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| Toxic nest?; PH chick deaths | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 12 2009, 07:28 AM (613 Views) | |
| DawnGlo | Apr 12 2009, 07:28 AM Post #1 |
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Advanced Member
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Is there any way to culture the nest to see if there is something in there that caused the deaths of both chicks? It seems, to many of us who have observed the nest, that the same thing happened to both chicks. Both were apparently well in the evening and it seemed they both died during the night. Could there be a parasite or bacterial infection that entered the nest at some point? I know it is a purely human thing, but finding out what happened at this nest - and if it can be avoided in the future - would help many of us bring closure to this very sad nesting season at Pelican Harbor. Thank you, Dr. Sharpe and the entire IWS team, for all you do! |
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| Artsy Mom | Apr 12 2009, 08:58 AM Post #2 |
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Advanced Member
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Since there seemed to be excessive digging in the nest especially by K26, is it possible that mold spores were released into the air and aspirated by the eaglets which then caused their untimely deaths? Would the natural elements take care of the problem over time or would this become a 'toxic' nest without intervention to clean it up? |
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| wrightflyer | Apr 12 2009, 09:47 AM Post #3 |
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Advanced Member
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The other possibility that I thought of is that possibly something was dumped and contaminated fish in their area. Now that both parents are off the nest (off and on), will it be possible to get samples from both the nest "leftovers" and if there, the deceased chicks for toxicological testing? It may be local, or it could affect other eagles(?) Concerned as well for 10 and 26. I know you are probably 10 steps ahead of all the questions. But had to ask. Thanks for all you and your team do. Really want to find out what happened.
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| Eagle Guy | Apr 13 2009, 09:02 AM Post #4 |
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Advanced Member
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With unlimited money, we could culture the nest, but I don't think it would show much. The Channel Islands get no rain for nearly 8 months, so that nest is bone dry much of the year. Between that and the sunlight, most things should be killed off in the nest. I haven't heard of a red tide episode recently, but a neurotoxin in the fish could potentially kill a young chick and not have much affect on an adult. |
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Thanks for all you and your team do. Really want to find out what happened.
4:56 PM Jul 10