Heat prompts thousands of young hawks to leave nest early

TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -

More than 200 young Cooper's hawks have been treated at the Tucson Wildlife Center since Saturday, June 4.  

The Wildlife Center has also been fielding some 550 calls a day about these young birds being found on the ground, according to a news release.

Record-setting heat is causing the young hawks to leave the nest earlier than normal. 

"In the heat of the day, tortoises will be underground, most desert animals will be underground or seek out shade," said Lisa Bates, founder of Tucson Wildlife Center. "A bird’s body temperature is 106 degrees, so they can take more heat than we can, but not much. Try to imagine yourself in the canopy of a tree that has no shade. Try to imagine yourself sitting in the blazing sun all day long with no breeze. It’s miserable for all animals."

June is when most young Cooper's hawks leave their nests, as they develop the ability to fly they typically spend a week on the ground learning.

The hotter than normal temperatures are speeding up this natural process.