Mariah Injured in Territory Battle Downtown
I make this report with great regret and a heavy heart. Earlier today, watchers Carol P and Brian H witnessed a fierce territorial battle near Midtown tower between Mariah and a banded female, possibly the falcon that has been staking out a territory in the nearby town of Brighton. During the battle Mariah was seriously wounded in her shoulder. Carol & Brian retrieved her from the street and took her to a local wildlife rehabber where she is receiving care.
This news comes as quite a blow to everyone at the Rochester Falconcam, and I’m sure to all of Mariah’s many fans. We’re hoping for a good outcome, and that Mariah will once again beat the odds, but we are informed that her injuries are quite grave. We’ll keep everyone informed as soon as we learn of any information about her condition.
UPDATE: We’ve received some pictures of Mariah provided by Carol. The first one shows her on the ground following the battle. The other two show her receiving care from the rehabbers.
-Jess
April 13th, 2009 at 1:29 AM
I read this about ten times. Damm nature–not in an awful way but in a sad acceptance that is what brings us the great joy of the past several years and now this hold our breath awful feeling.
Maiaih has been so amazing that I am glad however small the chance that she has one.
Darn it
April 13th, 2009 at 2:09 AM
Wow. Stunned.
Hoping for the best….
-tom
April 13th, 2009 at 2:20 AM
Ohh Mariah !!
So many prayers are coming your way from around the world. We are all praying for you.
Please be well —
. . . Lola
April 13th, 2009 at 2:28 AM
The news of the Captain being rescued was the highlight of this Easter day. This news about Mariah has left me feeling so sad and depressed. I wish I had been watching the Falcons on Kodak tower before last year. I have missed so much with her and now feel so upset to think we may not have her anymore. I know those helping her will do everything in their power. God bless you all.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:28 AM
I’m just shocked, first Kaver, now Mariah. What a very sad season. I wish her well. Prayers for her…most definitely.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:38 AM
Oh, Mariah, so many people love you and are praying for you. How can we not love you and fell a deep connection with you after all the years we have followed you via the cams.
Love, healing thoughts and heartfelt prayers, beautiful Mariah.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:44 AM
Natures way of saying “Mariah you need a rest.” I hope she recovers but it sounds like she may not be able to fly again? It is good that this was observed so Mariah could at least be rescued and taken care of. Thank you Carol and Brian.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:45 AM
Mariah !! My heart aches for you, all that you have endured this past year and now this !! Prayers go out to you ..if you cant be saved at least we know you will fly free with Kaver once more.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:50 AM
Be well, Mariah. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you Carol and Brian for being there.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:55 AM
She’s a survivor, remember the year her leg was hurt?
April 13th, 2009 at 2:56 AM
It was bound to happen some season, just as Zenith of Cleveland eventually met up with a bird more determined than she.
At least it is not her demise we must read, but rather see her looking non-plussed with her fancy royal red sash draped across her chest – only the Order of the Garter is missing.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:57 AM
THis just makes me sick to my stomach…hasn’t this little girl been through enough already?! Carol and Brian I am so thankful that you were there to “scoop” her up and get her help…Even in her injury she looks brave….Like everyone, I do hope she will be able to recover from her injuries…please keep us updated when you can….Prayers to you Mariah and your Doctors…
April 13th, 2009 at 2:59 AM
‘Legendary Mariah’ may live on to educate all of us.
April 13th, 2009 at 4:52 AM
Last year on Easter Sunday (March 23rd) Mariah fought off an intruder on the Kodak Tower, remember? And now this. My heart is breaking.
Prayers and positive thoughts go out to our Mariah and to all who love her – especially Carol and Brian…
Carla P.
April 13th, 2009 at 5:02 AM
Carol and Brian you were there for her 🙂 I can’t imagine the emotions that you both must’ve felt watching the battle.. my thoughts go out to you both.
Im praying Mariah heals fully or at worse her life is spared and she can live out her life in safety with some form of happiness. She brought me so much joy the last 8 years. She is truly a blessing.
