On His Way To Rehab

Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect -- before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect, 21 June 2015, 8:41am — before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)

This afternoon the Pitt peregrine chick flew for the second time and landed, unscathed, on the patio at Hillman Library.  Though Fledge Watchers were on the scene from noon to 2:30pm we missed him again, though we did see his parents.

Silver’s second flight was another straight down drop from the nest location, a vertical distance of 400 feet.  In the 14 years I’ve monitored this nest, we have never had a fledgling land on the ground on his first flight, let alone his second.

This unusual performance was puzzling to the PA Game Commission so they took a very close look at the bird.  Silver wasn’t injured by his two trips but his right wing has a feather-growth defect that explains why he can’t fly.  Officer Puhala called me to say he had recovered the bird at Hillman Library. The defect is sending the fledgling to rehab.

I looked for motion detection snapshots of the feather defect and was surprised it was so obvious.  It was there before he took his first flight.  We just never noticed. (All of the photos are from early morning June 21 before Silver left the nest.)

As you can see, his right wing is missing most of its secondaries, one of his primaries is flipped, and his upper wing coverts are short or missing.  Simply put, Silver’s wings are lopsided.  Of course he goes straight to the ground.

In this condition he cannot learn to hunt and would not survive his first year in the wild.  If it’s not a permanent defect — if he actually has the proper feather follicles — then he must go through a complete molt (a year from now) before he can begin to fly.  After the molt he will have to be taught to hunt before he can be released.  If his feather defect is permanent, he will become an education bird.  In any case, he’ll be in rehab for quite a while.

Below are more photos from before he ever attempted to fly.

Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect -- before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feathering defect, 21 June, 8:41am — before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)

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Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect -- before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feathering defect — before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)

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Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect -- before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)
Pitt peregrine chick, right wing feather defect — before first flight (photo from the National Aviary snapshot cam at Univ of Pittsburgh)

In late May we knew he was a special needs bird.  Now he’ll get the special attention he needs.

p.s. At this time we do not know what caused the defect.

(photos from the National Aviary snapshot camera at the University of Pittsburgh)

79 thoughts on “On His Way To Rehab

  1. Silver is in good hands, and he has always tested our nerves with his antics.
    It would have broken my heart if he was severely injured. At least he will still
    have a great life.

  2. oh boy. poor silver. he has overcome so many obstacles and now this. well at least it was caught and he is in the capable hands of rehab. Is the rehab here in PA Kate and please keep us posted (i know you will lol) on his progress. Wishing this baby all the best.

  3. So glad he was found and is going to rehab. I felt something was wrong watching him in the nest box and on the perch. If he can not be returned to the wild he will be a beautiful educational bird. It’s comforting to know he is safe and well taken care of!

  4. Hi Kate…thanks for the update. I was waiting to see your latest post to reach out; my coworker and I are actually the ones who spotted the chick on the ground today. I noticed him around 3:50 on the the patio behind Posvar Hall (near the side closest to Roberto Clemente Drive/Katz Grad school). Thanks to your wonderful blog, I knew right away to call the Pitt Police, who got in touch with the Game Commission. Once they rescued him, I knew he was in good hands. Thanks for all the info you’ve provided and hope the little guy continues to do well!

    1. Erin, thanks for being so instrumental in getting Silver into good hands.

  5. Thanks for timely update and knowing the outcome. S/he has many followers wanting the best.

    Will you be updating periodically on where Silver/Fuzzy has been taken (raptor rehab center) and his/her progress?

    How do the parents react when the chick ‘just goes away’?

  6. Thank you Kate for keeping us informed. Fuzzy/Silver is such a special bird. It is good to know that he was located and and due to the circumstances of his “flight” that the specialists have taken a closer look at him, determined there is a problem, and have sent him to rehab. He is truly a little fighter and I just know he will have a good life regardless of the rehab outcome. I hope you will be given updates that you will be able to share with those of us that have been keeping a watchful eye on him and have become so as
    attached.

  7. How will Dorothy react to her chick being gone? Will she leave the area now? I have loved watching Silver/Fuzzy and am sad that he won’t be able to live in the wild at this point in time, but very happy he will be getting the care he needs to survive.

