Manitoba Falcon Cam Forum
Other Peregrine Projects => USA Peregrines => Topic started by: dupre501 on May 25, 2008, 17:33
-
2008 NESTING SEASON
There is live streaming video of peregrine chicks at www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/
There is a wide ledge with the nest box on it, as well as a perch where one of the adults often sits. Since these chicks are a bit older they do not require the adult to cover and protect them.
-
When were they hatched? They are beautiful!
-
I read through the falcon news on this site and it seems the first three eggs were laid March 22 through 27, 2008.
If you can't see any chicks, try back later. I eventually figured out that when the chicks are in the 'box' area, they are almost impossible to see, but when they come forward and over that pipe encasement, they are very visible and with the audio on, it's great! Apart from all the trains, planes, and automobiles, plus a weird distorted sound that is continuous, within the space of 45 min I heard the adult and the chicks squawk (or cry -- sorry I don't know the terminology) and also the chicks footsteps as they moved around. I'm not sure how to see the second camera view -- it says there's two cameras...
The slideshow of the 2008 family and they gallery of photos from several years have some fabulous photos. Does anyone know how to save any of these photos? On the Hamilton sight, it was very easy to save photos and even invited, but the same options don't seem to be offered by right clicking over a photo. Any legal way around this, or would this lack of options indicate copyrights and inability to save photos from their collection? Some of the photos are obviously copyrighted/owned in the gallery, but in the 2008 chicks slideshow there are some great webcam photos that are hard to pass up!
-
Sorry Birdlover, I meant to answer your question about hatching, not laying! The falcon wire news link says three of the 5 eggs hatched on May 2, but doesn't indicate when the 4th egg hatched. I was able to see four chicks, but not 5, so perhaps the fifth didn't make it. The incubation period seems rather long - March 22/27 - May 2 - hopefully that means that if Princess and Trey's eggs don't hatch in the next two days, that there's still a good chance of viability!
-
Seems that there are quite a number of this year's nests that are hatching late, and no the Radisson nest isn't outside the range of incubation periods, so its not quite time to start worrying.
-
A little info on the Harrisburg kids....there are 4...the 5th egg did not hatch. They were banded this past Thursday (5/22). 3 females and 1 undecided ;D, so they put a female band size on just in case. There originally were 2 cams. Currently, only one...and that's the long view that you are seeing. We are trying to convince the "powers that be" to reactivate the second cam...especially now that the little ones are really roaming. There are ways to take pics off of the streaming. Peregrine chick gave an excellent explanation on how to do that....that may be under technical issues...but I will have to go back and look.
Gotta run....hope to be back later.... :)
-
Second cam is now up and running as of this afternoon...but they still gotta tweak it...hope they are able to do that tomorrow...
-
The Harrisburg eyases (hope I spelled that right~that's why I always put "kids".. ;D) have really discovered the ledge...they are romping everywhere and scaring us half to death!!!! Mom and Lil' Dad are keeping very watchful eyes on them...and dad has discovered that if he gives a screaming little one a feather, it "pacifies her" and he can go back to dozing. A few of the chicks have discovered the microphone and decided its a great play toy....they are way too funny....
-
"Up close and personal" pics taken by Reenie....she works in the Rachel Carson building~home of the Harrisburg falcons....just follow the link and click on the individual dates. It will give you an idea of what P & T's kids are gonna look like...Enjoy!!
http://www.hostingphpbb.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=90&mforum=peregrinefalcon&sid=eb086b52c779e8ff8a097887a2865148
-
You're not kidding about 'up close and personal!' Wow. I think I'm glad we don't see all the feeds quite so graphically, but it was good to really see what does go on!
I love today's pics with the little 'mohawk' hair do each of the chicks is sporting with their down sticking up on their heads! So cute!
Thanks for the site referral!
-
Just wanted to let everyone know that Falcon Watch begins tomorrow (June 9). They are getting very close to fledging...It seems I was just watching them hatch yesterday!!!! they are very active this morning...running up and down the ledge...lots of flapping...playing with feathers, attacking their reflection in the window....should be a tense and exciting week.
-
Well, an uneventful day today...lots of flapping, yelling and running up and down the ledge...but only during the morning. It has been unusually hot in Harrisburg the past several days..mid 90's...so by mid morning the juvies are pooped. They spent the majority of yesterday and today chasing whatever shade they could find. Very little prey being delivered...don't know if its due to the heat or the parents withholding food to encourage fledging...We think its the heat. Even when there is prey, the kids are just leaving it alone...and waiting until its cooler to eat...tempers have been flaring and Mom has really been yelling at Lil' Dad and chasing him off the ledge...Well, that's the news from today...
-
First fledge this morning~Silver Girl...She first flew to another part of the Rachel Carson Building (building with the nest box) but didn't quite make that and ended up on the sidewalk. She was rescued (uninjured~whew) and placed on the roof of the Rachel Carson Building...well, it didn't stop there...she left again...landing in some netting at a construction site next door. Then she flew across the street, aiming for a lower building, but didn't make that one and landed on the roof of the building right next door. She was eventually located and we received a pic around 4 pm. All looked well....she was walking around..and in the last pic, she was zonked out in the shade...No other report at this time...but no news is good news...Still 3 juvies on the ledge...hopefully no one else will decide to go this late n the day...
-
Bravo for her!!!! (Or is that, "Brava"?) Gotta admire that perseverance!
-
This fledging stage is really a nail-biter! The number of things these chicks have to overcome just to make it out of the nest is amazing.
Seeing as the 'undecided' chick didn't fledge first, maybe it really is a she!?!
Glad Silver Girl had a successful day (fingers crossed, though!)
-
Quick update...2nd fledge yesterday~Blue girl...long story short: (let's see if I can get this straight) Blue fledges...winds up very close to Silver girl..they eyeball each other and eventually end up together on a lower ledge below the nest box. They stay put all yesterday..this morning...they thought they would give it a go...Blue ended up on the street, next to a parked van..rescued..no injury, but with major attitude. Silver flew, but ended up IN a building under construction..oops...as everyone was amassing for a rescue..she flew out and ended up on the same roof where she spent the first night. Meanwhile, back to Blue...she was taken up to the roof of the nest building and at about 8:00 tonight, fluttered, flapped, fell her way back to the nest ledge where the 2 remaining juvies greated her with kaks and screams. All present and accounted for this evening.
One thing I failed to mention, both Blue and silver were perched above the entrance Of the Carson building this morning...and caused quite the back log of people going to work...one of the falcon watchers said there were so many people taking pictures, someone asked if the building had been evacuated...
The End...for now..
-
Great play-by-play, SGB!
-
I know I'm very behind reporting ... hectic past several days ... all 4 have fledged ... several rescues in the process, as well as some rather dramatic, hold your breath situations...one became entangled in some heavy construction netting ... upside down, but was able to free herself by pulling beak over foot ... another landed on train tracks (no train was coming, thank goodness) one had a minor run in with a bus ... no injury, another got lost in a parking garage ... they don't know how she figured her way out ... one landed on the sidewalk right in front of the watchers ... and currently 3 have returned to the nest ledge to sleep ... WHEW ... all in all they appear to be doing well and are quite feisty ...
Short video of 2 juvies playing on the nest ledge ... enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPUqihC-IFQ
-
All 4 juvies seem to be doing well. Even though Falcon Watch has officially ended, there are several members who continue to go down to the area to keep an eye on the juvies...Red finally fledged on the 14th...was rescued on the 15th and 16th. Reports from today said she was flying well...
That's about it for the news...some of the juvies continue to return to the ledge to sleep...not sure how much longer that will last. Last year, all 4 juvies returned all through the month of July. I don't think this crew will be doing that... :)
-
Update...Red, Green, and Silver continue to return to the ledge..their flying skills have greatly improved..according to a few Falcon watchers who are still going out, even though Falcon Watch has ended..they have not been observed catching their own prey yet...
Blue girl has not been seen since Tuesday morning. 2 of the watchers spent about 4 hours yesterday looking for her in all the known falcon hang outs, as well as known "danger" zones. No luck. We may have to accept the fact that she is gone...but we are still hopeful she will show up...or that we will get word of a rescue that just hasn't been communicated..
-
A quick update for those of you who may be following this nest. Red, Silver, and Green girl continue to return to the nest ledge, though their visit are really decreasing. Still no sign of Blue girl and we've accepted the fact that she may be gone. So ironic that she was one of the stronger flyers of the four at the very beginning. We remain hopeful, but are realistic.
Parents have begun to reclaim the ledge and renew their bonds in the scrape with a lot of bowing and e-chupping...its very sweet....that's all for now...
-
The juvies continue to return regularly to the ledge...we've all decided its because its one of the tallest buildings in Harrisburg..just our humble opinion...
July 10 video of 2 juvies on the ledge...I had to edit a bunch, so its a little choppy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvhqMRwfMlA
Still no sighting or report on the 4th fledgling, Blue girl.. :(
-
FYI~both mom and lil' dad continue to visit the nest ledge...Its a pleasant surprise that dad has not migrated...we hope he stays....
-
On the ledge at Harrisburg today:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/harrisburgdec44a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/harrisburgdec45a.jpg)
-
2009 NESTING SEASON
This webcam switches between views and this morning I caught the view of the nest box with 1 egg. I haven't looked here for a few days so don't know exactly when it was laid.
-
Just wanted to let everyone know that the second egg was laid sometime after dark, either 3/23 or 3/24.
-
The third egg was laid this morning:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/february%202009/harrisburgmar263.jpg)
-
what a great photo!
-
Finally!! I couldn't see the photo at work because they block anything on a storage site!
Outstanding photo Alison!
-
Fourth egg at Harrisburg today! This time I didn't manage to catch her laying the egg.
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/february%202009/harrisburgmar293a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/february%202009/harrisburgmar2910a.jpg)
-
Fifth egg at Harrisburg this morning!
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/february%202009/harrisburgmar311b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/february%202009/harrisburgmar312a.jpg)
-
HOLY.....FIVE? ??? You go girl!!
-
That will be her done!! ;D
-
For sure, but man way to go!!!!!
-
Does anyone know what the record number of eggs for a peregrine is?
-
I'm not sure I heard last year a Falcon laid 6 eggs. Beyond that I am not sure.
-
I am not sure what the "record" is. I do recall that Mariah from Rochester laid 6 eggs in 2006 and 5 hatched. What an incredible falcon she is.
-
I'm not sure I heard last year a Falcon laid 6 eggs. Beyond that I am not sure.
In Saskatoon, Donna, a female from Brandon laid six eggs. Never did hear how she did, will see if I can find out and will post on the Saskatoon Board.
-
Thanks tracy, have been wondering how our pair and their brood made out.
-
Mom must be taking a break. I just saw 5 beautiful eggs in the sunshine. ;D
Here is the link just in case you don't have it: http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/
-
Does anyone know what the record number of eggs for a peregrine is?
I'm not absolutely sure what the record is. Last year at the Alliant Plant in Pardeeville, Wisconsin, the female laid seven eggs and six hatched. Six chicks were banded.
-
I am not sure what the "record" is. I do recall that Mariah from Rochester laid 6 eggs in 2006 and 5 hatched. What an incredible falcon she is.
Mariah certainly is incredible! In 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2008 she had five eggs and all of them hatched. All the chicks fledged.
In 2006, she did lay six eggs; that was the year she was seriously injured and unable to use one leg. Only three of the chicks survived. Kaver did a wonderful job of helping as much as he could.
