As summer heats up in Tucson, the rising temperatures are causing trouble for a lot of the wildlife, especially the babies. Phones at the Tucson Wildlife Center have been ringing off the hook with people concerned about animals in the heat. A lot of those calls have been about Cooper’s Hawk fledglings.
Cooper’s Hawks typically build their nests high in the trees, often with little shade. During the last week, high temperatures have caused many juvenile hawks to leave the nest a little earlier than usual. These young fledglings, which are just starting to grow their feathers and have not yet learned to fly, can fall around 40 feet from the top of their trees.
Most make the fall just fine, and mom and dad are usually close by keeping an eye on them. If the fledgling can stand and flap its wings, just not fly, it is probably okay and should be left alone. The biggest concern would be a broken leg or wing. If they are not standing, or look lethargic, you should call us at 520-290-9435 so we can give you direction on what to do next.
For more information on what to do if you find a baby bird on the ground, check out our website, https://tucsonwildlife.com/rescue-faq/ (I found a bird on the ground, what do I do?)
Stay tuned!
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