I'm so sad to hear that despite doing everything possible to help this wonderful creature along, it still wasn't possible to prevent nature taking its sometimes cruel path. I take comfort in knowing that this beautiful and proud bird was given every possible chance to have the outcome we all wanted to see, much more than one of these birds would have had without human intervention. And as hard to take as the final outcome is, I'm relieved to know that at least she didn't have to suffer a slow and agonizing death that she might have had in the wild. Thank you so much to all who have helped in caring for this bird, particularly those at Audubon, and a special thanks to Bob. I'm sure that this news is even harder to take for all of you who participated in her care. You did a wonderful job, and I know you'll continue to do so in the future. My condolences.

I am saddened by this news, and as I write am crying like she was my child.I watched her from the very beginning taking care of these babies, and hopefully someone will take over this nest. I am very happy that you all cared so much for these hawks, and the female in particular. How do they get these things? WHy do they get them?
I know that this is probably harder for you than it is for me, but know that the people you made this possible for are thinking about you. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. You do wonderful things all the time. Can you tell me what the male and or babies will do now?
God Bless you. Keep up the good work.
Lori from Atlanta georgia

Oh wow...that is very sad news but thank you all for trying your best to save her life. As was mentioned she at least had a chance with your help.

Lori, the raptor that died was the girl baby...not the mother.

Hi Bob. Like everyone else writing to you today, I have tears pouring down my face in sadness. Such a beautiful creature, and such a sad ending. I know it is even harder for you and the folks at Audubon, who have tried to help this sweet creature to survive. Thank you from all of our hearts for treating her with respect and not letting her suffer. I hope the family will use the nest again next year. In spite of a sad ending, I am grateful to all of you for having gotten to watch this unfold from the time the eggs were laid until now. I will always feel special about the red tails thanks to you. And I can watch my video to see them together. Will still check in hoping for good news of her brother and parents. Thank you for the updates Bob.

Hi Bob. Like everyone else writing to you today, I have tears pouring down my face in sadness. Such a beautiful creature, and such a sad ending. I know it is even harder for you and the folks at Audubon, who have tried to help this sweet creature to survive. Thank you from all of our hearts for treating her with respect and not letting her suffer. I hope the family will use the nest again next year. In spite of a sad ending, I am grateful to all of you for having gotten to watch this unfold from the time the eggs were laid until now. I will always feel special about the red tails thanks to you. And I can watch my video to see them together. Will still check in hoping for good news of her brother and parents. Thank you for the updates Bob.

Bob, thank you for letting us know. I'm sure it was hard for you to write that knowing how many fans the raptors have. I like to think she had a good, but short life that gave pleasure and pain to all of us addictively watching. I know you all did the best you could and she is out there somewhere, her spirit soaring. Sadly, Julie L.

Was this female hawk the same one that landed in front of the Benson Hotel?

And is she the second born chick?

It appeared that the second born slept a lot, was a little slower and had more troubles getting food etc, and was more “bullied” than the first born.

Do you think she was born with some deficiencies?

I am very sad to hear this news. It is good to know that the female was in good hands when she passed away.
I have been watching these hawks since the beginning. I just watched all the videos over again….

J I believe the firstborn was the one who left the nest first and was hit by the car, ending up in front of the Benson. 3 or 4 days later the second to hatch who didnt want to leave the nest, finally took flight and ended up being blown into a building. In his blogs I believe Bob referred to her as a female, if I remember correctly. Maybe Bob can clarify if she was the second born and if this is correct.

thank you bob, and thank you to all who took good care of the little girl. i am in north carolina and have enjoyed watching the little ones get so big. they were so cute trying to figure out their wings! hope the little boy gets along well.

Very sad that this beautiful animal had to die so young. She did much good in her very short life--as an ambassador of her species. And of course Bob you are amazing. Please know that there are many silent viewers as well as the active bloggers on this sight, and the message spreads far and wide. Now if only all of us would volunteer some hours at Audubon, or another wildlife rehab or animal humane center. (there is a rehab center in Molalla and in Astoria, and central Oregon...as well as Audubon.

Here is a possible way to give back to some of the animals that share our world: A benefit concert on the lawn of an elk farm in Molalla. It's easy to find and less than an hour from downtown Portland. And it's this Saturday. Please note this is not Audubon but maybe when your hearts are big you can embrace many.

Country Rock Concert at the farm...a very relaxing setting, close to Molalla with easy parking.

Live music and barbecue to benefit wildlife.
The American Wildlife Foundation is holding their annual Big Elk Band and Barbecue fundraiser this Saturday, July 11 at Rosse Posse Acres Elk Farm (32690 S. Mathias Rd., Molalla) from 5 to 9 p.m.
Admission is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The money will go toward the American Wildlife Foundation located in Molalla. AWF is devoted to teaching people to care for and about wildlife and the environment. They also operate a shelter caring for injured and orphaned wildlife.
The event will have vendors, a variety of food, beer and wine for sale, a petting zoo, elk viewing, educational displays and a face painter. The Dirt Farm Cowboys, a country southern rock band, will be performing.
For tickets, e-mail Brenda@rosseposseacres.com or call 503-829-7107.

When something similar happened with some baby crows we were watching (actually, a redtail got them after they fledged), I reminded myself that if all the baby crows lived long lives we'd have way too many crows! (I cried, nevertheless!) With hawks it may be a little different, but nature does need to take its course.

As Bob has pointed out, there are thousands of redtails that fledged young this spring, plus each pair nests every year. It's probably normal that some, perhaps many, don't not make it. In this case, I was a little concerned (pretty much out of ignorance) of us doing too much for a weaker bird to the point of it having the opportunity to reproduce.

What a story! As for identifying the other youngster, perhaps Bob can verify that the young ones are much lighter when seen from below.

I have signed up as a volunteer because of Bob and the baby raptors. I'm really looking forward to it. (I have been a volunteer at the Zoo and Humane Society in the past.) I'm really looking forward to it. Training starts in August.

Bob, were you able to make it downtown to see if the other hawks are in the area?

I'm curious if anyone has seen the other baby to know if he's surviving alright.

I was going to try and make it down there myself, but have not yet had time.

Anyone in Bank tower seen 'em?

Thanks

I am in the bank tower and I have not seen them lately. I keep looking....