  8. Thanks Kate. It certainly has been a memorable year. I’m so grateful that he is getting the care he needs & this was discovered before he was hurt. Hope he eventually can be released, but only time will tell. He is quite remarkable.

  9. Oh dear. I’m glad Silver/Fuzzy will be receiving special care but how will Dorothy and E2 react to their chick’s disappearance? Seems like it would be confusing to them. Were they nearby when s/he was rescued this time?

  10. Thanks, Kate, for the news. As many fledglings as I’ve seen and handled, can’t believe I didn’t notice either. So many other things to see, plus hoping so hard for Silver. Given the circumstances, this is the best possible outcome. So glad she was unhurt during these adventures (400 ft down, twice! keeping company w a red-tailed hawk for goodness sake!). Sure hope she can eventually experience full flight. You go, girl!
    Please let us know if there’s any way to get updates on her progress in rehab.
    Thanks again for the great information you provide!

  11. I don’t know if this is in anyway related, but several weeks ago when Silver was on his back for extended periods, several times when Dorothy attempted to right him, she was stepping on the wing.

  12. This Looks pretty Severe to me, is there some Reason the Experts Didn’t Pick this Up when he was Banded & put back in the Nest?
    Are Parents going to wonder where he / she is & be Looking for him?

  13. Thanks for the update Kate! Poor little guy! I hope things turn out for thr best..please keep us posted on his progress!

  14. I thought maybe one of those times Dorothy flipped Silver over that the wing might be damaged, but not being an expert, just didn’t think about it again. Could this also be why Silver kept flipping onto her back? I’m glad the falcon will be in a protected place. How are Dorothy and E2 taking this? Have they been vocalizing since Silver was picked up?

  15. What does it mean “rehab” Will his parents think he just vanished? or will they continue to be able to feed him? Since he was examined to day we know if “Silver” is actually a he or a she????? Thanks for all your help

  16. Wow, how could we all have missed this ?
    Can scar tissue do this? (due to the period he was more on his back then up-right).
    Poor little guy, at least the drive to fly was there.
    I hope it will be okay after the full molt. Happy that he was found and now in good care. Thanks Kate, your update is much appreciated!

  17. I have to say that I am relieved that he will be in rehab and watched over for some time to come. I, like so many others, saw nothing but difficulty if he remained on his own. I have to say, Kate, that I am so with you when I look at those pictures. How did we not see that?!

  18. Guess he wanted to do some reading 🙂 Seriously though, this attempt must’ve been a bit more harrowing since he crossed both Bigelow and Forbes so it’s a good thing he made it to the patio rather than landing in the street. This certainly has been an interesting season with no shortage of drama.

  19. Thank you , Kate, for the update. I’m so glad that this little guy’s special needs will be monitored and adjusted as needed. From the beginning, those who watch these wonderful creatures knew he had some special needs. So glad he was rescued in time. I hope he may continue Dorothy’s lineage. Keep us posted.

  20. Many thx Kate for your descriptive update on Silver! So glad he/she will be well taken care of. Will await for next molting season and your update then! The pics are very clear to see of the right wing! Thank-you again! (from Diane)

  21. Seeing what parasites can do to songbirds, I wonder if they damaged the feather follicles. I know we may never know. This is the best outcome, given the situation. Thankfully, the chick is safe and being cared for.

  22. Sad to hear about this problem but relieved it was found and he will be taken care of properly. I will miss checking in on him but know he is being well cared for. Please keep us posted as to his condition Kate and maybe they will let you know if Silver is a he or she. Dorothy and E2, you did a great job and hope to see more of you next year!

  23. This little one has turned into the news story of the season. I have to admit to becoming so attached to him, I was emotional and ready to rescue him myself. I was in the state where emotion and rational thought become the twilight zone. I will keep pulling for him and hope that the molt will rectify his feather condition. He’s trying and isn’t that what we all do under the most difficult situations? He has courage and tenacity. That is the stuff a good falcon is made of. Even if he becomes an ambassabird, what a story he has to tell about him/herself and his Mom. May have a stronger fan base than the Steelers. Study hard little one. We’re all pulling for you.

  24. Kate, thank you so very much for letting everyone know about Silver/Fuzzy. I have been checking your site all day. Silver is in great hands and will do well in rehab…he has such a thriving spirit!

