Radisson - 2015 / Smiley & Princess

[Liz]

Unfortunately, I guess it does.  I was hoping she'd at least try to gather them up and settle. She knew it was hopeless...   

[The Peregrine Chick]

Has Princess tried rounding up the eggs or does she realize that they're lost...? 

I can't say what she knows I'm afraid Susha but the eggs haven't moved from where they were when the ledge dried out last night.
Does that answer your question? 

[susha]

Has Princess tried rounding up the eggs or does she realize that they're lost...?

[The Peregrine Chick]

I've had one pm about this, so I thought I would post as well. 
Yes, the nestledge is dry this morning - a wee bit snowy, but no puddles or water that I can see.
There is more snow in the WW nestbox right now.

[Kinderchick]

Heard your interview this morning on CBC's "Information Radio" show, TPC. As usual, very good interview. And as Jazz has previously said, from your explanation as to why the east nest ledge cannot be blocked off, I now fully understand. We certainly don't want to risk the possibility of our downtown PF's moving elsewhere. Thanks for your explanation, TPC.

[The Peregrine Chick]

Just an update for folks, I have seen both Princess and Smiley today and they look fine from what I could see - didn't see them for very long.

Weather is suppose to remain cold today but clear off this afternoon (late this afternoon?).

[Jazzerkins]

I just listened to you on CBC Radio, TPC and very much appreciated your explanation as to why you cannot simply block off the east ledge site so Princess will not nest there.  A lot of us do not know the ins and outs of Peregrines the way you do.  I was not aware that the birds use the east ledge for activities other than nesting and that by closing off this site, it may discourage them and they may possibly move to a location other than the Radisson.  In all the years the PFs have been in Winnipeg, there have been many times they have successfully nested on the east side and unfortunately two times have been disastrous.  These are wild birds and they will decide where they want to nest.  Humans are not in control.  We are just the "visitors".  Even though so many of us love these birds, we have to accept the fact that they do what they want, not what we want.  Thanks for all your hard work, TPC, Eye-Spy,Dennis, and all the others involved in the Project.  I, for one, appreciate it.

[burdi]

Today must be very difficult for anyone directly involved with these falcons. TPC, thank you for all you do for our peregrines - while trying to remain positive. Those four precious eggs of Smiley and Princess were so close to hatching ...

[Kinderchick]

I am so sorry that Princess & Smiley have lost all of their eggs. Princess is such an amazing bird, hanging in there for as long as she did with these gale force winds & rain. I'm sure that she only abandoned her eggs when she knew there was no hope. And as someone has said, better now than after they have hatched. That would be much more difficult to watch, particularly for young school children. Still, very sad.  

[The Peregrine Chick]

Thanks everyone ... tough day for everyone, peregrines and phanatics alike.

Will have to see what tomorrow holds .. been talking to lots of folks, here, there and everywhere ... so this will be my last post for this evening. Tomorrow will come with snow, wind, whatever and we will just have to see what the peregrines are up to.  I'll see if I can't track Princess and Smiley down by camera.

As for what the birds will do next, I think I know, but they have surprised us before so I'm not going to speculate.  They may not always know "best" but they know way more than we do, so we'll just leave them to do their thing ... it is there show after all, we are just the audience and occasionally stage hands.

One last thing - I figure you all have heard enough about today's events but I will be on Information Radio (CBC Radio One) at 0810h tomorrow morning.  I can't think that there will be anything you haven't all heard or already know but I thought I would mention it nonetheless.

Night all ...

[bccs]

The rain has stopped for now, but the temperature has dropped considerably.
The wind has picked up and it is quite dreary here. Tonight does not look any better.

Today has been a sad one for all of us. But nature will do as it sees fit.
None of us would have been aware of what happened today without the dedication of many and the technology that allows us to be a part of the beauty and sadness of it all.
We are so incredibly lucky to be able to have access to the intimacy of the Peregrines and their ups and downs.      Thank you.

[bev.]

I for one will say here for princess.

Is she still on the ledge TPC

[Stormy]

I don't post on this site often, but I do follow everyone's comments and am appreciative that you are all there.  I want to express by extreme sadness and condolences at the loss of the chicks.  Especially, to Tracy.  It is super hard, but certainly harder on those humans who are so invested in their lives.

[moka]

To answer a question - is it too late for Princess and Smiley to re-nest?  The answer, technically, is no.  Do I think they will?  No.  Generally if nests are lost early in incubation there is a chance they will re-nest but this is too late in the cycle I think, particularly with an experienced bird like Princess.

Only good thing is that Princess and Smiley will have the summer to rest and recharge.  Ty in West Winnipeg is a good example of what can happen after a tragedy - he and his sibs were from Princess' and Trey's 2009 nest on this same ledge.  And to be honest, Princess is an older bird, I would prefer to see her come back next year ready to rumble rather than go through all it takes to raise chicks again this year.

And yes, Jazzer is correct, every year, there are peregrines around the world nesting on cliffs (and other places) that go through this same thing.  The downside of saving the peregrine is that every loss is personal.

So well said, Tracy.
I have to remember how many chicks were raised and thrived on this ledge.
I am so sad for the birds and for all of us who follow them with love.
This loss just makes the successes that much more poignant.
We have to stay engaged, even though it's so difficult.
We should have at least some of the staying power of our Princess and you too, TPC.

[The Peregrine Chick]

To answer a question - is it too late for Princess and Smiley to re-nest?  The answer, technically, is no.  Do I think they will?  No.  Generally if nests are lost early in incubation there is a chance they will re-nest but this is too late in the cycle I think, particularly with an experienced bird like Princess.

Only good thing is that Princess and Smiley will have the summer to rest and recharge.  Ty in West Winnipeg is a good example of what can happen after a tragedy - he and his sibs were from Princess' and Trey's 2009 nest on this same ledge.  And to be honest, Princess is an older bird, I would prefer to see her come back next year ready to rumble rather than go through all it takes to raise chicks again this year.

And yes, Jazzer is correct, every year, there are peregrines around the world nesting on cliffs (and other places) that go through this same thing.  The downside of saving the peregrine is that every loss is personal.