Nest Drop at Ptero Cliffs

The morning was calm until gusty winds picked up near Ptero Cliffs around 08:10. As nesting activity intensified, several adult Pteranodons were seen circling anxiously along the cliff edge. At 08:27 observers reported that a coastal nest had partially detached and a young chick had tumbled onto a narrow rocky ledge below.

The response team moved swiftly: two field staff descended designated safety routes, secured the airspace for returning adults and carefully retrieved the weakened chick. A quick examination revealed superficial abrasions and mild hypothermia — the chick is stable and responsive to stimulus.

The bird was placed in a warmed field shelter on the cliff where it received first aid and temperature support. For the next 48 hours the juvenile will be under intensified monitoring: two staff members on rotation and a temporary wind shield installed to reduce exposure to adjacent nests.

The incident did not alter overall nesting numbers but highlighted the elevated risks during clutching and rearing. Action steps include enhanced weather monitoring, additional protective measures for vulnerable nests and updated cliffwork safety protocols for the team.