Today's Fledge Watch (Saturday 7/14/12) at Central Terminal was a lot of fun. No fledges, but they are getting really close. My guess is at least one will go tomorrow.
Dana and I arrived early this morning and ended up staying until after dark tonite with just a quick lunch break. The two girls flapped wildly on and off all day long. We only saw them get fed once, but that's usual for pre-fledge. The parents will start holding back on the feedings at this point. The girls look to be in great form. They're ready to fly!
The day was extremely warm and shade was at a premium, but I do love watching falcons at this location. The architecture of the old train terminal is incredibly beautiful and most of the folks there are very inviting and friendly. We met some really nice people today.
During our watch, we were joined by Sage, Roger, Michelle, Jan, Joyce, Brian, Michelle & Enrique.
The yellow tape on the silver USFW band of one of the eyases has already come off. So there is a silver banded and blue banded eyas ready to fledge. Just to stop any confusion.
The highlight of the watch was when the silver banded eyas made her way back up to the nest box. It was comical to see both of them looking at each other like "hey! how'd you get up there!" The eyas in the nest box walked out onto one of the perches and started flapping her wings like crazy. We thought for sure, we might witness a fledge, but it didn't happen. Instead she ended up dropping down on top of her sister and joining her below the nest box again. Just proof that yes, they can make it back up to the nest box if they want to.
Good luck to the Buffalo Watchers that go out tomorrow. I hope that Alfreda and Wagner fledge safely.
p.s. Michelle & Enrique - There was no video!
Very nice seeing you both again!