  25. Kate, I was back & forth on the Hays site and read Silver was recovered and taken to rehab. Thank you for providing us with more info. When Silver was picked up the other day, didn’t the GC check her/him out before returning it to the nest? I would have thought they would have checked for broken bones and saw the feathering defect. Again, thank you for updating Silver’s family.

  26. Kate: Thanks so much for the update on the chick. Glad to know it will be in good hands. Thanks so much for calming my nerves! You guys do a great job! Very much appreciated. Silver, be a good chick for the rehabbers and do not attempt to escape!

  27. Very glad and thankful Silver was found and is getting the care he needs. Although the rehab won’t be revealed, I hope the PGC will offer updates via FB. Silver’s story would make a fantastic story for ‘Game News’ which we have subscribed to for many years.

  28. Thanks so much for letting us know what happened with this little one. My first year here, and it has kept me on the edge of my chair. Glad that he/she will be getting the needed attention, and either way, will hopefully live a long, terrific life.

  29. What a relief. Like many others, I’ve been concerned about how this chick would fare in the wild, so it’s good to know Silver will be cared for properly. I know you’ll keep us informed about how rehab goes, and thank you for that. Thanks to Erin G for spotting Silver and knowing what to do!

  30. This chick really has the support team any creature could want. What would this world be like if everyone got the support this chick is getting.

  31. Thanks for all the answers and updates, Kate! One other question: you said that Silver’s second flight was a drop straight down from the nest, but isn’t Hillman Library on the other side of Forbes? Does anybody know how he made it across? Even as a human, crossing Forbes on foot is pretty harrowing!

    At any rate, I’m so happy to know that s/he’ll be taken care of, though I’ll miss seeing him on the webcam. It’s been really touching to watch him progress from a hatchling to a (sort of?) fledgling, and I hope we get to hear more about Silver from the PGC at some point down the road. Thanks for helping us all to share his/her journey through your blog!

  32. Thanks so much for the update and knowing what information we need…I really appreciate and enjoy reading your blog…

  33. Thanks Kate, I do hope though if we aren’t allowed to know what rehab Silver is at, they will take pictures or a video of him so we can see his progress. Thanks for all your information.

  34. Oh my! Fuzzy is turning out to be the Peregrine with 9 lives.
    So glad to know he is in safe, professional hands.
    Thankyou for your updates.

  35. Thanks, Kate for all of the information. I totally did not see that feather issue and it is so obvious in those stills you shared. Wow. I am so thankful that Silver is in great hands where ever the PGC has him. I truly appreciate the opportunity we’ve had to see this family. This is my first year watching it and it has been a joy to learn so much about the peregrine falcons. Thanks for what you do to help us understand what we are seeing from your experience and for also saying that we just don’t know about some things as we all watch and learn. I look forward to hearing any updates about Dorothy and E2’s special baby, Silver!

  36. Would they ever capture Dorothy and take her to the chick so she can see that it is ok and maybe feed it?? I realize that I am putting human emotions here but it just seems from all animals there is that bond with the mother. Probably would help chick also if Dorothy was with it again if only for a couple days. Just a thought. But, seriously I think since this baby has stolen so many of our hearts we deserve to get updates or if baby becomes educational bird where we could go see him/ her.

  37. Thank you so much for the update on Silver. He captured my heart the day he was born. I have been grieving the loss of Bronx from Rochester just yesterday. This was so good to see. Now I don’t have to worry about this little one not making it!

  38. This has been an amazing story to follow! I am one of many viewers from the UK and have followed Fuzzy/Silver’s story since the days he was flipped over. Watching Dorothy’s unstinting care of her chick and Fuzzy’s own (seemingly) determination to thrive, has been inspirational. After all the attention and effort it is gratifying to know that he/she will be given every chance to survive in a safe environment. What a story he has to tell to many once he is living in an educational environment. With a full history of supporting stills and video Fuzzy’s story will no doubt inspire a whole new generation and audience to give their support to these magnificent birds. Heigh ho Silver, way to go!

  39. So glad the that Silver(Fuzzy to some of us), will get the care he needs! hopefully next year will see him fully fledged & capable!