Janie
April 13th, 2009 at 5:19 AM
I am keeping the faith that she will return to the skies and reclaim her territory. I think that the intruding female just happened to catch Mariah during a vulnerable time of the season (possibly pregnant or maybe just laid eggs).
Guys, Mariah’s not dead. Let’s not forget that a lot worst could have happened up there. Even if Mariah cannot safely be returned to the skies, she is not just ANY peregrine falcon. She is the ONE and ONLY Mariah. I said it on the falconcam site and I’ll say it here… She, unlike other rescue birds, has given us eleven fantastic years of memories that her fans have extensively documented and could become the greatest educational bird in the history or ornithology during her retirement. When people see her, they’ll see the photos, her young and where they are now, etc.
Chins up, people. 🙂 Look at her in the middle picture where she is being cared for. She looks calm and at peace. Even after eleven years of famously beating up humans who go to band her young, she knows that she’s being helped by people who love her. After all, she has seen humans rescue her young and return them to her in the past. Isn’t it appropriate that we are able to return the favor after eleven great seasons she has given to us?
April 13th, 2009 at 9:16 AM
So very, very sad! Am not ashamed to say I shed a tear, not only for Mariah but also for the devoted watchers who rescued her, it must have been heartbreaking. Hopefully ‘our girl’ will do well, like everyone else..fingers crossed!!!!
April 13th, 2009 at 9:41 AM
John Carlos says it all!
Sad for yet another dramatic turn of events, hopeful that she can recover and be released, grateful for all those years in which we were able to witness her life.
No matter what happens next, she is and always will be a legend.
April 13th, 2009 at 10:25 AM
I guess we viewed her as the fierce indomitable iron lady of the skies.
Assume ‘grave’ does not mean life threatening….. or does it?
Was her shoulder lacerated, dislocated, broken, or is that yet to be determined?
It is fortunate that people were there to locate and rescue her.
Hoping for the best.
April 13th, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Yes, bluhawkk, I agree. Our view, my view, is that Mariah is indeed the iron lady of the Rochester skies. My favorite eyas from last year is Quest who seemed to be as fierce and capable as her mother. I pray all goes well. I’ve noticed some ‘past tense’ references regarding Kaver. Do we know his whereabouts or his status? Have I missed something?
Thanks to all you dedicated watchers in the Rochester area.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Gail-Kaver did not return this spring and his fate is unknown. All I know is that if he could have returned he would have.
Sending healing thoughts to Mariah…
April 13th, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I sit here crying and praying that she will be well. Please give us more information about her injuries. I’m not giving up hope. Be well beautiful Queen on the skies.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:39 PM
In the first picture, Mariah looks like she is looking up at the sky and saying “You may have won the battle, but you have not won the war!” That’s our Mariah! Prayers to you, strong lady and many healing thoughts.
April 13th, 2009 at 12:41 PM
Thank god for the rescuers!!! I would rather see Mariah retire and be a teacher than to have heard of her demise on the street..I know that’s the way of nature but somehow I think Mariah was destined for greater things. She’s a truely exceptional falcon and has captured the hearts of many people around the world.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:28 PM
Unfortunately nature isn’t a Disney program and while the injuries to Mariah break our hearts, how many times did Mariah beat off an intruder and how many of us felt sympathy for the vanquished foe? Were any tears shed for the injuries the vanquished foes might have sustained?
April 13th, 2009 at 1:28 PM
I am sick…simply sick. I cannot even start to imagine the Rochester skies without Mariah…I am still trying to accept that we will most likely never see Kaver again…..my deepest, deepest thanks to our dear Falcon Watchers for coming to Mariah’s assistance…regardless of what happens, your dedication to our friends brings tears to my eyes….we appreciate you so much…..
April 13th, 2009 at 1:32 PM
Yes…I understand what ‘T Says’ is saying….but the simple fact of the matter is a foe is a foe…and to us, Mariah and Kaver are family. I don’t weep for the intruder that breaks into a friend’s house and is driven away in handcuffs.
April 13th, 2009 at 1:41 PM
Oh no! Poor Mariah… I hope her injuries heal and (keeping fingers crossed) she can fly again!
