Minnesota. Boswell, G.S.B. Falcons, Hibbard,Xcel Energie (King/Sherco/Blackdog) Great River Energy, Rochester, Mayo Clinic

King

GSB Falcons

We are sad to share some difficult news about the Mayo clinic brood of chicks in Rochester, MN. All four chicks appear to have died at some point today, at about a week of age. We are uncertain as to the cause of death, and may never know. MPS and the Mayo heritage team are working closely together to continue to observe the adults and see if we can identify the cause of death in the chicks.

We need to remember that web cams can be a great tool for monitoring wildlife and get a glimpse into their life. However, it can also be a difficult time to witness death of something so very young, but it is not necessarily that uncommon.

As we learn more about the site, we will share it here with you.

Jackie,VP Field Operations for MPS

clip Terka

Mayo Clinic.

We received more information from the Madison Wildlife Diagnostic Lab, regarding the Mayo Clinic peregrine chicks in Rochester, MN which passed on May 11th. An exact cause of death was not determined, but there is strong evidence to suggest an unknown toxin was consumed by the chicks. The below is a press release from the Mayo Clinic re: this event and loss.

Jackie, MPS VP of Field Operations

Suspected cause of death in falcon chicks includes poisoning

Fans and followers of the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program have been waiting for answers on why this year’s falcon hatchlings passed away on May 11 in Rochester.

One suspected cause of death of Mayo’s falcon chicks is poisoning. That’s according to a report from a wildlife diagnostics lab in Madison, Wisconsin, where the chicks’ remains had been sent for study. A test of whether a viral infection could have caused the hatchlings’ demise is pending.

The source of the potential toxin is unknown. Mayo Clinic does not use poisons for pest control on the Rochester campus.

“Although the loss is hard to watch, death occurs frequently in nature,” says Jacquelyn Fallon, Midwest Peregrine Society. “With toxicity as a suspected cause of death, it is a reminder how poisons are an indiscriminate killer and, if used, the wide range of effect they can have on species in the area.”

The hatchlings' deaths were a surprise. Their quick demise was witnessed by many through Mayo’s live falcon cam. Hundreds of falcon fans expressed their condolences to Mayo Clinic and hoped for answers. Mayo Clinic has offered the falcon program for 31 years.

Fears of whether falcon parents Orton and Hattie would meet the same fate were calmed recently when the two birds were spotted flying in the area, although they are spending much less time in their nesting box.