U of Alberta - 2009 / Damon & Radisson

[bev.]

We were out at the site last night and met up with Becky and Dave.
they had seen all 3 kids  before we got there.
When we arrived we saw one on the back of the medical science building and one was on the Ed building.
we had seen an adult on one of the cranes on our way in.

Becky had watched 2 of the kids eating. One she believes was Froona.

It was a nice quiet evening and so we walked for a bit and then took a coffee break. We can see the Ed building form the window.
Soon we saw all 3 soaring over the Ed building so out we went.  Of course when we get there they  flew off toward the College Plaza.

 It is now close to 9 and we have one  kid on top of the Campus tower an one on the ledge tucked in facing west.
All of a sudden we saw an adult flying with a kid behind ,going from Newton place area to the med science building. and WOW!!!! the youngster on his second attempt grabbed the prey  from moms talons. Yes, our first food exchange  this year, that we witnessed.  So quick and yet so amazing to see. We saw another youngster also but it turned off.
This big prey was solely for this youngster.
So we knew dad had turned in so we had mom and all 3 youngsters in sight before we left.
an awesome evening.

[bob]

My thanks goes to you Bev and Peter. For the past couple of years, we've watched the U of A Falconcams and were privileged to read the odd update after the chicks fledged. Waiting for weeks on end for new info on the falcomcam website was exasperating, to say the least. Thanks to your invite, we were able to (a) watch some of the fledge action as it took place, (b) read a flap by flap description of the fledge process as it went on, and (c) learn so much (almost everything we now know, and we still have so much to learn) about peregrine falcons. Our heartfelt thanks to you both for the opportunity to participate. As Aaaaaarnold says, we'll be back.

[BirdLover]

Bev, you've gone way above and beyond the call of duty - and it wasn't really duty, all of it of your own choosing. You've made a big difference in those falcons' lives. They may not know or appreciate it, but the phanatics certainly do!

Well said, sami!!!  I agree.

[lorac]

Bob and I had a wonderful time!  Can't wait until next summer (even though we have to get through another cold Alberta winter).

[lorac]

No burning out here either.  When I referred to "running all over campus", the area that I was referring to is three and a half short blocks.  When I referred to Bev going to the south end of the main campus, I was referring to an area of approximately five short blocks.  For me, I suppose I'm old and I like to whine. Quite honestly, I can definitely use that wee bit of exercise and I can't think of a more fun way to do it (well, maybe one  ). 

I have enjoyed the fledge watch and felt honoured to be part of it.  Besides the opportunity of watching those puffballs grow into those spectacular birds, Bob and I have had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people.  We've enjoyed spending hours ... sitting ... watching ... chatting ... laughing ... worrying ... being relieved ... with some very fine people.

Bob and I will drop by some time on the weekend.  We don't have a "shift", but we'll want to say hi to our fellow watchers, if we can see them.  We're no longer just the little group in lawnchairs outside the parkade -- not so easy to find.  And we'll see how our feathered friends are doing.  As summer quickly turns into fall, we'll watch as their flights become more confident, their hunting skills more precise ... and then they'll be gone.

And we'll wait for the spring to watch for little brown eggs to appear in the nest.

[carly]

I think I have handled things pretty well.

I think you have as well Bev! 

[Becky M]

Ive been fairly confident in their flying abilities for several days, but Im still going to keep watching because I love seeing these birds fly, and in just a few weeks, I wont have any more falcons to look at until next year. Ive also really enjoyed the social company, so no "burning out" here. We just like seeing what they do/where they go. Ive had an interest in animal behaviour since I started my PhD.
Around 11:30 I saw a young male on top of Education just feasting away! Someone else was over on Newton place, but Im a little far away from my building to tell anything about who that was. I just finished lunch and our friend on Education was sitting there nicely, and I swear he had a "food-baby"!
Dave and I are going to watch tonight to see if we can see another aerial display from our birds, and maybe even some honest-to-goodness stooping (so far, really just chases that are usually interrupted by one of the other kids!)

[jadoo]

...excellent attitude, bev - keep it up!  anyway, it's very difficult to not get attached to any creatures - it'd be a pretty scary world out there if we didn't...(pretty scarier, actually...)...

[bev.]