-
I agree that Mariah is a wonderful mom, but (and you knew there would be one) the success of a bird isn't the number produced but rather if his/her kids have kids. So the question is, how are Mariah's offspring doing on territories elsewhere? I haven't seen anything on her family tree, but I admit that I haven't been looking for it either. Has anyone seen any information on any grandkids for Mariah? ???
-
Wow! I recall even three or four seeming like an endlessly hungry group to feed. It must be a very difficult task to keep up with.
-
I agree that Mariah is a wonderful mom, but (and you knew there would be one) the success of a bird isn't the number produced but rather if his/her kids have kids. So the question is, how are Mariah's offspring doing on territories elsewhere? I haven't seen anything on her family tree, but I admit that I haven't been looking for it either. Has anyone seen any information on any grandkids for Mariah? ???
I have some information on Mariah's grandkids. Mariah and Kaver's son Freedom from their first year together, 2002, was found in Port Colborne, Ontario in 2005, with a mate, Purity. They had two chicks that year, Millie and Ellie. In 2007 Millie found a mate of her own, Swifty, four years old, a son of Freedom and Roosevelt in Fort Wayne. They had two chicks, Ted and Lucas. Both chicks fell out of the nest at one point, seventy feet above the ground, but both survived with fairly minor injuries. They were returned to the nest after a day or so in rehab.
Last year Freedom's mate Purity did not return, and he found a new mate, Millie. She was only one year old. They had three eggs; a disturbance by an intruder caused Millie to eat one of the eggs. One egg hatched, and the chick was named Gunner. He was doing extremely well after fledging until he apparently collided with something later in the summer and was found severely injured. Sadly, he had to be euthanized. This year Freedom and Millie are still together, and have been observed mating.
Mariah's daughter Ranger (with her earlier mate Cabot-Sirocco; born 2001) is in Toronto; as far as I know she is still with her mate Hunter. Last year their clutch of three eggs disappeared; they laid a second clutch, but the eggs did not hatch.
Mariah and Kaver's daughter Rhea Mae is at the Sheraton in Toronto with her mate Tiago, son of Windwhistler, for the second year. So far, they have two eggs. Last year, they had four chicks; one died after a couple of days, while the other three fledged successfully.
Ihteram, born in 2005, was found last year attempting to nest at a church in Detroit. I have not seen any recent updates on her.
Last year's juvies: Quest is in Cape Cod, and Zephyr is at the Psych Center in Rochester with a female.
There may be more, but those are the ones I'm aware of.
-
Linn (2007) is also in Toronto in Scarborough, she's been here since she was a year old and was hanging out with Tybropra for awhile then she disappeared for a few months and am told she came back in the Fall with a new male. Still waiting on more news as was told that they were exhibiting courting behaviours so potentially she might be a first time mom this year.
-
Thanks, Carly! I thought I'd forgotten someone. I haven't seen any recent updates on Linn either, but I hope she's still there.
-
Lil Dad just brought in food. Mom is feeding the three tiny little ones. ;D
These guys could barely hold their heads up so feeding didn't last long. Mom now has them all tucked up underneath her again.
-
I just saw 4 chicks ;D
-
I thought there might be a fourth chick! Mom hasn't been allowing much of a view of the chicks today. In the last pic below, it looked to me as if there might be a very new hatchling.
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay17a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay110a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay111a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay114a.jpg)
-
I just saw a feeding and there are five little faces now. ;D Mom and Lil' Dad are going to be very busy.
-
Yes, there are 5 here. I got an e-mail from the site.
this is a live streaming cam.
-
Feeding going on right now.
-
That is one very busy parent feeding 5 little ones. I finally counted all of them as one fell over and I saw the fifth open beak. Still some peeping and open mouths but the parent has flown leaving the chicks to settle into a huge chick pile. Only one has open eyes now and the pile is still restless. It might have been Dad doing the feeding as the parent returning to cover the pile is larger.
-
And now I think that mom is back and feeding again. ;D Lovely family.
-
Another feeding, as busy as the previous. And the other took off for a break. This is going to be an exhausted pair of Peregrines by the time this nest fledges!
-
One very wet falcon protecting her babies, and a visit from Lil Dad:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay44a-1.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay45a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay412a.jpg)
-
5 chicks....EXCELLENT! Mom and Dad will be busy busy busy!
-
The five cute little chicks today:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay79a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay711a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay714a.jpg)
-
Looking at new eyases just never gets old does it??!! ;D Great pictures!
-
Group hug going on in Harrisburg as all five are huddled together face to face. Awwwh :D These guys are growing really quickly.
-
I saw a picture on another site today and could not believe their size. :o :o the prey must be on hormones or something ;D ;D
-
These 5 are getting lots of feedings and growing like crazy. I have started to wonder if the chicks might have some kind of external parasites. They have pink patches and have appeared to be restless and chewing on themselves. Before I thought that the wet patches must be from the rain but the weather has been good for the last couple of days. I am just wondering what, if anything, could or would be done in a situation where chicks acquire something like fleas or lice?
-
Five very well fed chicks today. Peregrine chicks will normally have parasites, but they are not usually harmful to them.
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay146a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/may%202009/harrisburgmay147a.jpg)
-
So all is okay with these young and CUTE little chicks? I know that you posted earlier that you saw them chewing/scratching/itching themselves? Didn't know that parasites were normal or common?
Good thing is, they are well taken care of and that's all that matters :D
-
So all is okay with these young and CUTE little chicks? I know that you posted earlier that you saw them chewing/scratching/itching themselves? Didn't know that parasites were normal or common?
The chicks look fine to me. It was actually Maggieblue who posted that she had seen them scratching. At banding, chicks are normally found to have parasites, which don't require treatment.
-
These 5 are getting lots of feedings and growing like crazy.
I have started to wonder if the chicks might have some kind of external parasites. They have pink patches and have appeared to be restless and chewing on themselves. Before I thought that the wet patches must be from the rain but the weather has been good for the last couple of days. I am just wondering what, if anything, could or would be done in a situation where chicks acquire something like fleas or lice?
The pink patches are skin and its because they are growing so fast. They double in size in the first week and their hatch feathers can't cover there rapidly growing bodies. They double again in the next 10 days but their second batch of fuzzy whites starts to fill in at this stage so that by the time we band them (21-15 days) they are all white and fuzzy (a full crop will always bulge through and doesn't have feathers so don't panic ;)).
As for the "chewing", they get to a point where the hardwiring to groom/preen kicks in, even though they haven't really got the feathers for it, they start to spend lots of time grooming themselves. Considering how important it is for them in their lives, its pretty neat to watch them first trying it out as chicks. And it doesn't indicate that there are fleas/lice/parasites in the nest. There certainly can be, but its not a given. We generally don't have anything in our nests - on the birds that have been injured or that have died as chicks, when they are examined, parasites are always looked for and we rarely get any findings. Having said that when you have the remains of prey (some adults are tidier than others) and 3-4 smelly, pooping chicks living in a confined area for 2 months, its always a possibility. So no, the preening isn't in response to anything other than hardwiring in all the chicks - for some there might be pests as well.
-
Thank you TPC...I love your explanations. Very well written. :)
-
Thank you TPC...I love your explanations. Very well written. :)
*blush*
-
well, you are our mentor and heroin and goddess of the peregrines 8)
-
hm, normally I don't nitpick spelling and typos... but there is a fine line between heroin and heroine... Or maybe a really big thick line. ;)
-
OOPS!!!!
I can't believe I didn't catch that before I posted it....hmmm I'm just a little :-[
Sorry TPC...I did mean heroine! ;D
(oh my, I'm still so embarrassed...I can't believe I did that)
-
Cracked me up Allikat. ;D the peregrines are addictive.
(pun anyone? :))
-
That was a great line TPC... ;D & ::)
-
:) yes they are addictive...but it is a good addiction...which at the worst stresses me out at times but most of the times I am sitting here smilling and laughing at my monitor. :D
-
The five chicks from Harrisburg were banded today. At the moment four are lying flat out in the scrape while one is way down the ledge preening, and way to close to the edge for my liking. These guys have been very mobile for a while, busy exploring that large ledge which has no protective edge and that is why I didn't want to check in on Harrisburg today until the banding was over. A little too nervewracking for me. Anyway, it's a boy, and 4 girls. ;D And for those of you, unlike me, who have an idea of what this means in relation to other peregrine chicks, the male weighed 635 grams, and the females were 805, 865, 880, and 910. 8)
-
Anyway, it's a boy, and 4 girls. ;D And for those of you, unlike me, who have an idea of what this means in relation to other peregrine chicks, the male weighed 635 grams, and the females were 805, 865, 880, and 910. 8)
All a little on the light side but not unusual at this age. Adult males are (very generally) 500-800 grams, females 900-1500 grams. So both sexes of chicks have some growing to do ...
-
Thanks Tracy, great information as always. :)
-
It seems that the Harrisburg five have recovered from the banding experience today. At the moment they are all down at the far end of the ledge (in front of that sheer drop) and screaming away as an adult attempts to feed them. ;D Rachel Carson would be proud (the building they are on is named after her).
-
I watched the banding on their webcam. Was quite educational the way they explained everything to the kids. However, the 4 chicks were off the ledge for probably an hour that the banding went on inside. The 5th chick was banded before and left on the ledge to placate the parents as it was explained. Watched after the chicks were supposed to have been put back on the ledge and never caught a glimpse of them for over an hour. Saw parents landing on the ledge and going to the window and making lot's of noise as well as walking/bumping into it. Did anybody else watch this? Just want to know if I missed seeing something. Tks.
-
I didn't watch this one but interesting about leaving one chick on the ledge to try and calm the parents.
At our banding, the swing stage they use is the length of the ledge the nest is on so it blocks access to the ledge. The parents of course leave the ledge as soon as they put a toe on the rooftop and start attacking so the stage basically blocks the ledge from their view when it gets up to nest ledge. The three guys stay on the swing stage or skybox as they call it (partly the name of the company) the entire time of the banding and between them ducking and the the sides of the stage - they can't see the chicks are actually gone. They put them in a bag and tie to the end of a rope that someone on the roof pulls up with the chicks. The person on roof takes the chicks inside and goes down the elevator to the banding area.
Meantime mom and dad are so busy defending from the evil humans they don't notice what has happened. Chicks come back down the same way in the bag and get put back in the exact same location they were when they got there. Swing stage goes down and mom and dad think they have driven off the evil men and their chicks are still safe on the ledge.
Bandings are never easy to watch from the outside, hard to watch the parents stress so much and they are so aggressive you're scared they are going to hurt themselves. On the other hand, in the wild they'd have to deal with things alot nastier than a banding - I try to keep that in mind to calm myself because I stress out for them too.
-
After Ohio's banding and now Harrisburg's...is more than an hour just a ta excessive? I know they are doing PR and educating the young which is always a great thing...given that there are a important and protected bird! Just wondering on the stress level of the parents? Only TPC can answer that one...??
-
Each chick was put in a box with a lid and taken down to auditorium type room. A box was brought in one at a time and the chick was weighted, mouth, eyes, ears, muscle development, tail feather length, feet, don't think I missed any body parts. The first chick brought in did have mites, parasites and they said they were going to dust before putting back on the ledge. Because of this the other 3 brought in would be dusted. The first inside was then tagged, tape put on one tag for identifying in fleding rescue and then put back in it's box. After the first was done it was taken out of the room and the next brought in. This continued until all four had been checked and banded, each chick took approx 5 minutes. This finished about 12:45 or so our time and they said they were going to be taken back to ledge. Then a Q&A happened. This ended around 1:00 and got back on the site webcam about 5 or so minutes later. Watched until 2:00 and only saw the one chick that had been left earlier and two angry parents. If I'm wrong tell me what I missed.
