife Division folks all day. When Scott and I went to check on him around 3 p.m., we found him on the ground laying in the middle of the sun looking parched and pitiful. We called CNC and asked what to do….. they wanted us to bring him to them, but we needed to do that by 4 pm. So, Scott called Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital and they said that Dr. Colson is very experienced with all sorts of wildlife and could take care of the bird. As per CNC’s instructions, our building manager and Scott were able to safely get the little chick into a box and we got him Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital. We talked to them later that evening, and discovered that he was being well taken care of.

Update:
Chick 2, who had been in the tree, was now on the ground, but hopping around very well. Scott noticed that he was even able to get into lower branches of nearby trees and seemed strong and healthy.
When Scott called Medlock to check on Chick 1, they said that they had done a digital x-ray and found that his wing is just fine, and that after a few feedings he was hopping around. They suggested that he be returned to the nesting site, and the CNC recommended a “surrogate nest” that Scott rigged up using a wicker basket. He and our building maintenance guy were able to secure the “surrogate nest” to a tree and get the hawk into said nest. Later in the day, we got many reports that Chick 1 had left that nest. Scott and I went by the building around 8 pm last night, but the two grounded hawks were no where to be seen. We also looked for them this morning, but did not see them. We did get a couple of reports from our bird enthusiasts in the building that they have indeed been seen and are hoping around further away from the nesting site…. we think they may be headed for the pond!

The CNC said that at this point we should “let nature run its course unless there was evidence that one was injured or sick.” Let’s pray that they stay safe and strong so that they will continue to come back and nest in this site!

Thanks to all in our building who have kept me posted on sightings of our grounded chicks, and to all of you who follow these amazing birds with us online! I will try to continue to bring you updates as I can. And as always, feel free to email me directly with questions, concerns or comments!

Sincerely,
Terry

3rd chick leaves the nest for the 1st time.

The Little Beggar

(Gotta listen to the very end. I bet that sounds just like General dix.)


Published by Me

Quote: Lano wrote in post #29

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Parent brought food at 2:30pm central. Healthy chick grabbed it. H4 went downhill shortly after this pic.

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Very thought-proking account, Alta. It seems de-humanizing (imagine that) to remind ourselves that birds are in the reproduction business. Their lifetime goal is to produce strong, healthy offspring. If the best way to do this is to focus all their attention on the strong to the detriment of the weak, then this is what they will do. What made H4 - Little Bit - so appealing was his determination to beat the odds. He did just fine as long as there were four in the nest, and he had a fighting chance. I wish this could have had a happy ending! Guess I'll have to try thinking like Ma & Pa red-shouldered hawk: "We did good this year! We fledged three!"

There will be no 2015 Red-shouldered hawk cam from CPB this year. I emailed them this morning and got this reply:

Me: Is there going to be a hawk cam this year?

CPB: Unfortunately they did not nest in our tree this year. We are very sad!!

Me: Awww, that IS sad! The nerve of those hawks! Can you sue them for breach of trust or something?
I have enjoyed watching your cam and thank you for sharing with us. Better luck next year! Keeping my fingers crossed.

They have not responded to my inquiry about bringing charges against the hawks. Probably putting their paralegal on it as we speak to see if it's possible. .