 I am sensing some of you think I am becoming too involved. Not so. I do know the realities. I am not over the edge, believe me.

When I only spotted 2 kids at first, I was concerned, but prepared at the same time. and sometimes they are in places you cannot see them.

Our Fledge watch is not officially over until Sunday and so we have been monitoring still in  the  evening.

Froona has only been flying  for 6 days, yesterday, and so we wanted to keep monitoring her until Sunday.
Our kids had a lot of human interference this year , which delayed their second flights. so we felt they should still be monitored. You had to be here to know what we were dealing with. that is what was taxing.
but hopefully we can make sure sure this does happen again.
also  because of the intruders  we are just making sure we have 2 adults.

I do know the reality of it all as I have been doing this for a few years now. This year was the most intense as we  just started the official fledge watch. It is needed here. Next year I will not have to tax myself as much as there will be other key people.

I  am well rested now and getting my own life in order. but as last year ,Peter and will go down in the evening  a few times a week until they migrate.
we do enjoy watching them fly and play tag and grow into their wings. this to me is the fun part. what it is all about. And I enjoy watching mom and dad take the time to soar.

In Winnipeg , those in the downtown area can see from work or you are not far . We here have to drive to see our guys.

Having said all this, I am aware , that something can happen when they are out of the area and that is nature. That is why we like to see them tuck in at night. a head count , so to speak.

I am prepared for this . That is the only way I can do this. That is why I accepted Mr. Whites disappearance more easily than others. I have no illusions about it.

My first year of watching was hard, but with all the nest takeovers here and what  the transmitter  girl has endured, I think I have handled things pretty well.

so I will continue to watch when I can and enjoy the antics of our family. I am learning so much more every year about falcons.
so no worries here.

[jadoo]

TPC you speak with the reality of what this world is like when it comes to Nature.

...i'm not sure i'd call it reality, more like a wry admission...after all, "Nature" really is just nature, it isn't cruel, it just is.  we humans tend to personify everything, and anthropomorphize all animals - not a criticism, just an aknowledgement.  i do it all the time.  (even my husband, who is a very no-nonsense type, constantly refers to me as the personification of evil...)

[eagle63_1999]

TPC you speak with the reality of what this world is like when it comes to Nature. Some humans, not saying about anyone here-just saying, have their emotions so involved that when reality hits it hurts them.  It is great that there are so many people becoming involved in the Peregrine watch, it does help this fascinating bird, the Prince of  Birds.

[Saoirse]

Not so much a killjoy as a blast of reality! It's hard to watch these birds hatch and grow, fledge and soar and not feel protective, even possessive. TPC, you've made similar comments on a number of occasions -- and I'm making the assumption that you've come to this knowledge through sometimes painful experience. Speaking for myself only, I appreciate the reminder that, despite all our caring and interest, these ARE wild birds. Nature may be, IS, beautiful and awe-inspiring, but Mother Nature has a harsh and cruel aspect as well.

[The Peregrine Chick]

(Yes, I know I can be a killjoy at times ... is a gift 

[The Peregrine Chick]

Just a suggestion to the Edmonton Fledgewatch, don't burn yourselves out at this point - your kids have been flying for close to two weeks (even Froona) and they are past the awkward "what-do-these-things-do" stage.  And they are starting to fly off campus so it is just as likely that if something does happen to them, it will happen off-campus as easily as on-campus.  Not to dampen your outings or your enthusiasm, but if you are blanketing the campus to keep the chicks safe, you may be burning all your fuel reserves unnecessarily. 

Visit often or occasionally, enjoy the show, keep a watch on them and pat yourselves on the back that you have helped them through the most dangerous part of fledging!  But also start to come to grips with the reality that they are pretty much on their own now, unless they are are spotted by someone (not as guaranteed as one might think) chances are if they run into problems, you won't find them, they won't need your help (they die on impact or whatever) or you won't know about them in time.  It's the "wild" part of wild-nesting peregrine falcons and that means tough love for us humans! 

[BirdLover]

Oh, lorac and backwards bob, that must have been so exciting for you!  I get goosebumps just thinking one of them flying, but all three at the same time is beyond that.  I got to see two of our four flying last night, so I know how you feel 

Thanks for the update.