Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Peregrine Falcon Update-Possibility of Nest Failure

There has been no birding for me the past couple of days due to a hectic work schedule where I have been putting in 10 hour days but this does allow me the opportunity to keep a closer eye on the Peregrines. Last week I posted that a co-worker of mine told me he saw both falcons heading up toward the 446 Main Street building so I went up there to see for myself. I was happy to see that there was only one of them and assumed my co-worker saw a pigeon or something (what pigeon in their right mind would fly around with a peregrine HA).
Anyhow, I was able to observe the Peregrines a few times yesterday and BOTH were out of the nest box (but not for long durations). The male was in his favorite place and the female was at the corner of the ledge where the nest box resides. I observed for about 10 minutes or so as the male would take off from his ledge and fly around in a circle only to return to his favorite spot. The female would watch this intently and finally she took to the air and did a semi-half circle before landing on her own corner ledge. They sat their silently the entire time as I watched in confusion wondering why one of them wasn't on the eggs.

I went back upstairs to my office and emailed a local bird expert in my area who is very familiar with nesting behaviours of various bird species and he sent me some valuable information and told me to keep my eye on them this week which I have been doing. I am happy to report that I did not see them both out together today at all. In fact, both appeared to be in hiding up until 2 o'clock today when the male went to his favorite spot. There was no sign of her at all.

Right now its wait and see I suppose. Keep your fingers crossed everyone and I will post more when I get more info.

14 comments:

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Thanks for sharing your amazing view of these spectacular birds.

Shelley said...

I hope so much that their nest is successful! I am enjoying your photos of them!

Femin Susan said...

fantastic capture.Hoe did you manage to capture this? Magnificent.
Cheers!

Kim said...

Shelly I am hoping it's successful too. I have been doing a lot of reading on Peregrines and usually when nest failure occurs they will either give up or try again but usually at a different location. That will not happen with them though as there is really nowhere else for them to go. Mass Wildlife set up that nest box location just for them. They could try at the Flagship Building but they keep turning away from that for some reason.

I am still hopeful but temp extremes can sometimes contribute to egg failure and we did have 2 days of extreme heat a couple of weeks ago. Regardless of nest failure I will continue to take photos as long as they are around. My heart breaks for them though. I know you are not supposed to get too attached to wild birds but I can't help it in this case.

Kim said...

Thanks Susan, they come up to the upper floor of the building I work at. I am inside and they are outside. They can see me but don't consider me a threat as the window is their barrier.

Lynne, it is MY pleasure to share the pictures with you. I could take photos of them all day if allowed. ;o)

Rick (Ratty) said...

I hope it turns out alright for the birds. Maybe it was just an odd day for them.

Kelly said...

...I hope the nesting continues, and we get to watch the babies grow up. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Ginnymo said...

I sure hope the nest is okay. I know how you feel Kim. Let's hope everything will be okay for them. You sure do have a "bird's eye view" of them..LOL

Chris said...

Beautiful pictures Kallen. let's cross the finger for the nest!

Unknown said...

Lovely shots again, hope everything turns out alright.

Dawn Fine said...

Kim,
Great shots of the Peregrine! I can understand how you would become attached to these birds..I hope that the are able to nest successfully.
I will stay tuned!

NCmountainwoman said...

Here's hoping the nesting is still a success. I have really enjoyed the photographs.

Vickie said...

My fingers are crossed. I read that raptors sometimes leave the eggs uncovered for brief periods to allow air circulation. I noticed the red-shouldered hawk pair off the eggs a couple of times. Here's hoping all is well. Regardless, it is fortunate that you can observe and document what you're seeing. Great images.

Kathie Brown said...

Magnificent photos or magnificnet birds! I saw one earlier this week in Sycamore Canyon flying right over my house! It's a new yard bird for me!

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails