The Tamarack Wildlife Center in Saegertown, Crawford County, treated an osprey that was found outside his nest at Moraine State Park on Friday night. The bird died of its injuries on Monday.

An osprey chick that was living on the nesting tower at Moraine State Park died Monday night.

Rehabilitation specialists at the Tamarack Wildlife Center treated the chick after Moraine rangers brought him in Saturday afternoon. He was found outside his nest Friday night.

Initial evaluation at the Tamarack Wildlife Center found that the chick was not severely injured beyond dehydration.

However, Carol Holmgren, executive director of center, said the chick had some further health issues. “There could have been a pulmonary embolism he obtained from the fall,” she said Tuesday. “We put a lot into our patients, and it is hard emotionally when they pass away.”

The Tamarack Wildlife Center in Saegertown, Crawford County, is a nonprofit wildlife treatment center that takes in injured wild animals from the public. The center treats animals at no charge and is funded by donations.

Holmgren said the staff performed all the usual checks on the fallen osprey, including its nutritional status, wounds and external injuries, and they even performed blood work tests and X-rays.

While the animal doctors at Tamarack were unable to save the patient, Holmgren said they will try to find the root cause of death to help treat similar injuries in the future.

“We put a lot into this little tyke and we would like answers,” she said. “Part of what we take comfort in is knowing we are doing the best for our patients, and dedicating ourselves to learn from every case.”

Moraine State Park has been working to improve its osprey population for years after the species had been listed as endangered in the 1980s. The Moraine Preservation Fund built a nesting tower specifically to help the birds repopulate, and an osprey family has been nesting on top since March.

Holmgren said the injured osprey has two siblings in the nest, along with its parents. For this reason and because of his young age, the staff had to take precautions in treatment to avoid imprinting or other negative effects of human interaction. She also said the remaining chicks could have a better chance of survival because they will have a bigger share of food.

Despite the challenges in treating the osprey, Holmgren said it is worth it because of the unique qualities of the bird, and the difficult history of the species. “These birds have made a very successful comeback,” Holmgren said. “It's a real privilege to treat this little guy.”

To watch development of the other chicks, visit MorainePreservationFund.org.