On Saturday, the Arizona Game and Fish Department announced that the peregrine chick, which had been living in downtown Phoenix, died after falling from its nest. The chick had been rescued earlier and appeared to good health.
Game and Fish officials returned the chick to the nest after it had received a positive examination Saturday afternoon. “Unfortunately, it appears the trauma of the fall, combined with the unseasonably high temperatures, proved too much for the chick, which has died,” officials told the public in a Facebook post.
“Earlier the chick underwent a physical examination, was hydrated and underwent X-rays to check for any broken bones. It was found to be well enough to be returned to the nest. It’s likely the chick succumbed to an internal injury that was not evident during its exam earlier today,” wrote officials.
The peregrine family had been viewed all over the world after officials placed a camera in the nest located on the Maricopa County administration building.
The male chick was hatched on May 8, 2016.
“We wish to thank viewers around the world that came along with us on this uncharted journey. It is our hope that, despite the outcome, you gained an appreciation for our wildlife and the many challenges they face. Participating in an unfiltered view of wildlife offers an unpredictable glimpse into the real-time joy and drama facing these peregrines, 40 percent of which don’t survive their first year,” concluded officials.