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Jun 29, 2010 - Tuesday update The juvies are all over the place as reported to me by various residents. They seem to have taken a liking to the 2008/2009 nest ledge. Some time is also being spent at this year's ledge, but not as much by comparison. Over the weekend all four falcons were observed flying around, and in the past 2 days I've seen juvies chasing parents, presumably to try to intercept meals. I also saw a juvie on someone's balcony railing this morning. There isn't too much else to report, but it's perhaps verging on moderately exciting to mention that today I received a nice hand-delivered pigeon leg-band from a neighbour. We all know how those make my day! :) If only there was a market on eBay for those and feathers I'd be rich :) If you're interested, I shot video of a variety of birds (sorry, no falcons) up at Tiny Marsh on the weekend. I love this spot, rain or shine it's always got something different to see! Click here for YouTube Video

Jun 24, 2010 - Thursday Part Deux This morning some kind of scuffle took place near the old nest ledge. Some time after, Pinto was noticed above the old nest ledge, stretched out, extending his foot and otherwise acting strangely. It was suspected he may have had a broken wing due to how he had it spread out. After we observed him for a while and discussed possible rescue options, Pinto was visited by Mom and got his mojo going again. He eventually stretched out, bobbed his head a bit and then flew off without incident, so thankfully he's ok! In hindsight it seems like he might've been tired from the heat and just huddled down resting himself. Here's a few brief video clips, I shot some photos I'll add later. Video 1 Video 2 8PM - some photos added. The birds are all over the place, and seem to appreciate the old nest ledge location, where they've been hanging out more. More Images:

Jun 24, 2010 - Thursday Morning Recap This morning Maurice (band ID P57, white tape) and Pinto (band ID P56 yellow tape), were both spotted on a peak near the old nest. They appear wet but otherwise fine. Anyone watching yesterday knows, it was a pretty exciting day of falcon-watching. Pinto has become proficient at flying very quickly, show off his turning, soaring and landing abilities. Maurice spent a lot of the day at the nest ledge following his previous night out on a balcony. Eventually he flew again, and overall seemed a bit squeemish to fly. Late yesterday afternoon he was firmly planted on the rooftop north of the nest and no amount of coaxing from Pinto and Mom could get him to move. A few hours later all 3 (Pinto / Maurice / Mom) were spotted flying high above the building, enjoying the strong winds. I'd like to personally say "Thanks!" to the many volunteers that contributed to this year's process. We had some 3-year veterans as well as some new recruits and everyone pitched in to help track our juvies as they took their first flights. I wasn't able to put in the hours I have in the past but that didn't seem to matter thanks to everyone else's efforts. We thankfully didn't need to perform any rescues which is always a great sign. Everyone can take pride in seeing our juvies enjoying their new-found aerial freedom. At this point, full-time fledge watch is over. However, please continue to monitor when you're out and around. They're flying well now and hopefully they stay out of trouble. In the days and weeks to come we'll see our juvies chasing Mom for food, becoming more proficient at flight, and eventually taking food hand-offs from Mom which is a step towards learning to catch their own prey. More Images:

Jun 23, 2010 - Wednesday 645AM - I believe I saw Maurice botch his landing, but ending up on the nest ledge where he remains at 845AM. I also believe Pinto is on the roof near the nest ledge, and Mom was seen earlier. Jack was spotted by Kathy at his other home. Fledge watch appears to have concluded, but our juvies have not yet collectively returned to the nest ledge, which is what we usually wait for. I will monitor today as time allows. 6PM: Pinto is flying amazingly well. Maurice needs to build his confidence but has taken a few short flights and has done alright. At the current time both juvies are on the roof north of the nest taking it easy. Hopefully the gang makes it back to the nest ledge this evening, we'll see.

Jun 22, 2010 - Pinto back at the building, Maurice Fledged, Jack came back from Club Med 1PM Update: We thought we had located Pinto in the nearby trees this morning, judging from the smaller birds alarm-calling in an unusual way. In the past few minutes Pinto flew back to the building, and is currently trying to stay dry on a balcony railing. Maurice has been flapping at the ledge but with all the rain currently falling he seems to have lost his motivation for the time being and settled back into the ledge. 3-5PM Update: Pinto spent the afternoon on a balcony, eventually leaving and ending up on the roof. He's flying well. Maurice fledged around 3PM. He went out, came back, hung on the wall for ~2mins, and then departed for the wonderful bank of trees we can't see into/through. While Maurice was in a tree, Jack came back from vacation, and since we haven't seen him since yesterday (or did we?), he doesn't know the juvies fledged. Jack proceeded to alarm-call at the "intruders", buzzing both Pinto and Maurice. Mom in turn got peeved, but she stayed focused and tried to coach Pinto back to the ledge. As of now, Pinto is on the roof near the nest. Maurice did an eastern flyby past the nest ledge, then a while later did a western flyby, and as far as I know, is now in the infamous bank of trees or beyond. Generally, both juvies are flying well, but the landings are iffy. Watch continues... 6PM - Maurice has taken some time off from flying to do some gardening. Thanks to the kind resident for calling it in and letting us check on him. He looks good and is being monitored. More Images:

Jun 21, 2010 - First fledge - where'd he go? 515PM our first fledge took place. He went directly west, holding altitude alright but unfortunately went out of sight over the treetops. Starting now to figure out how to find him. 8PM update. Fred noticed from a photo that the first fledgling had yellow tape, so that's Pinto, band #P56. He has not been located and the game plan is to wait for him to show up at the ledge...

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