-
Oh I'm not sure...I didn't watch the banding.
I was just kinda asking/commenting on time frames and the stress level of the adults...Carly will most likely know that answer.
-
Wow we don't do all that detailed checking. They weigh them and then band them and that's it. I know they used to do blood work years ago but they don't anymore..not sure why, maybe it depends on whether or not they are actively testing for something that may be of concern in the population. Perhaps that is what drives such extensive testing..I know down in some parts of the US they have the some concerns with the flame retardants that were found in some eggs so perhaps they are looking to see if the chicks are showing any signs of abnormalities as a precaution.
Better to test now before it becomes a serious issued like DDT did and threatens all our falcons. I'm just speculating but I"m sure TPC might know why they are so thorough.
-
They did explain why there were checking the different body parts, it made sense and I understood as well as the kids in the room. They also said that the reason one chick was banded before was to placate the parents, which I mentioned before, but that when the other 4 were brought back that the parents wouldn't know any better and accept them because they don't know how many they have. Now that sounded weird to me, but maybe they don't. What bothered me was the parents at the window. Was this because they were mad at the window and the chicks were back or mad at the window because their chicks weren't. That site has sound and it was noisy.
-
They must have known the chicks were inside no doubt. Apparently peregrines can't count...which is why they can slip an extra chick or two in for them to foster from time to time and the parents will accept them.
I would find it weird though they wouldn't notice 4 missing out of 5...one or two...maybe but 4 out of 5 is a bit tough to swallow.
-
Anyway my whole reaction on this was if this did take over 2 hrs and I don't know for sure if it did, should it be happening? That is why I asked if anyone had seen anything.
-
I don't think there is a set time for bandings, TPC?. The general rule of thumb here in Ontario is get it done as quickly and efficiently as possible to reduce the stress on the chicks and the parents.
There are divided opinions however from what I've read and people I've talked to. Some biologists feel the chicks aren't stressed at all and that parents have to deal with intruders all the time so it's not placing an 'undue' stress on them. Others feel the opposite way. We the observers of course stress like crazy because we view their reactions as quite stressful.
I don't think they are taking long on purpose, ours took at least an hour if not more yesterday which is double the usual time. The reason? We had government officials there who wanted to make an announcement to support our cause and at the end of the day - when you are in position where you rely on donations and even your own money to support something like helping an endangered or threatened species, you will bend over backwards (within reason) to be able to have the support and funding of the government. It means you can do things you probably only dreamed of to help the falcons.
This year alot of the bandings seem to be very 'PR' focused and I think that's because falcons are now making a comeback and we are finally getting publicity. It's an opportunity to make people aware of the work that has been done and what still has to be done and get the general population to not only donate but to become involved.
Humans tend to be fickle and causes come and go. Several years ago they used to have 40 people show up to do 'fledge' watch at my site, now we can barely scrape 3 or 4 people together to do it and aside from myself and one other guy, they are all retired. Not that I'm knocking retirees in any way but it's not always easy on them to stand all day, run down the street, run into traffic from dawn to dusk and yet they do it without complaint. Would be nice to have some of the younger generation helping out too and you know some of the retirees have been doing this for a decade or two and you learn so much just talking to them. <<Steps off her soapbox now>>
By the way I think 2 hours is excessive too personally but I'm trying not to be so emotional now and think of it from a more professional point of view now that I'm learning more about the organization and the obstacles they face..not always easy though I admit ... :-\
-
Some biologists feel the chicks aren't stressed at all and that parents have to deal with intruders all the time so it's not placing an 'undue' stress on them.
That is basically what was said today. They also said not in verbatim if parents are distressed at the nest site that they will abandon it. They justified this by saying they have been nesting here and banding as been going on and the nest has not been abandoned.
They had a set time for the banding and on their web site posted
5/6/2009 :: Educators and Students Invited to Attend Peregrine Falcon Banding Event on May 27th
On Wednesday, May 27th, the Dept. of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will host the annual Peregrine Falcon Banding Event at the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg, PA from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Teachers and their students, non-formal educators and youth organizations are invited to attend this event. Activities will include the weighing, examination and banding of the nestlings. There is no cost to attend the banding event.
To register for this event, please contact Ann Devine at 717 772-1644 or adevine@state.pa.us.
This doesn't seem like a financial event but a learning one, however, too excessive or not in returning the chicks to the ledge and not having the parents banging at windows.
The Peregrine Chick: just helping out with the quotes & reability, no changes to content.
-
I suppose if humans' interfered too much and that interference resulted in a tragedy then maybe parents might leave a nest site but we've never had that either from what I've been told. Falcons seem to chose their sites in spite of us - according to their needs and what is best for their survival and to heck with what we think. Perhaps they just consider us one of those nasty things they have to tolerate like mosquitoes ;D
I'm sure TPC could probably shed some light on human interference and how it affects them.
-
Bunch of questions here, if I've missed something however, post the question again ....
Tolerance - birds nesting on buildings are surrounded by human activity all the time and are much more tolerant which is not the same thing as less aggressive, they are just less stressed by human activity nearby than birds not used to nesting in similar environments. The Radisson pair will let me and a few others walk right up to them in the nestbox on the roof because they recognize what we are doing and don't see it as a threat. When I go to band the birds I use entirely different body language and sounds and direction so that I can get close if I have to without them automatically becoming protective/defensive.
Chicks away from the nest - six of one, half dozen of another. We have chicks that need to go to rehab and we return them 1 day, 1 week, 1 month later and we have never had a problem. In Edmonton, an unrelated fledgling peregrine was added to an already fledged nest and nary a problem from the adults. Remember Chinook and Mistral? He was away for almost 2 weeks, she was away for just under 1 and wehn we released them back at the nestbox, Trey and Princess were feeding them within a couple of hours (they came back full so it wasn't a concern).
Stress/distress - yes, the birds are stressed whenever something threatens their young or nest. Its suppose to. That's why they are aggressive, that's why chicks can fight very well at banding age, they are designed to be stressed/distressed in order to improve/increase their defensive responses. We try not to do that more than we have to. If the parents can't see the chicks during banding, they don't call out as much, if they don't call out, the chicks can't call back. Some nest locations are easy to access so its scoop and run and band out of sight. We do that with the nestbox. With other sites, access is more difficult, so you band in situ because its just too much activity to not be more stressful than we'd like.
PR - in the US the peregrines have been pulled from the "at risk" entirely so there is no federal endangered species funding for them. They may or may not be considered an "at risk" species in individual state. Recovery efforts take money and time. Peregrine webcams are very popular and very very expensive. The educational value is priceless however. The trade-off is that they can generate interest in wildife, habitat protection/preservation and stewardship with webcams and charismatic species like peregrines but it costs cash. Live events like bandings can raise the profile to another level which can help out financially as well. So catch-22 perhaps - ya need money to make it work, you need to work it to make the money.
Did I get all the questions/concerns?
-
You always explain things so well TPC, very professional and very clear and concise. Don't know what you do for a living to pay the bills but you should be a teacher if you aren't! ;)
-
Thank you so much for your very helpful and informative explanations. I now understand alot more about it.
-
You always explain things so well TPC, very professional and very clear and concise. Don't know what you do for a living to pay the bills but you should be a teacher if you aren't! ;)
Nope, not a teacher except here, and hopefully I'm not lecturing but rather sharing :D It also helps when you have examples ...
-
NO TPC...you and never lecturing, always teaching! ..you have an excellent way of explaning things in detail to all of us, and we thank you for that!
That's why you're our heroinE and falcon goddess!
-
*blush*
-
Harrisburg had their first fledge early this morning. :) According to the Harrisburg news updates the yellow banded girl was discovered on a street and rescued. Pending final examination by a vet she is expected to be released tonight or tommorow. At the moment I can only see 3 juveniles but perhaps one is hiding somewhere. Tommorow should be an interesting day to watch.
-
Update from their Falcon Wire News. Green Banded Female and White Banded Male fledged today. The Yellow Banded Female is being held for observation and when she is released will be from the roof of the building to make it easier for her to reach the nest ledge. Observed one still on the ledge. Keep hoping to see other return at some point, which they probably will do once they get their navigational skills honed a bit.
-
This is from the PA Falcon News Wire Site:
6/11/2009 :: Status of Fledglings
The yellow banded female was returned to us from wildlife rehabilitation and we released her on the roof around 2 PM. She took flight within a half hour and is doing okay. The red and green banded females have been observed taking short flights to lower building rooftops. The white banded male has not yet been located. The blue banded female is content for now to rest at the ledge; she'll fledge in her own time.
-
Update for Harrisburg...Well, our worse fears were realized yesterday...Little White Boy was found. He had sustained horrific injuries to both legs and was Euthanized yesterday afternoon...we are just heartsick...We have many forum members at BCAW who are fledge watchers for this nest, and it was a very rough day for them all...Some of them had to carry that knowledge with them until DEP made the announcement...
Blue remains on the ledge and has yet to fledge...she has been visited by at least Green (that we know of)...Green, Yellow, Red girls appear to be flying well, tho' they have had several mishaps, with a few requiring rescue...but this hasn't stopped them...they haven't remained very long on the roof when placed there after rescue...and a couple of them have found Mom and Lil' Dad's food cache (sneaky girls). there is talk of extending fledgewatch (it was to end June 14) until Blue fledges...no final word on that yet...
That's all for now...
-
Very sad news for Little White Boy :'(
Very heartbreaking...the only good thing to this sad news is that he was found, didn't need to suffer and didn't die alone....
-
well, well, well...little Baby Blue girl finally fledged this afternoon...watchers reported a strong flight, but she chose one of the worse places to attempt to land...the church steeple (mom's perch). Needless to say, she didn't make it, but recovered nicely...all 4 girls present and accounted for as the sun set...
-
Whew!!! Thanks for the report SGB!!!!
-
Sad to see now 2 males didn't make it through the fledge this week, one here and one at Columbus. I was hoping that the male Peregrine population might increase this year.
-
me too. I follow both of these nests but do not post much on them . No time
Not that I want to see females die but we need more males.
-
Gotta root for good fledges at Elk River - three males and one female!
-
I just wanted to update everyone on the drama unfolding in Harrisburg...I'll give you the short version. A little over a week ago, it was noticed that one of the females, yellow girl, just didn't look right. Through persistence, by a BCAW forum member who works in the Rachel Carson building, and a really good photographer, they were able to gather more information and take several pictures. Tragically it appears she has lost her lower beak. The proper authorities were notified, but they declined to intervene...Several trappers and rehabbers were contacted, and while they were very sympathetic, they declined to help until she grew so weak, she ended up on the ground. Needless to say, we were all frustrated, especially our BCAW forum members who live in the area and have been very involved with falconwatch, etc. So several of us decided to email the media...Thankfully, WGAL TV was very interested and ran the story last evening. Here's the link:
http://www.wgal.com/video/20067848/index.html
Please note, the pictures of Yellow Girl are quite disturbing. We are very hopeful that the Pennsylvania Game Commission will follow through with their plans and are able to trap her. We are hopeful that she can be trapped and helped, but if not, that she will not be allowed to suffer.
