chicks

Jackie and Shadow have diligently tended to their chicks, trading off feeding and sleeping times while protecting them from the elements.

The two already hatched chicks, who will be named by the public in the days to come, are “looking much stronger than they were even yesterday,” according to Steers.

The birds may be flocking to urban areas to find food to feed their chicks during the breeding season, switching back to a natural diet once their youngsters have fledged.

Without the protective cover of the wetlands, their chicks are more likely to be captured by eagles.

When Russo was able to return briefly to her property, she found that a hen, four chicks and a rooster were gone.