Small Chick Transferred to The Wildlife Center of Virginia
The small peregrine falcon chick that was removed from the nest box and taken to a local veterinarian on May 31st was transferred that same evening to The Wildlife Center of Virginia (WCV). An update on the chick’s status is available on WCV’s website.
DWR staff took the chick to the veterinarian yesterday due to a combination of factors. Over the past few days it had been observed that the chick was half the size of its two siblings, was unable to sit up or lift its head, and had been underfed in comparison to its siblings. During feedings, the parents had largely been focusing on feeding the chick’s siblings who are already very capable of sitting up, lifting their heads, and are much more mobile, whereas the smaller chick was only receiving an occasional scrap.
We will continue to provide updates on the small chick’s status as they become available.