  40. Another lovely update from you Kate. It’s good to know that the young falcon will be cared for and looked after until he can be safely put back in the wild or if this is not possible he will have a home for life. well done to all that has helped “little chick”

  41. WOW…I never imagined I would read such good news today. What a relief……I am so glad Erin spotted Silver/Fuzzy yesterday enabling the bird to be rescued. And so glad to know S/he is in rehab with a good chance to survive. Needless to say, lots of prayers being said. This was the best possible outcome. Thank you, Kate, and everyone involved.

  42. I read your blog first thing every morning! I learn so much. Fuzzy/Silver was so lucky to be hatched to such caring parents. He is Pittsburgh Strong thus his tenacity to overcome all the obstacles he faced. His story would make a perfect children’s book on how to never give up.

  43. Thanks for the update and I’m so glad Silver is going to be ok. I was one of the crazy people that called the Aviary so worried when he was stuck on his back. I’m glad he’ll have a good life now even if he can’t go out on his own. I love following your blog and all the news you provide. Thanks again.

  44. Hi Kate, Wonderful to see this bird and our Eagles in Hayes. I am 76 and if we had had this when I was in school I would have followed my dream to be a scientist for wild life or a Game Warden. Of course all things such as this came for girls to late for some of us. I just know you are thrilled to learn these things. My mother liked monkeys and had a couple back when I was about 12. I now have 2 ferret jills and one is deaf and I taught her some basic hand signals. Sorry, back to the Falcons, I read about them in books about Alaska and Canada when I was in school. The Golden Bald Eagle I am proud of and glad they didn’t become extinct like the recent Eastern Mt. Lion. I keep up with the Blackfooted Ferret and have kept in touch with the gentlemen who care for them. Dr. Wagoner is our vet for the Ferrets (mustlafuro). The day the falcon couldn’t turn over I called around till I got a game warden phone number. That was alot of stress on mom/dad and the eyas. After I reached Dr. Wagoner, thankyou Lord, the mother got it turned over. I was watching him and he seemed introuble health wise. Thankyou all for what you do. I noticed the feathers on the right seemed different and he kept putting the left wing out but, the right wing seemed hurt. Then one day I saw he had no feathers on the right side. I just assumed they hadn’t come out since he was behind. 1 ques. could his prob. be because of moms age???

  45. Kate, i remember the time when Dorothy flipped silver when he was on his back and if i remember correctly, she grabbed him by his wing to turn him over. Just a thought, but is it possible his wing was injured at that time?

  46. Thanks for the update Kate. Poor Dorothy and E2. Although they will see this as normal in the wild it is still sad that they went through so much to keep this little one alive. I hope Silver will get the help he/she needs and will still live a long life.

  47. I just wanted to say Thank You for all you do to inform and educate us. I’ve been watching Dorothy for a few years now and also watch the Hays Eagles. I read your blog each day and have been going back through the archives as well. I’ve learned so much! I don’t get around as well as I used to and so watching the cams and reading up on our birds has really helped me feel a bit more in touch with nature than I would otherwise. I can’t thank you enough for all you do and how much it means to me and so many others.

  48. Thanks for all you do. Dorothy and E2 did all they could, now it’s up to the humans. But “Rehabbing in an undisclosed location”- what a celebrity!

  49. Although I am sad that I will no longer be able to tune in and watch his remarkable process I am so glad that he is ok and in good hands. I am truly in awe and so blessed to have been able to witness nature at it’s finest. Dorothy and E2 proved that not only could they care for this little miracle but also adapt on the fly to his unique needs. Thank you to all who work hard to provide us wih this wonderful experience. See you next year (God willing). Dorothy and E2 you truly are rock stars!

  50. I am soooo happy he is going to get the help he needs. Now I can sleep at nite, and not worry about what will happen to him. THANK YOU for all the great work you do with these birds, it is dedicated people like you that help endangered wildlife thrive, when they would be hawk food in the wild. Thanks again

  51. Dorothy was just in the nest box making a scrape (I think the indention in the rocks is called that). Then she left. Thanks Kate for caring and being so helpful and informative. Glad the little one will be given a chance to thrive!

  52. Silver is a fighter, and will, now, lead a good life HIS way. How grateful we can be for you, the vet, all you’re “eyes”, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Silver will be helped.