On a positive note..she is eating, she still appears strong and very vocal. I don't know how she is doing it. I would think she must be in a great deal of pain.. I watched a feed this evening that took her almost 2 hours to complete. It appears that Mom and Lil' dad are making sure she is still getting food...(bless their hearts-I wonder if they sense something is wrong..who knows) One correction from the report...we are pretty sure the upper beak is intact.
so please keep Yellow Girl and the Game Commission in your thoughts and prayers...
-
Thanks for the update SGB, I have been following the story on your site. I hope they can get her some help...poor girl.
-
Tragically it appears she has lost her lower beak.
This is very sad news, indeed! :'( How on earth could that have happened?! ??? Another bird of prey? Or humans?! And what are her chances of survival in the wild, even with intervention?! ???
-
This is very sad news, indeed! :'( How on earth could that have happened?! ??? Another bird of prey? Or humans?! And what are her chances of survival in the wild, even with intervention?! ???
Poor little Yellow Girl. I think this probably happened in a collision of some kind, either with a building or possibly with a vehicle. I think it is less likely to have happened in a battle with another raptor, since they normally fight with their talons, not their beaks. Since the beak is extremely well supplied with blood vessels and nerves, any beak injury is extremely painful.
At least her parents are feeding her, although it is amazing that she is managing to eat. She would not survive in the wild with this type of injury. She is just learning to hunt for herself, and although she might be able to catch prey, she would not be able to tear up the meat.
If she can be caught and cared for somewhere like The Raptor Center, the Raptor Trust, or the Wildlife Center of Virginia, perhaps they will be able to help her.
She would not be able to be released, but she could still have a life at a wildlife centre, or possibly as an education bird.
I am hoping for the best for this little one. :'(
-
An eagle had its beak shot by a poacher and s/he got a prothesis ....
Bald Eagle Gets Prosthetic Beak, Much Like Uncle Sam's Bionic Plasma Arm (http://gizmodo.com/5014550/bald-eagle-gets-prosthetic-beak-much-like-uncle-sams-bionic-plasma-arm)
-
An eagle had its beak shot by a poacher and s/he got a prothesis ....
I remember that story, TPC! I posted the link below on another forum at the time. The idea was to make life somewhat easier for Beauty, not to attempt to release her to the wild, where she would not have been able to survive. (http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/06/06/eagle-beak-prosthetic.html)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/beautyeagle.jpg)
Back to Yellow Girl - I have the impression that not much is being done to try to help her at this stage. I feel that she deserves every possible chance. She is trying her best to survive on her own. Every beak injury is different, but I think it is very unlikely that her lower mandible would regrow. The keratin layers can regrow after an injury (although they don't always), but below those layers is a vascular layer and then bone. If the vascular bed is damaged, the beak will not regrow.
TPC, do you have any ideas about how to help her?
-
Still no sightings of Yellow Girl. I hope we will have some better news of her soon.
Pics of her before her injury:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/hburg12b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/hburg13b.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/hburg15b.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/hburg16b.jpg)
-
Hopefully she's hanging with a sibling, I worry about how she will survive on her own.
Here is an older story from earlier this year about a peregrine juvies artificial beak, we may posted this before but I couldn't remember.
http://www.starbulletin.com/news/hawaiinews/20090130_Wayward_peregrine_falcon_under_care_of_Honolulu_Zoo.html
-
This bird went to California earlier this year I believe ... will have to see if I can find the story to be sure though ...
-
I'm also curious about this story......hope to hear some good news!
-
This bird went to California earlier this year I believe ... will have to see if I can find the story to be sure though ...
You're right, TPC! I remember this story; the peregrine was transferred to California. The story was in the Honolulu Advertiser, but it is not there any more.
Here is a pic of the juvie:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/July%202009/peregrine1a.jpg)
-
I hadn't seen Mom and Lil Dad together at the nest for a while:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept38a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept39a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept310a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept314a.jpg)
-
One adult at the nest today; perhaps Lil Dad, since he likes to perch on the stick:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept292a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept294a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgsept296a.jpg)
-
Someone at the nest today:
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgoct51a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgoct53a.jpg)
(http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgoct44a.jpg) (http://i340.photobucket.com/albums/o337/quintara2/August%202009/harrisburgoct54a.jpg)
I know this is Lil Dad, because he is the one who likes to sit on the lamp
-
I wonder how that female with the damaged beak made out, hopefully since we haven't heard anything she's managed to survive and maybe it has somehow grown back if that is possible? Or she will just learn to adjust to it.
-
I wonder how that female with the damaged beak made out, hopefully since we haven't heard anything she's managed to survive and maybe it has somehow grown back if that is possible? Or she will just learn to adjust to it.
There has been no news on Yellow Girl. I very much hope that she has been able to survive, but that beak injury was extremely serious. I have seen many types of beak injury; sometimes they do regrow -- it just depends on the extent of the damage to the underlying vascular bed and bone. I had a rescued bird with no more than one-third of an upper beak, which was jagged and oozing a black tarry substance (not blood). All that could be done was to give antibiotics to guard against infection, and painkillers. Over a period of time, he was able to grow about three-quarters of an upper beak. He was able to eat, preen and climb normally. We never knew what had caused this -- the vet thought it was a tumour.
-
2010 NESTING SEASON
A rare update on this site:
1/27/2010 :: Adult Male Sightings
Typically this pair of peregrines can be found spending much of their time together this time of year. The female has been seen frequently at the ledge, the male has not been spotted for some time. This male does tend to wander for long periods of time and possibly at great distances. If he is not with this female the first week in February we can speculate that something may have happened to him. In any case, web cam viewers are urged to email via the Contact DEP link to report peregrine sightings at the ledge. The male is one third smaller than the female and has been known to perch on top of one of the camera housings to the left of the orange column on the wide camera view of the ledge.
It is very unusual not to see the male here -- I only hope he is okay. Neither Lil Dad nor Mom migrates at this nest site.
-
I saw the talk on BCAW about dad being MIA. It's been a particularily rough year for Tiercels, I sure hope he turns up okay. :-\
-
rosek did see little dad a few weeks ago and then not since. He may just be where no one can see him.
-
little dad was spotted by Reenie today from the ground and as we were watching the cam there he appeared on the point as they swung the cam around :) :) :-* :-*
-
little dad was spotted by Reenie today from the ground and as we were watching the cam there he appeared on the point as they swung the cam around :) :) :-* :-*
I saw that bev, it's great news!
-
I'm so glad Lil Dad is back. The news on the site was updated yesterday:
2/4/2010 :: Male Peregrine- Still No Sighting
This female has been in this situation before. The original male was injured six years ago and could not be returned to the wild. She spent a lot of time away from her usual perches and spent more time at places where he had habitually perched. Then, she was gone from the area for longer periods of time. A little more than six weeks after the original male was injured she pair bonded with the current male. We know that there are many ranging individual peregrines out there looking for nesting territories. These wandering peregrines will opportunistically displace breeding adults.
And later:
2/4/2010 :: Male Peregrine Returns!
At 1:25 PM today, February 4, 2010 the Rachel Carson male peregrine was spotted on the southeast corner of the ledge. This ends his long absence from the ledge and renews expectations for another successful nesting season.
About the original male; after rehab for his injury, he ended up at ZooAmerica in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Some of the people who had watched him over the years went to see him there, and found that he had a large enclosure which he shared with another male peregrine who coincidentally had been born on the same bridge. He looked in good condition.
A year or two ago, there was apparently a hole in the fence of the enclosure, and the Harrisburg male left. I can only hope he was able to fly well enough to hunt and survive in the wild.
-
I have some nice shots of Little dad and mom from today. these are thumbprints so click on picture
They were both in the scrape today
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev33/th_harrisburgfeb9-1.jpg) (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev33/th_harrisburgfeb9-3.jpg)
(http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev33/th_harrisburgfeb9-4.jpg) (http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x135/fullbrandt/bev33/th_harrisburgfeb9-6.jpg)
-
Great pics of Lil Dad, Bev! He was there this afternoon for a couple of short visits:
(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2526/4350368154_a79515ab75_o.jpg)
-
I think it's getting close to egg-laying time here too. Mom was in the nest box for a while, while Lil Dad was on the point:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar171a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar172a.jpg)
-
The first egg was laid on March 20, and the second egg on March 23:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar243a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar247a.jpg)
-
According to the site, the third egg was laid early this morning.
I can't clearly see three eggs in the pics I saved:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar252a.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar254a.jpg)
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmar255a.jpg)
-
The first egg hatched yesterday: there are five eggs in the nest.
4/29/2010 :: First Egg Hatched!
Around 2:45 p.m. today, the first Peregrine Falcon nestling, called an eyas, hatched out of its egg. The young falcon used an egg tooth on its beak to break through the shell. Keep watching the PA Falcon Cam to see when the next egg hatches.
-
There is at least one more hatch here, possibly two:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-61-1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-68-1.jpg)
-
Didn't have a chance to post these pics - this is the first chick who hatched:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-45-1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-46-1.jpg)
-
Love the second photo, with his/her face planted down into the egg pile! :D
-
The third chick has hatched - haven't been able to catch a glimpse of the chicks so far today.
-
The other two eggs have not hatched so far.
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-136-1.jpg) (http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-141-1.jpg)
-
An update from the site today:
5/7/2010 :: Status of Eggs
One of the two remaining eggs was broken sometime overnight. There is one unhatched egg remaining. Since there was yolk in the broken egg, it most likely was infertile, or at least, any embryo had little development. If the other egg is not viable, it will begin to decay, and will be vulnerable to breaking under the process of decomposition.
-
Mom and the three chicks today:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-184-1.jpg)
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/image002-185-1.jpg)
-
The three chicks are looking well fed:
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmay171a.jpg)
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmay174a.jpg)
(http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af254/wingshigh/Buckeye/Peregrines/harrisburgmay173a.jpg)
-
The three Harrisburg chicks were banded at 1 p.m. today. From the site:
5/27/2010 :: Banding Results
This year, for the first time, all of the nestlings are males. The banding team placed colored tape on the nestlings for the purpose of keeping track of them when they fledge. The largest of them, at 690 grams, is sporting white tape; the smallest, at 550 grams, blue and the middle sized nestling, at 590 grams, has red tape. Watch and rescue teams are now forming in anticipation of the first flight these young birds will make. They should begin fledging in about two weeks.
It is the policy in Pennsylvania not to name the chicks (or the parents). The concern is that naming the birds might cause some people to think of them as pets. It is simply a different approach, and I totally respect their point of view.
The resident pair are referred to, very informally, as Mom and Lil Dad when they are mentioned on discussion boards.
Personally, I do like to see birds named, not because I would ever remotely consider them in any way as pets, but simply because it makes it easier to communicate about them. And if both birds are unbanded, it is awkward to indicate which is which - it is so much easier to say, for instance, "Mariah" or "Kaver".
-
Another intervention/rescue here today. Blue boy was removed and the other 2 were treated for Trich as a precaution.
6/1/2010 :: Update about Blue-Banded Male
At the time of banding, signs of the trichomoniasis (trich) infection were observed in the blue-banded male. The eyas was treated with the recommended dose of antibiotic by the Game Commission's Art McMorris. Trichomoniasis is a fairly widespread infection in young raptors. After careful observation, and in response to public notification that he is not responding well, the Game Commission has decided to retrieve the eyas so that it can be re-examined and, if necessary, treated more extensively off-site by a veterinarian until he is ready to be returned to the nest. The other two eyasses, which did not show signs of trich, will be re-examined as well. Infections, parasites and other maladies are a "fact of life" in wild animals, and we are fortunate that we can give this peregrine the benefit of medical attention
-
Another intervention/rescue here today. Blue boy was removed and the other 2 were treated for Trich as a precaution.
