On the evening of May 31, one of the Richmond Peregrine Falcon chicks -- from atop the Riverfront Plaza Building in downtown Richmond -- was admitted to the Wildlife Center. According to the Richmond Falcon Cam website, the smallest of the three chicks, which hatched on May 18, did not seem to be doing as well as the others. VDGIF biologists decided to remove the falcon chick from the nest; it made a quick stop at a local veterinary clinic before it was transported to the Wildlife Center that same day.
Dr. Peach, one of the Center's veterinarians, examined the chick when it arrived. Upon arrival, the chick was bright, vocalizing, and exhibiting normal nestling behavior. The chick was a little thin, but was hydrated and weighed in at 242 grams. Dr. Peach hand-fed the chick a diet of quail meat, which the young bird ate readily.
The team will continue to assess the small falcon today and will consult with VDGIF biologists to determine a long-term plan.
Wildlife Center fans will recognize that this little Peregrine Falcon is a half-sibling to the Center's education falcon, Maggie.