A second fledgling has hit a window, was being treated for a concussion in a rehab facility. Now 2 are gone. Sad update today:
From FB:
I am very sorry to have to post this message from Rick Schubert, Schuylkill Wildlife Clinic Director:
Important notice
The RTH from the Franklin Institute died last night.
We are unsure exactly why this happened, although it is not surprising when an animal has severe blunt impact trauma from flying into a window and then falls a long distance to the ground. There is often internal damage and organ rupturing that cannot be seen, felt, or detected. The majority of red-tailed hawks do not make it to adulthood.
Both the Clinic staff and Dr. Boutette did everything possible for the bird.
This is the reality of wildlife in the city. For four years with the Hawkcam we had fairy-tale endings, which is far from typical. Typically, the world of humans and the world of animals collide and life is brutal, ugly, and short. That’s why wildlife rehabilitators are here, to undo what little damage we can and to alleviate what suffering we can. Now we have to move on and focus on the other four hawks we are currently caring for, as well as the thousands of other animals. Hopefully the last fledgling will survive and fly off and life will go on for these hawks and all the other wildlife.
May he fly high and free.