6/1/2010 :: Update about Blue-Banded Male
At the time of banding, signs of the trichomoniasis (trich) infection were observed in the blue-banded male. The eyas was treated with the recommended dose of antibiotic by the Game Commission's Art McMorris. Trichomoniasis is a fairly widespread infection in young raptors.
What exactly is trichomoniasis? ??? What are some of the signs and symptoms? ??? And is it passed on to the young raptors through a parent or through injesting another bird with the disease? ???
-
Another intervention/rescue here today. Blue boy was removed and the other 2 were treated for Trich as a precaution.
6/1/2010 :: Update about Blue-Banded Male
At the time of banding, signs of the trichomoniasis (trich) infection were observed in the blue-banded male. The eyas was treated with the recommended dose of antibiotic by the Game Commission's Art McMorris. Trichomoniasis is a fairly widespread infection in young raptors.
What exactly is trichomoniasis? ??? What are some of the signs and symptoms? ??? And is it passed on to the young raptors through a parent or through injesting another bird with the disease? ???
Here's the best information Kinderchick ...
http://www.species-at-risk.mb.ca/projects/pfrp/forum/programs/index.php/topic,629.msg28442.html#msg28442
-
Thanks for this link, TPC! Definitely a nasty disease. Won't be discussing this topic with my Kinderchicklets! :o
-
I hate this disease....it really upsets me when I hear a raptor fall because of it.
-
A good update from the site today. It's encouraging to hear that Blue Boy is improving.
6/7/2010 :: Fledgling Update The two males fledged yesterday from the ledge. From all accounts, the white banded male fledged first at around 9 AM. The red banded fledge took his first flight later in the afternoon. They ended up on the ground, were rescued and placed on the roof of the building. On their second attempt they landed on low rooftops near the Rachel Carson Building from which they will try again. The goal for the fledglings now will be to return to the ledge. There are two teams of watchers keeping an eye on them.
The blue banded male taken for treatment has recovered to the extent the rehabilitator would like to return him to the ledge soon. Thanks to the weekend watch and rescue crew for rescuing the fledglings on their first flight and briefing DEP staff on these happenings this morning.
-
Have been checking out this site the last couple of weeks and apparently Mom has not been seen since the beginning of September. There is a new unbanded female at the site. There appears to be some doubt as to her age, maybe two? Lil Dad has accepted her at the site and they seem to be getting along. They don't usually migrate from this nest box but it is not sure if the new female, commonly referred to as NG "new girl" will stay.
-
Staying or going might have less to do with the site and more to do with the birds' genetics. Our birds all leave but we did have a female, from the US, who overwintered in Winnipeg from 1990 to at least 2005. She was a mix of subspecies which is more common in the US than it is here in Canada where there was a concerted effort in the beginning to breed true to the subspecies in our captive-breeding program. In the US, their breeding programs were more flexible. Is this the reason that all peregrines stay at sites like this, no way to really say unless one did a genetic breakdown and comparision of all the birds that stay and all those that leave. I could be one explanation or part of an explanation, say in combination with warmer winters and urban nest sites and perhaps even more pressure to maintain control of nestsites. No one has any real answers, but its always interesting to watch, wait and see.
-
Hmmm... I was wondering what exactly you mean by "a mix of subspecies", TPC? :-\
-
Hmmm... I was wondering what exactly you mean by "a mix of subspecies", TPC? :-\
In the US, they used several different sub-species of the peregrine to breed for the recovery project - in otherwords they cross bred them.
-
Hmmm... I was wondering what exactly you mean by "a mix of subspecies", TPC? :-\
In the US, they used several different sub-species of the peregrine to breed for the recovery project - in otherwords they cross bred them.
Thanks Carly - exactly what I meant! :-*
The US program drafted all the peregrines they had available to them, a number of which were subspecies that don't migrate. We know for sure that Madame (Radisson female #2 / before Princess) had Spanish and/or Scottish peregrine subspecies genetics and since she didn't "stay" with her mate as has happened in some eastern US cities, rather she had no intention of leaving, it is generally believed it was because of her genetics.
-
Rachel Carson State Office Building
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
(http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/images/albums/userpics/10008/RachelCarson1a.jpg) (https://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/images/Falcon-with-DEP-building.jpg) (http://www.fritzhaeg.com/webpic/gl-pic/gl-ae-pic/animals/peregrine/brauning.jpg)
(photos: building from SkyScraperCenter & DEP; nest from FritzHaeg.com)
The Rachel Carson State Office Building was built in 1990. It has 17 storeys, is 70 m high and built in the modernist style. The building is home to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Department of Environmental Protection first became interested in the Harrisburg peregrine falcons in 1996 when they learned a male falcon was flying over the city. The DEP, knowing the nature of the falcons, promptly put a nesting tray on the fifteenth floor of their building with hopes the male would return with a mate and find a comfortable home in the nesting tray.
webcam link: https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/PAFalcon/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/PAFalcon/Pages/default.aspx) * new link
Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/FalconChatter
Resident Pairs & Offspring:
- 2018 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 4 chicks
- 2017 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 3 chicks - 2 males, 1 gender undetermined
- 2016 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 3 chicks - 2 males, 1 female
- 2015 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 3 chicks - 3 females
- 2014 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 4 chicks - 2 males, 2 females
- 2013 - Lil Dad & Niecey - 4 chicks - 1 male, 3 females
- 2012 - Lil Dad & NG - 2 chicks - 2 males
- 2011 - Lil Dad & NG - 1 chick - 1 male
- 2010 - Lil Dad & Mom - 3 chicks - 3 males
- 2009 - Lil Dad & Mom - 5 chicks - 1 male, 4 females
- 2008 - Lil Dad & Mom - 4 chicks - 3 females, 1 gender undetermined
- 2007 - Lil Dad & Mom - 4 chicks - 2 males, 2 females
- 2006 - Lil Dad & Mom - 5 chicks - 2 males, 3 females
- 2005 - Lil Dad & Mom - 3 chicks - 1 male, 2 females
- 2004 - Carson & Mom - 4 chicks - 1 male, 3 females
- 2003 - Carson & Mom - 4 chicks - 2 males, 2 females
- 2002 - Carson & Mom - 4 chicks - 2 males, 2 females
- 2001 - Carson & Mom - 4 chicks - 1 male, 3 females
- 2000 - Carson & Mom (https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/JustForKids/Falcons/Pages/Legacy.aspx) - 4 chicks - 2 males, 2 females
-
2011 NESTING SEASON
It appears that the resident female lost the battle for this site and new one is in residence and has been for a few months. Will post further info as it happens.
-
Too bad about the resident female losing this site. :( Should be interesting to see what unfolds.
-
Love is in the air. News flash from Harrisburg.
2/7/2011 :: Rachel's Falcons Begin 2011 Nesting Season
Falcon watchers have reportedly seen breeding activities at the nest ledge. DEP Environmental Education staff are preparing for another season of outreach and education on endangered species reintroduction with Rachel's falcons as the focal point. We're currently seeking approval to contract for the live streaming video (more on this later) and the annual teacher workshop is set for April 13th, here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building.
-
Love is in the air. News flash from Harrisburg.
NEW FALCON WIRE!
2/7/2011 :: Rachel's Falcons Begin 2011 Nesting Season
Falcon watchers have reportedly seen breeding activities at the nest ledge. DEP Environmental Education staff are preparing for another season of outreach and education on endangered species reintroduction with Rachel's falcons as the focal point. We're currently seeking approval to contract for the live streaming video (more on this later) and the annual teacher workshop is set for April 13th, here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building.
Had the great pleasure of seeing a Peregrine sitting on the nest edge yesterday. Sure was great to see a falcon again! Can't wait for some eggs to appear. ;D
Anybody else wondering why the ledge cam view is upside down? ::)
-
Had the great pleasure of seeing a Peregrine sitting on the nest edge yesterday. Sure was great to see a falcon again! Can't wait for some eggs to appear. ;D
Anybody else wondering why the ledge cam view is upside down? ::)
Bird back in the "box" right now (12noon), just hunkered down and hanging out. Female from the size. Bird in the "upside down" image is the male by size. Both birds visible at the same time, so definitely the pair, whoever they are :) this year.
The "upside down" cam is pointing at the end of a wooden perch hanging out over the edge of the ledge - you are looking straight down from above - watch for cars driving on the road below or in the parking lot. The edge of the webcam wall is in the top right-hand corner in the "upside down" cam image. The female isn't visible in the "upside down" cam unless she's right be the outside wall, but when she sits on the front edge you can see her on both cams.
She's gone from the box, looks like the male has reappeared on the perch though.
-
Not too sure who is who? I think L'll Dad is in the nest and NG (new girl) on the ledge. As you can see I had to rotate the picture because it's playing upsidedown ::)
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/NG.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/LllDad.jpg)
-
Upside down or right-side up - there are birds at the nest!! And where there's a male and a female Peregrine, can eggs be far behind?!? ;D
-
Don't know how long until eggs, but they have one yo-honking scrape going there!! :o
-
Still bonding and scraping going on in the nest box as well as canoodling on the ledge. Who knows when the first egg will be laid. ???
-
1st egg!!! And may be the first egg ever for the new female (called NG, New Girl)...
(http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz79/skygirlblue09/2011%20a%20New%20Year/hbg139.jpg)
-
That female is pretty enough to be a Manitoba bird ;)
Do we know if she has bands SGB? Or that either of the pair have bands?
-
She is beautiful and she is unbanded. This is the first time we've seen her close up. She arrived at Harrisburg in September, 2010. We are not sure what happened to the resident female, named Mom. She was the original female at Harrisburg. The last time we saw her on cam, she didn't look well. Lots of theories from West Nile to Trichomoniasis. One of the males from the 2010 season had contracted trich and was taken from the ledge to rehab, but later had to be euthanized due to secondary complications brought on by his weakened condition. He had just been days from fledging. We do think Mom had been in a territorial dispute (possibly with NG)that ground observers said lasted for 2 hours..She was fierce and many feel she would have had no problem holding on to the nest, unless she was sick. She was 12. A tribute to her can be found here:
http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/falcon_stories.html
The male, Lil' Dad (original, huh) Fledged from the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia, PA in 2003. He arrived at the Harrisburg ledge in 2005. He was Mom's second mate...He is a fantastic father and should be an excellent teacher for NG..I'll have to see if I can find a band #.
-
Egg #2 this morning... :D
-
Egg #3 about an hour ago..
(http://i815.photobucket.com/albums/zz79/skygirlblue09/March%202011/hbg143.jpg)
-
SGB Thanks for your pics and updates, they are in full nesting mode even if the female is a young one. I agree with you Lil Dad will teach her well.
-
Checked in on the nest box and there are now 4 eggs there. For a young one NG is doing great and there possibly may be a 5th. Watched a couple of videos on the BCAW site, 1st one is of Lil Dad who was on the eggs and NG comes in, he gets up but doesn't want to leave. They converse back and forth. 2nd is of NG on the eggs and fussing. If interested in watching the link is: http://www.peregrinefalcon-bcaw.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=884&start=100
Scroll down to posts at 4:32pm and 4:40pm.
