Morning watch 1-18-15
By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK
HEATWAVE-at 39 (F) 4 (C) it was 41 degrees warmer than yesterday morning! It was also windy and overcast with rain forecast for later
Click on the pics to see the full version
When I arrived in my spot on Seth Green Drive I spotted 99 on the northwest corner of the roof on Seneca Towers.
99 was mainly looking to the south, maybe for prey or maybe for his girl Billie. At any rate, he was actively watching over his surroundings as he pooped and stretched.
I shared space with 99 until he didn’t want to be seen anymore as he moved over onto the north side out of view. I left for downtown checking the OCSR elevator shaft first as has become my routine. I wasn’t surprised when I found nobody home- I thought perhaps Beauty and Dot.ca (DC) might be out enjoying the warmer temperatures. I made 2 trips around downtown before I spotted DC on cam 1 from the Broad St. bridge around 8:30am.
DC didn’t stay for long as he flew off at 8:29am heading northeast toward OCSR. I got the take off shots then headed over to Bragdon Place to check the elevator shaft. There he was up on the south side ledge preening.
As I arrived Donna reported that DC had been at the nest box at 8:13am before flying over to cam 1. I watched him preen a few minutes then left to look for the Beautyful one.
I stopped on the Andrews St. bridge to take a look around and that’s when I spotted the salmon front of Beauty on the top ibeam northwest side of OCSR. I took off for State St. and pulled over across from the Rochester Plaza Hotel to observe her, unfortunately her back was to me. She preened a little looking over her shoulder at times.
It was 9am and I had to get going as I have a full day planned so when Beauty turned and looked my way I said b-bye with a smile as I can think of no better way to end my watch! 🙂
Click on the links below to see today’s videos
January 18th, 2015 at 11:20 AM
MAK, I cannot believe that anyone is able to function in those freezing temperatures! Thanks for being so brave!
January 18th, 2015 at 11:51 AM
You’re welcome Bobbie-today was warm compared to the last couple weeks! 🙂
January 18th, 2015 at 11:53 AM
Jan thaw in progress, to bad it’s only going to last a few hours before the cold is back, again.
January 18th, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Even the gang of four (just three today) notice the difference when the temp goes above freezing…They stay out and preen a bit more..Although I noticed the beautiful one was very poofed .. What is the word you use for that fluffed up appearance? I hope you have a way of poofing up and staying warm! Thanks again for the look around at our fave falcons.. and for the smile! J.
January 18th, 2015 at 8:31 PM
No sweat Camp-it’s just northern winter weather. It’ll end when it’s ready and we will just go with it til then eh!? 🙂
January 18th, 2015 at 8:36 PM
June, I call it all foofed up when the birds fluff up their feathers to stay warm. The technical term for fluffing up is “ptiloerection” -they do this to trap as much air in their feathers as possible which keeps them warm in the cold weather. Unfortunately, I have no feathers to foof up but I stay warm for the most part. 🙂
January 18th, 2015 at 9:59 PM
Knowing what keen eyesight the PEFAs have, I don’t doubt that Beauty was acknowledging your familiar presence. Thanks for your report, MAK…and keep those smiles coming!
January 18th, 2015 at 10:34 PM
Barb, as long as there’s falcons I’ll have smiles! 🙂
January 18th, 2015 at 10:38 PM
Love the pic of DC taking off from cam 1! Must of felt pretty nice out there today for a change! 🙂
January 18th, 2015 at 10:41 PM
Yeah Patty, much more enjoyable temps today. 🙂