  53. Ah, such a shame. It was likely the rough handling that Dorothy had to use while he was struggling, leg bands catching on pinfeathers that took out a section of follicles. Leg bands don’t get a free pass from me, especially the jagged, protruding type that we have here.

  54. Thank you for keeping watch for us year after year. Poor birdie! It really is amazing that Dorothy is still with us. I’ll keep hoping for a full set of feathers for Silver!

  55. Thank you, again and again …

    One last question / comment …. about the Gravel in the scrape :

    This is not a “real” scrape, in/on a mountain side… where parents pick at the side to loosen rocks, to “re-fill” the scrape. And even Silver instinctively “hugged” and picked the edge.
    This scrape is a “man-made” concrete “box” … with “smooth” walls and a slick base. Since Dorothy and E2 keep “eating” the pebbles = they go “away” .
    Silver had a hard time to get “traction” to “get up”…. Silver was making “gravel – angels”.
    Now that Silver’s safety is no longer an issue, and D and E come and go ….

    Will the Game Commission or the Aviary or somebody add more gravel ?

    Please.

  56. SOME ANSWERS TO YOUR MANY QUESTIONS. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE POSTING YOUR QUESTIONS. I WILL ADD NEW ANSWERS HERE SO CHECK BACK OFTEN
    1. The parents’ reaction to his disappearance: Dorothy and E2 look and listen for a while but it is up to the chick to shout and tell them where he is. (Shouting is good.) Peregrine chicks have a 60% mortality rate so the majority of their young die (sometimes they’ve seen it happen) or simply disappear. This is normal to them. It is a fact of life in the wild. (See Answer #11 too.)

    2. Will Dorothy & E2 leave now? No they stay at Pitt year round regardless of what happens to their chicks.

    3. Why was this not seen at the banding? There was nothing to see. Silver had downy white feathers at banding, not wing feathers. Remember that he had delayed feather development at that time.

    4. Did X, Y or Z (ideas) cause the wing problem? Or comments such as “His wing is bad because of X.” Despite thousands of theories, none of us know why this happened and even the experts might not figure it out. If I find out the reason from the experts I’ll let you know.

    5. What is rehab? Rehab is medical attention and rehabilitation, just like we humans get but this one is for birds. Silver will be cared for by humans, not by his parents.

    6. Where will he be rehabbed? On June 25 his location was disclosed by the Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center. Here’s the news: http://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2015/06/25/location-disclosed/

    7. Did the rehabber test him to find out his sex? I do not know.

    8. Why wasn’t this seen on his first rescue? I don’t know … but I will guess that (a) it is impossible to see the problem unless the wing is completely extended. Hundreds of us watched on camera and completely missed it and (b) a rule of bird rescue is that the rescuer should not to open the bird’s wings because it would cause further damage if the wing’s broken. Rescuers instead watch the bird & see if it folds its wings properly and opens them properly. The bird probably did not open its wings wide to display the problem.

    9. Will you tell us news of Silver? When I hear news I will post it on my blog.

    10. Will they capture Dorothy and take her to visit Silver so she knows he’s OK? No, and here’s why: http://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/peregrine-faqs/the-solitary-nature-of-peregrine-falcons/

    11. Why does Dorothy spend time at the nest now that Silver is gone? Is she sad? Is she trying to re-nest? Click here for the answer.

    12. Did Silver’s 2 flights count as a “fledge”? Yes, he flew as best he could so he is indeed #43 from the Pitt nest.

    13. Comments that more gravel should be added because it’s “too shallow” or “solid like concrete”: There are 300 pounds of gravel in the nest box at the Cathedral of Learning. It is 5 inches deep! (I was there when the box was installed.) In the past few days, both Dorothy and E2 have been making the scrape deeper, proving that the gravel is not rock-solid. For examples of their digging, see time stamps 6/26/15 at 12:24 (E2) and 12:57 (Dorothy). No additional gravel is necessary.

  57. 6/30/2015, 7:30pm: I have no additional news about the Pitt peregrine fledgling. When I have news I will post it.

  58. I was very sorry to hear about the passing of our little feathered friend. Maybe next year It’s been a tough year for the newbies in Pitt including the eagles egg at Hays. Maybe next year will be better.

    1. Patty, I’m sorry but your question is incomprehensible. If you’re asking about bands on the adults at Pitt they both have black/green bands.

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