-
Great video...lots of "conversation" between Lil Dad & NG. Thanks for posting the link, LinderLou! :)
-
Lil Dad loves to sit on the eggs and is always trying to convince his mate to leave and let him do the job. There are two video today of him trying to get NG to let him take over, he finally succeeds in the 2nd video.
Link below: Check the videos around the posted times of 5:45pm and 6:12 pm
http://www.peregrinefalcon-bcaw.net/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=884&start=200
-
Still 4 eggs and the battle of who will cover the eggs continues. Lil Dad would stay there more but NG won't let him. For a first time Mom see knows what has to be done.
-
Exciting times at the nestbox today. Large pips in a couple of the eggs and quite likely will be chicks underneath NG by morning. It is quite funny watching this pair as they are both determined to be on the eggs. They are constantly trying to get the other one off the eggs so they can take a turn.
-
The first chick made it's appearance sometime during the night and by early morning light had it's first feeding. Rather hit and miss event and rather messy.
This is a link to video of the 1st feed from a member of the BCAW site.
http://www.youtube.com/user/eiguoc?feature=mhum#p/u/0/Gss-6pJzIqg
-
Tried to preview a photo before posting. It didn't work so deleted.
-
Supper Time Yum!!
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Misc%20%20things/PA2.jpg)
-
What a great capture of Mama & chick, rcf! :D
-
Have anymore eggs hatched yet? ??? That one little chick is gorgeous! Dad was just checking in to see how the famiy was doing - thought NG would move off so we could see what sort of action was taking place under there, but she just keeps fluffing up and shuffling around without allowing so much as a peek. :P Looks like at least two intact eggs under Mom's fluffed up feathers... ::)
-
So, it seems that Lil Dad isn't just checking on the famly, he's wanting to relieve NG and she'll have none of it! ::) You'd think that she like to stretch her legs, grab a bite to eat, powder her nose...I wonder if she's just going to sit there until another of her kids appears... ???
-
So first chick seems to be healthy and thriving. Lil Dad and NG continue to sit protectively on the other three eggs. Any chance these eggs will hatch, TPC? ???
-
So first chick seems to be healthy and thriving. Lil Dad and NG continue to sit protectively on the other three eggs. Any chance these eggs will hatch, TPC? ???
First chick hatched 20th or 21st right? Third egg was laid on the March 15th and that is probably when incubation began. Incubation runs 28-35 days, so first chick hatched at about 35-36 days. I'd be surprised at this point if the remainder hatch, its getting to the almost too long point ...
-
Thought so. Parents seem so hopeful though :'( Their one little darling seems to be doing well, but I guess they don't want him/her to be an only chiild!
Too bad about those three apparently healthy eggs! :'(
-
Although NG isn't banded, when she showed up last year she had some juvenile plumage so they figure she was only a little over a year old at that point. I'm glad she'll have one at least to practice with and hopefully next year they'll have better luck.
-
I agree with you Carly. She did have juvenile plumage when she showed up at this site. I'm happy that at least one chick hatched out of these eggs and she will learn from this. From her actions this far on incubation and feeding she is doing great and next year should be a breeze for her.
-
I think NG's doing an awesome job with her little one-and-only. Haven't been able to check in much this week while it's light enough to see anything ::) I wonder if NG's still sitting on and protecting those three eggs as though somebirdie is still going to emerge from each? ???
-
The nerve wracking nail biting has begun as the Little One aka LO has now begun wondering from the nest box to explore the ledge. Both parents try to entice it back to the box with food but at times it is determined to keep on wandering. LO is quite the size so could be female or could be that it has been overfed as it is the only chick. :) :)
-
From their web news:
5/16/2011 :: Banding Event Tomorrow
The banding event for 2011 will take place tomorrow, May 17th at 1 PM. The nestling appears to be in good health though it will get a thorough physical examination at the event. More than 170 students, teachers and volunteers will view the event live at the Rachel Carson State Office Building, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event will also be live webcast through streaming video. Web users can view the streaming video by visiting the DEP Home Page at www.depweb.state.pa.us and click on the falcon link.
If you visit this site make sure you click on the streaming video as the other screen only refreshes every 2 minutes. I won't be able to watch this as I have an appt but they usually have a video of the event posted later.
-
Link to banding video......very loud unhappy little falcon
http://youtu.be/codP97RLLx4
-
Thanks for this link, rcf. :-* Yes, chick sure didn't sound very happy.
-
Very stressful for the little guy; I wished they had talked less, and worked faster. From my experience, human talk only increases the stress. I do hope the little guy will recover quickly.
-
Very stressful for the little guy; I wished they had talked less, and worked faster. From my experience, human talk only increases the stress. I do hope the little guy will recover quickly.
No worries about that little chick Elaine, he was fine. In fact he's older than we usually band our chicks (note all the flight feathers showing through) and that usually just means more vocal and more aggressive. The chick wasn't away for inordinate amount of time and he did not appear to be in distress just highly annoyed. An advantage of the venue was that the parents weren't within earshot or eyeshot (obvious I know) and in my experience, that is more stressful than 10-20 minutes with humans, even talking humans. :D
-
Thanks so much for the link rcf, glad you posted it as I wanted to watch it happening and had to miss it. Very vocal young one. ;D
-
Thanks for the link, rcf! It's very cool to see this little guy up close :-*
-
Latest news from the site:
5/27/2011 :: The Fledge!
The little male ran the length of the ledge and took flight at 9:15 AM. He landed on nearby building. Within 15 minutes he was on top of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, his home building. Soon after, he returned to the nest ledge where he was rewarded with a meal. This fledgling now holds the record for earliest fledge and quickest return to the ledge. Watch and rescue crews will continue to track his whereabouts and ensure that if he gets into trouble they can respond and keep him out of harms way.
-
Wow!! That's great news LinderLou
-
News of the fledgling from the site:
5/31/2011 :: Fledgling Update
The fledgling has been seen flying with both of the adults, seemingly getting flying lessons. He's getting stronger each day. Soon, he should get hunting lessons. This involves the adults transferring food in-flight and then assisting the fledgling in pursuit of prey. He seems to be on a fast track to independence. We expect him to gain full independence within five weeks. Then, he will likely leave the area traveling to unknown destinations.
-
Twitter source says adults are back on ledge this morning.
-
Twitter source says adults are back on ledge this morning.
Tweets about peregrines? :o Holy cats!
-
Whew! Tweets, peregrines and cats in one line!
-
Whew! Tweets, peregrines and cats in one line!
LOL! ;D
-
2012 NESTING SEASON
Received email on latest news from nest site:
2/27/2012 :: Nesting Season Well Underway
The resident male and female appear to be on track for another successful nesting season. The male has been observed bringing food offerings to the female and breeding activity appears to be normal. There have been reports of conflicts in the sky, possibly the unbanded male returning to challenge the resident male. At this point, it is likely that the resident male and female will drive off any interlopers. Their bond is strong and their territory is mutually valued and defended.
The unbanded male appeared at the site around November and at one point it was thought that after a conflict with the resident male that he had injured or killed him. The resident was not seen for awhile but appeared back at the site a few weeks later. There are more reports on this on the Harrisburg webcam site.
-
Received email alert to check latest news from the site:
3/8/2012 :: First Egg of the Season!
The female exhibited egg laying behavior, late in the afternoon yesterday. This morning, we have the first egg in the scrape! The egg was laid three days earlier than last year. The first and second egg should get only occasional incubation time. When the third egg arrives incubation time should increase. The full clutch will be warmed continuously until hatching begins.
-
NG and Lil Dad's egg. :-*
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/US%20Falcons/harris008.jpg)
-
Tks for posting the pic of the egg rcf
-
NG and Lil Dad have two eggs this morning. ;D
-
NG and Lil Dad have three eggs as of 4pm today!
Video Uploaded by RLARRY3 on Mar 12, 2012 http://youtu.be/GVxctT5lWQU
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/US%20Falcons/harris0122.jpg)
-
From the website:
3/15/2012 :: Fourth Egg!
Around 7 AM this morning, the female falcon laid her fourth egg. We'll have to wait and see if another egg arrives.
-
Kind of neat program ...
DEP offers peregrine falcon workshop
posted: 26 March 2012
HARRISBURG — The Department of Environmental Protection invites teachers, non-formal educators, homeschooled students, youth groups and scout leaders to attend a Peregrine Falcon Educators’ Workshop, “WILD in the City,” on April 3 in Harrisburg.
The workshop is sponsored by DEP and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) in cooperation with ZOOAMERICA North American Wildlife Park. It will be held in the Rachel Carson State Office Building auditorium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Since 1997, countless Peregrine falcons have made their home on a ledge off the 15th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. Peregrine falcons, which are an endangered species in Pennsylvania, were extremely rare in the state for many years. Through reintroduction programs, they have adapted to life in urban environments like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Williamsport. Each year, DEP and PGC track the birds’ activities and share educational information through, among other things, the popular online Falcon Cam. The Rachel Carson nest site has been active and reproducing young Peregrine falcons for the past 12 years.
Workshop participants will explore the successes of Peregrine falcon reintroduction in Pennsylvania, examine falcon specifics, learn about endangered species and observe falcons in Harrisburg. Several Peregrine falcon experts will speak to the group, including Dan Brauning, Chief of PGC’s Wildlife Diversity program; ZOOAMERICA education coordinator Elaine Gruin; DEP environmental educators Jack Farster and Ann Devine; and Project WILD coordinator Theresa Alberici.
To register for the free workshop, call DEP’s Environmental Education and Information Center at 717-772-1644 or email adevine@pa.gov by March 27. Space is limited, so registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who have not attended the workshop in the past will be given first consideration, while others will be placed on a waiting list. Participating teachers are eligible for 5.0 Act 48 credit hours. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
For more information about this and other environmental education opportunities through DEP, visit www.dep.state.pa.us and click on the “PA Falcon Cam” button on the homepage
Link to the story: The Mercury = DEP offers peregrine falcon workshop (http://www.pottsmerc.com/article/20120326/LIFE05/120329678/-1/LIFE/dep-offers-peregrine-falcon-workshop)
-
It is a month today since the 4th egg was laid. Should be hatchings sometime in the next few days. Will try to check in every so often and keep you all informed.
-
Checked the site and can see one chick for sure. Will check back on whether or not there are more. Checked on the BCAW site and they have pictures of two chicks so far. Two hatched and two to go. As usual they are cute as can be. ;D ;D
-
Just checked the cam and I like the image but I hate the still photo above the link to the cam - the poor bird has her mouth wide open and it makes her look like a wide-mouth bass :'( Hopefully they will change it once there are cute chicks to look at ...
Something else I noticed, she has a very long, currved beak ... or is it just the camera angles I'm see her at right now ... maybe its just the way the light and the pebbles behind her make it look ...
-
NG is hacking up a pellet at the moment ... :P
Two chicks and one egg visible - don't know if #4 is still egg or now a chick ...
-
NG is hacking up a pellet at the moment ... :P
Two chicks and one egg visible - don't know if #4 is still egg or now a chick ...
I was watching her do that, doesn't look like a pleasant experience.......like dry heaving. :-X
-
Had a look today and still 2 eggs and 2 chicks. If this is it, they have one more than last year to look after but I guess there is still hope for more.
-
Checked in again today and still 2 chicks. It's been 2 days since they hatched so hoping the other 2 eggs might still have a chance.
-
Two adorable fluffies and two unhatched eggs. Don't think any more hatching will be happening :'(
Didn't the same thing happen last year at this site? I seem to recall the chicks having unhatched eggs as their siblings for quite awhile. ???
