Rescued Cormorant Chicks Thrive in Care After Wind-Damaged Tree Collapse

Over 60 double-crested cormorant eggs and chicks, saved from a failing eucalyptus tree in Marina del Rey, are now healthy and progressing under intensive care at a wildlife center.

• Strong winds earlier this month caused a eucalyptus tree in Marina del Rey's Burton Chace Park to partially collapse, threatening 20 nests of double-crested cormorants.
• On March 10, wildlife biologists and tree contractors conducted a five-hour rescue operation to recover over 60 eggs and chicks from the unstable tree.
• The rescued birds were transported to the International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center in San Pedro, where they are receiving round-the-clock care.
• Staff are providing intensive feeding schedules and specialized handling techniques to ensure the chicks develop without becoming dependent on humans.
• The birds are expected to remain in care for up to three months before being released into the wild, with some chicks already progressing to eating whole fish.

3 Articles

The Guardian Los Angeles Times