-
Last year only one chick from the 4 eggs laid. So this year they have two mouths to feed.
-
So the odds are getting better! Thanks for remembering, Linder!
-
News from the site:
4/30/2012 :: Egg Update
There will be two nestlings banded at the May 9th banding event. Last year, one chick hatched for a total of three young produced at the nest over two years. This female was very young last year, and typically young peregrine females will lay eggs that are not viable. Even with adult females, one of four eggs not viable is not unusual. So there is reason for optimism in the sense that this pair has doubled the number of nestlings this year and as she matures, this female should produce eggs with a greater hatch success rate. The unhatched eggs in the nest will be added to the eggs from last year's nesting season and submitted for testing.
-
Thanks Linder. These two are awesome, aren't they? Can't believe how they've grown :o
-
News from the site:
4/30/2012 :: Egg Update
This female was very young last year, and typically young peregrine females will lay eggs that are not viable. Even with adult females, one of four eggs not viable is not unusual.
Did I miss mention earlier of how old this female is? Does anyone know?
-
News from the site:
4/30/2012 :: Egg Update
This female was very young last year, and typically young peregrine females will lay eggs that are not viable. Even with adult females, one of four eggs not viable is not unusual.
Did I miss mention earlier of how old this female is? Does anyone know?
She is unbanded, so who knows. ???
http://www.peregrinefalcon-bcaw.net/viewtopic.php?p=159752#p159752
-
I went back to the Site News from Feb 17 2011 and this was reported about NG.
The new female is not banded so her age and geographic origin cannot be determined. However, when she arrived, she sported a bit of rusty brown coloring, an indication that she was emerging from juvenile plumage.
-
I went back to the Site News from Feb 17 2011 and this was reported about NG.
The new female is not banded so her age and geographic origin cannot be determined. However, when she arrived, she sported a bit of rusty brown coloring, an indication that she was emerging from juvenile plumage.
Ah, so that would make this her third summer mostly likely ... thank you!
-
Latest from the site:
5/8/2012 :: Banding Event
The banding event will be live webcast at 1 PM, tomorrow May 9th. Over 150 students, teachers and youth groups will be in attendance. Many of the teachers who will arrive with their students also attended a falcon teacher workshop here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building on April 3rd. This year we'll have two nestlings. They'll be weighed, examined and the sex will be determined before leg bands are attached. These bands will provide for an individual signature that identifies the birds when they fledge, disperse and seek out their own nesting territories.
They are 1 hour ahead of us. So would be Noon here.
Just checked the cam and both chicks were snuggled up the box. It is raining there so they are not moving.
-
Banding was today. Two males.
"Red Boy" 42/AP (black/green)
"Blue Boy" 43/AP (black/green)
-
Wonderful ! Two I am sure, "bad boys". ;D Thanks for letting us know SusanE
-
Latest from the site:
5/17/2012 :: Falcon Sightings
The adult resident female has sustained an injury or disease that has rendered her unable to effectively hunt, feed herself and the eyases. The male has redoubled his hunting activities and is providing for the eyases. DEP staff has been trying to locate the female in hopes of live capturing her for treatment at a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center. Any information on her whereabouts would be appreciated. The female is one third larger than the male and is not banded. The male is banded.
-
Oh what bad news! I sure hope the female's okay and that the male is able to sustain the pace necessary to keep these little guys fed until they fledge and then until they can hunt for themselves. What's the prognosis, TPC? :(
-
The last time they saw her was Wednesday morning, May 16th.
-
I've watched this nest for many years, have visited the site in person and have met one of the locals who keeps a close eye on these peregrines. The male, Lil Dad, is one of the best peregrine parents I have seen anywhere. There is no doubt in my mind that he can handle raising the chicks from here on.
As for the female, NG, my understanding is that someone with CPF observed video and images of her and thought the problem could be Frounce (Trichomoniasis), but cautioned that there are other diseases that mimic Frounce. Others think she may have been injured in a battle with another adult female. She was seen escorting one out of the territory on banding day. (Wanted to submit this info so TPC would be better able to answer the question about prognosis.)
-
I've watched this nest for many years, have visited the site in person and have met one of the locals who keeps a close eye on these peregrines. The male, Lil Dad, is one of the best peregrine parents I have seen anywhere. There is no doubt in my mind that he can handle raising the chicks from here on.
As for the female, NG, my understanding is that someone with CPF observed video and images of her and thought the problem could be Frounce (Trichomoniasis), but cautioned that there are other diseases that mimic Frounce. Others think she may have been injured in a battle with another adult female. She was seen escorting one out of the territory on banding day. (Wanted to submit this info so TPC would be better able to answer the question about prognosis.)
Frounce is in the mouth and esophagus so I daresay it would be difficult to confirm without having the bird in the hand. But frounce is generally a disease of young birds, not adults - adults can get it but my understanding is that it isn't as common. We band young birds so getting a looking in the mouth of a screaming chick is easy enough and if you notice, when birds are treated for frounce they are usually about banding age. Not sure I would have posted about it being frounce until I could get a better look or confirm, but the CPF observer may have considerably more experience with the disease than I and so felt safe enough to post what they did. And yes, there are other diseases and injuries that can mimic the obvious signs of frounce - and just for the record, my understanding is that the signs are not always obvious until the bird is in very rough shape or dead.
-
Latest news from the site:
5/22/2012 :: Update on Rachel's Falcons
Despite daily search efforts, the adult female has not been located. The male has been providing food for the eyases. He is also a very good teacher. After the eyases make their first attempt at flight, he'll provide the fledges with flight and hunting lessons. We'll be observing the progress of the fledges and rescue them if they make any bad landings.
-
...it does not surprise me that they can't find the female NG - video they had of her on YouTube showed (to me) a VERY ill bird...in my (limited) experience, animals that ill tend to try to hide away when they are dying...
(warning, if you check out the video, it's very hard to watch - sad)... :(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PibD9KcrX1M&feature=relmfu
-
Thanks for the update, Linder. So, so sad about the female, but good news about the dad carrying on successfully and so great that there are dedicated fledgewatchers once the kids take flight! :)
-
Very sad to see NG in that condition. :'(
-
There was an accidental fledge here this morning with the juvenile landing on the sidewalk. He checked out okay and was placed back on the nest ledge. The rescuers checked his mouth and breath, and all checked out okay. :) (There was concern that NG may have passed on her problem, if it were some sort of infectious disease, to the juvies.)
-
Had a look at NG's video and given how much she was labouring my initial thought was that it must be something not infectious or rather transmittable (bacterial, viral, fungal or whatever) because for an adult to be in that kind of distress, I would have expected that the chicks wouldn't have lasted that long had they been similarly infected. I didn't see anything that looked like frounce, but of course there wasn't much chance to see anything. It did look like water blood on her breast feathers, which could have meant she was in a fight and what we watched in the video was a wet bird with blood on her breast trying to expell a pellet (that open-close mouth behaviour is reminiscent of the process of expelling a pellet. If she'd been injured on the breast, it could have been painful or less than efficient and hence it looked more laboured. Or I thought it might have been a reaction to something she ate, that her body was trying to fight it and that is "blood" on her breast might not have been blood but rather vomit so to speak. Or perhaps something she ate was sharp enough to pierce her esophagus or crop or something similar preventing her from being able to expell anything. That would definitely be a problem for a raptor.
I don't know, and I haven't heard anything not already posted here, so that was just my impression when I watched the video. I do hope they find NG - alive so perhaps she can be helped, dead if she can't, because this behaviour would be something I would want to know the answer to, in case it is something being used in the environment or just an accident or if it is an infection/parasite/fungus of some sort.
Just my two cents.
-
Thank you for that opinion, TPC. Agreed that it would be perfect if NG would/could have been found to discover the cause of her condition. There are several locals who searched several days for hours at a time in alleys and on top of garage roofs with binoculars, even asking building maintenance to check roof tops. Nothing. Unfortunately.
-
News from the site re accidental fledge:
5/25/2012 :: Update From the Ledge
Yesterday, just after 6AM, the red-banded eyas was swept off the ledge by a gust of wind as he flapped his wings. He was rescued from a nearby ally and returned to the ledge. At this age the eyases aren't quite ready to fly but they have the ability to make clumsy, relatively light landings. Volunteers are watching the young birds all day long from this point until they fledge and successfully return to the ledge. The adult male is doing a great job providing for the eyases on his own as there is still no sign of the adult female. The eyases are very mobile on the ledge now and are sometimes completely out of camera view. They're spending time on a small ledge opposite the radius column behind the scrape.
-
Here's a link to pics of the rescued chick.
http://www.peregrinefalcon-bcaw.net/viewtopic.php?p=191574#p191574
-
Blue Boy has fledged. His first attempt was pretty sloppy and he bounced off a few buildings and ended up on the roof of an auditorium. He was rescued and checked over and put on the roof of the Rachel Carson Bldg. He flew from the roof and ended up on 333 a bldg which is across from the nest ledge. So all is well with him. Red Boy has not gone yet but he may do so later. There is also news that an u/k female has been in the area and at the nest ledge.
-
Red took his first short flight around 7:25AM Monday, around to aberdeen side, clung to the side of the Carson bldg, flew off towards Market, circled around and back to the ledge.
Today Red left the ledge had a few problems trying to land on various buildings and finally ended up in a tree and then finally grounded on the sidewalk. He was rescued and returned to the ledge.
-
News from the site:
6/4/2012 :: Fledgling Update
Both of the fledglings have been observed in flight, at times with the adult male, getting advance lessons. They are being fed at the ledge occasionally. They have reached to the point now where they are capable of receiving in-flight food exchanges. They're developing their skills rapidly. There have been no reported sightings of any other adult peregrine appearing at or near the ledge.
It is good to hear that the female that was hanging around and interfering with the fledglings has disappeared. Much safer for Red and Blue. Once the boys have left the ledge for good maybe she will return.
-
Thanks for the update Linder, thumbs up for these two. :)
-
The two boys are flying well but continue to return to the ledge, so they continue to be seen on camera occasionally.
The new female has been visiting the ledge more and more the last couple of days, and does not appear to be interfering with the juveniles. She has been identified as a 2009 hatch from the PA/NJ Turnpike Bridge, making her the niece of Harrisburg's "Mom." :-*
-
News from the site:
6/13/2012 :: News from the Nest Ledge!
The new adult female falcon has been in the scrape with the male apparently pair-bonding. She is a large falcon from the PA/NJ Turnpike Delaware River Bridge in Bucks County, PA, and was banded on May 21, 2009, by the PA Game Commission.
6/7/2012 :: Female Falcon Update
This afternoon, an adult female peregrine was observed on the ledge. The female is banded. Based upon her alphanumeric band codes, she is from the PA/NJ Turnpike Delaware River Bridge in Bucks County, PA. She was banded on May 21, 2009, by the PA Game Commission. Both fledges are doing well, and improving their hunting skills.
-
Thanks for the update Linder! Hope this bodes well for next year :)
-
News from the site:
6/22/2012 :: Fledgling Update
The fledglings have been sighted at various locations away from the nest ledge and occasionally visit the ledge briefly. They seem to have no interest in returning to the ledge. It is likely that the adult male is still flying with them and giving them advance hunting lessons. By the end of June, they should set out on their first long journey.
-
2013 NESTING SEASON
3/13/2013 :: First Egg!
Late last night or early this morning, the female laid the first egg in the scrape! The egg was laid five days later than last year. The first and second egg should get only occasional incubation time. When the third egg arrives incubation time should increase. The full clutch will be warmed continuously until hatching begins.
The name Niecey for the female was given as she is the niece of Mom who was the resident at this site and died in 2010. This name is used on the Bird Cams Around the World site and they may have given her the name. She is banded as previously posted in 2012 but no name was mentioned.
-
Nuts, this is a month before our birds will get down to business and 6-8 weeks before the Alberta birds if both groups hold to their usual timelines!
-
Atlanta Georgia birds have 3 eggs in the shrubbery too! Of course it's warm enough to have shrubbery in Georgia!
Edited to add:
Oops, just looked and I think there's four now!
-
Just checked the site and there are now 2 eggs.
-
As I was watching it started to snow, I think this is Lil Dad.
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Harrisburg%20PA/PAHarrisburg.jpg) (http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Harrisburg%20PA/PAHarrisburg002.jpg)
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Harrisburg%20PA/PAHarrisburg006.jpg)
-
Lil Dad on the eggs and Niecey on the shield. :-*
Video: http://youtu.be/DUnv1AG3-Lo
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/Harrisburg%20PA/HarrisburgPa2.jpg)
-
A third egg for this site. Also getting snow but no near what we received.
-
There are now 4 eggs in the nest. Cute to watch Lil Dad try to cover them.
-
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/US%20Falcons%202013/PA.jpg)
-
Great screen capture, RCF, with the whole family! :D
-
There's been a hatch! Not sure if this is the first one. The way Niecey was sitting with her wing out earlier, looked as though there might be a chick although there was no egg shell in the nest and no sign of a fluffie. There's definitely egg shell now ;D
-
I've been watching for a while, and she won't move but I do see the eggshell so I guess we'll just have to wait until she is good and ready to show her baby.
-
Two have hatched now! :-*
-
Tuned in just in time to see Dad feeding four adorable fluffy wobblies :-*
After the feeding, one chick was on his/her back and couldn't seem to be able to get up. I've seen that before with greedy chicks with over-full chicks crops, but this one seemed smaller as well - might've just been the camera angle. Lil Dad attempted to cuddle with his kids for awhile, but Niecey would have none of that...
-
I think there should be some sprucing up of the scrape, it's a mess!
-
I think there should be some sprucing up of the scrape, it's a mess!
LOL, gran! I'll second that! ;)
-
Lots of activity in the nest here lately. Chicks have been very vocal, and one even left the scrape for a few minutes this morning. You can see the darker feathers starting to come in, does anyone know when the chicks will be banded?
-
The Recent News on the website is saying the banding event is scheduled for Tuesday May 21st at 1 PM.
-
Wow, these little ones aren't so little anymore are they! What big yellow feet! And not one of them with any housekeeping abilities apparently. :)
-
Chick are giants now and there's lots of activity in the yard, which is mucho messy like the house :P
-
Question and answer going on live on camera now. I believe banding is supposed to happen at 1:00 (Grrr, forgot about time differences and missed this banding as well :-\) I think 3 females and 1 male here.
-
From the BCAW site "White, Red, Blue are all Females, Yellow is the Male"
-
One of the female chicks was banded on the ledge. The other three, one male and two females were taken inside.
Three Banding Videos posted by skybluegirl
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXgGgJVNfGM&feature=share&list=UU4arE4y9OMxgGwQZJZzSB4
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R_MuTP05ao&feature=share&list=UU4arE4y9OMxgGwQZJZzSB4w
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lz8g52BNqfA&feature=share&list=UU4arE4y9OMxgGwQZJZzSB4w
(http://i803.photobucket.com/albums/yy320/Blondechik_2010/US%20Falcons%202013/pA.jpg)
-
News from the site:
6/3/2013 :: Blue Banded Female Released
The blue-banded female was returned onto the roof of the Rachel Carson State Office Building after being released from the wildlife rehabilitator around 11 a.m. The female has taken a few short flights to the nearby buildings and is doing okay. She was rescued by the Falcon Watch and Rescue volunteer crew on Saturday, June 1st.
6/3/2013 :: All falcons fledged
On the morning of Friday, May 31st, the yellow-banded male was the first fledge. After a few short flights, he landed inside a balcony on the 16th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. He was later rescued and released onto the roof. Over the weekend, the blue-banded female was rescued and taken to the Red Creek Wildlife Center because of exhaustion and dehydration. She has recovered and will be released onto the building later today. The other falcons--white-band and red-band are making short flights around the building. DEP Environmental Education staff, interns and volunteers are coordinating the Falcon Watch and Rescue Program.
-
2015 NESTING SEASON
I don't have any info on this site this year, but the view of mom and chicks right now is the one we've grown to love!
http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp
-
If anyone hears who the adults are here, please let me know and I can update the page. Last time we knew was in 2013.
-
If anyone hears who the adults are here, please let me know and I can update the page. Last time we knew was in 2013.
The male here continues to be the one and only Lil Dad. Lil Dad was born on the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia in 2003, and first came to Harrisburg in 2005. He is banded black/red W/V (somewhat faded now).
The resident female is Niecey. She was born in 2009 on a bridge connecting Pennsylvania and Delaware, the Delaware River Bridge. She has been at the Harrisburg nest since 2012. She is banded black/green 48/AE on the left leg, and a silver federal band on the right leg with green tape.
Her father was a brother of the original long-time resident female, known as Mom. That is the reason she was called Niecey.
She replaced the resident female, NG (for New Girl), who had become extremely ill and disappeared after raising two chicks in 2012. NG had arrived at the nest in 2010 after the loss of Lil Dad's long-time mate, the iconic falcon known as Mom.
-
Thanks Alison! :)
-
Awww, yes, I remember these two from last year :)
Thanks Alison!
-
You're welcome, TPC and Susha!
There are three chicks at the moment; yesterday I noticed that the fourth chick has been having problems trying to hatch. There was a fairly large hole in the egg, but I don't have a good feeling about a possible successful hatch for this little chick. :(
-
2016 NESTING SEASON
Just tuned into this nestsite and the cam view is focussed for now on the three healthy chicks who are being fed by one of the parents. Don't know who the parents are, but the one doing the feeding is banded. First PF feeding I've seen this season and it was great fun to watch! ;D
-
2018 NESTING SEASON
https://twitter.com/peregrinefund/status/964218155223535616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
-
https://twitter.com/PennsylvaniaDEP/status/963866098675408898
-
2019 NESTING SEASON
Apparently last year Lil Dad and Niecey turned up at the nest site mid- to late January.
-
2020 NESTING SEASON
I am listening to very loud kakking at this site. ;D
https://hdontap.com/index.php/video/stream/harrisburg-pennsylvania-falcon-live-cam
-
There was a territorial fight a few weeks ago with Lil Dad and 38/S, both went over the ledge and Lil Dad hasn't been seen since. :'(
-
There was a territorial fight a few weeks ago with Lil Dad and 38/S, both went over the ledge and Lil Dad hasn't been seen since. :'(
Territorial battles are usually not to the death, if they birds went over the edge of the ledge then I would fully expect self-preservation to kick in and both birds would let go and save themselves. If they didn't there would be an unmistakable splat below. It is early days in the nesting season so don't count Lil Dad out this year - or next year. If he was defeated, there is always another lady friend, another nestsite and another year!
-
The blog on this site calls the female Mama and refers to the male as W/V. There is a large scape in the nest and in the last few days, numerous visits to "size up" the nest. The site suggests that eggs are normally laid in mid March. Tick Tock!
As posted by a moderator, it appears that M/V is 17 years old.
"
deerlover
5d
From the DEP Falcon Wire...
2/27/2020 :: Senior Citizen?
After all the uncertainty over which male, 38S or W/V, would occupy the 15th floor ledge, it is safe to say that, once again, W/V will rule the roost. At 17 years old (confirmed age thanks to banding), this is an amazing accomplishment. According to the Cornell Lab, the oldest recorded peregrine falcon was at least 19 years and 9 months old when it was identified by its band in Minnesota in 2012, the same state where it had been banded in 1992. This information suggests W/V is just two years short of the longevity record. Considering that this falcon spent most of his adult life in an urban area, surviving all the human-made obstacles a city features, makes the current situation that much more remarkable.
"
-
The pair at this site just "bonded" again. One of them is again in the scrape. IMHO an egg will soon appear. If not today, but in the next few days. A lot of time has been spent in the scrape.
-
I was able to see the band close up, of the female at this site. One of the cams is a view inside the box showing the scrape. She was laying in it as if sitting on an egg. After she got up and walked around, no egg, but afforded me a view of her band on her left leg. it is black 48 over green AE. Can anyone identify her from this info? ??? TPC?
-
I was able to see the band close up, of the female at this site. One of the cams is a view inside the box showing the scrape. She was laying in it as if sitting on an egg. After she got up and walked around, no egg, but afforded me a view of her band on her left leg. it is black 48 over green AE. Can anyone identify her from this info? ??? TPC?
Her name is Niecey, I don't know where she comes from. :)
-
Oh I am a little interested in this one ...
According to early contributions on this forum, W/V is black over red, named Lil Dad. He hatched on Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia in 2003, and first came to Harrisburg in 2005. What makes it interesting is that in the Midwest there is also a black over red W/V bird, a female named Aerial that was banded in 1994 in Detroit Michigan. No word if she survived her first year or ever nested and she wouldn't have survived this long in the wild but back in 2003, she could have still been around somewhere - we have more than a few 10 year old birds. And Harrisburg is only 560km/350mi from Detroit. Does make one pause long enough to realize that band numbers alone sometimes aren't enough to be sure who's who. Size, location, age all play a part.
Niecey's band (black/green 48/AE) on the other hand is a reflection of the number of birds being banded and attempts to not have two birds with the same bands at the same time - the double-barrelled top/bottom band numbers are relatively new ... less new out east, than here, but we got our first shipment end of last year. Still have some of the old bands so they won't turn up on Manitoba birds for a few years yet. And for those wondering who she is - she is a 2009 hatch from the Delaware River Bridge and she's been the Harrisburg resident female since 2012.
(thank you to those who posted this information on the archived Harrisburg thread (http://www.species-at-risk.mb.ca/pefa/forum/index.php/topic,38.0.html))
-
And for those who like to follow nests on social media - Lil Dad & Niecey have their own Twitter Page - www.twitter.com/FalconChatter
-
I was so happy when Lil Dad returned for another season.
Niecey laid her first egg of the season this morning. :)
-
2021 NESTING SEASON
Sad news!
There had been territorial disputes between males this spring.
3/17/2021 :: Update on W/V
Followers of PA Falcon Cam are still reacting to the end of the long-time resident male's (W/V) reign at the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB). Yesterday, the PA Game Commission recovered the body of W/V. Unfortunately, W/V flew into the side of a building and perished.
Looking at the situation in a positive light, this does provide closure. Previous RCSOB falcons have disappeared without any indications as to where they went or if they had survived. The other positive development is that yesterday the first egg of 2021 was laid in the nest box on the 15th floor ledge. This continues the lineage of the most productive falcon nest site located within the Commonwealth. Stay tuned as a tribute to W/V's legacy is currently being developed.
-
There is a Tribute to Ll'l Dad W/V.
https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/PAFalcon/Pages/falconwire.aspx (https://www.dep.pa.gov/Citizens/EnvironmentalEducation/PAFalcon/Pages/falconwire.aspx)
-
:'( This is so sad. This is the time of year for territorial battles. Thanks for sharing, RCF!
-
Lil Dad was one of my all time favorite tiercels - he is a legend :'(