April 13th, 2009 at 1:52 PM
We’re all think of Mariah and Kaver as our ‘own’ and love them so much – watching them closely and then one doesn’t show up after winter and now Mariah is in another Easter Day battle as she was last year the same day – do you all remember that? – but she won and within a couple days she was laying those 5 beautiful eggs. I’m crying like the rest of you because M&K are family – the outsiders are not our enemies but we don’t love them as we do M&K and their off-spring. We just need to pray that Mariah heals and we know where she is she’s being taken care of with great love.
Thank you CAROL & BRIAN for saving her and getting her to safety and thank you RAHAB CAREGIVERS for taking care of her wounds.
April 13th, 2009 at 2:23 PM
Thanks Deborah and everyone for expressing such beautiful thoughts about Mariah and Kaver, and what they and their offspring have taught us over the years!
Hoping to hear and see more good news as she recovers!
April 13th, 2009 at 2:35 PM
All I can think is thank God Mariah landed in an area that was easilly accessable; and thank God that Carol and Brian were there to help her. (Of COURSE they were there)
April 13th, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Ok, I’m a Woose — can’t stop bawling since I read this news. So grateful that Carol and Brian took action. Nature is cruel and nothing ever stays the same. Maybe now she will be safe
April 13th, 2009 at 3:38 PM
thank god someone was there. thank-you Carol and Brian.
Mariah was one of my first nests that I watched and it was her and Kyver that kept me hooked.
their caring of their Brood , and their devotion to each other was always apparent
I am in shock as I type as I just found out.
I am sending her good vibes for a speedy recovery.
thanks to the Rehab Caregivers for giving her good care. Be gentle. this is our Girl.
she has made a mark on Falcon History
BEv from alberta
April 13th, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Only time will tell what Mariah’s fate is to be but regardless of that, her legacy makes her the Queen of the Rochester Skies, a legend in her own time. We have been beyond fortunate to witness all that she has done for Peregrines and falconry in general. In my mind she has acheived the pantheon of greatness like Seabisquit and Balto (the lead dog on the serum run to Nome, precursor to the Iditarod race of today).
Befitting of what was probably lifesaving actions and dedication to all of Mariah’s progeny, I suggest Carol and Brian be awarded Rochester’s first “Order of the Falcon” recognition. Had they and the rehabber not been there for Mariah, her fate may have been determined on Easter Sunday, ’09.
April 13th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
She is a strong female, and I know she will put up the good fight once again! Is there a fund we could contribute to that will give her the best care available? Please just ask!
Thank for being there!!
April 13th, 2009 at 4:04 PM
Wow….did not want to read this. My prayers are with her.
April 13th, 2009 at 4:28 PM
Bev from Alberta, can I ask you why you keep calling Kaver, Kyver? I noticed it on RFC also. Just checking and def not being rude. 🙂
April 13th, 2009 at 5:25 PM
Sorry I guess that is how I thought it was spelt. No one has ever corrected me, .
I apologize. He was one of my favorites also.
April 13th, 2009 at 5:50 PM
wow, what a weekend. Hope everyone is okay.
April 13th, 2009 at 6:27 PM
It’s so sad,it’s not important what my feelings are.I’m said for mariah,what can we do,what does she think,how does the Queen of Rochester feel.She didn’t have a save place to go!Carla
April 13th, 2009 at 9:07 PM
Apparently Mariah was attacked by both the new female and “Nubo” at the same time. Not exactly a fair fight, especially from an evolutionary point of view. Mariah’s tenacity not to be driven off but to fight for what’s hers against all odds makes her quite the hero!
April 13th, 2009 at 10:25 PM
What a shock! I hope Mariah makes it through this tough time, she is one tough “old bird”. Thank you Carol and Brian for everything you did to help and rescue her. She looked very calm in your care.
April 14th, 2009 at 12:27 AM
Wow, what a shock to see this post, especially after all of the excitement over Mariah and Nubo’s mating. The real world indeed. How fortunate that Mariah had her loyal followers (i.e., Rochester Falcon Watchers) nearby. Her fate might have been very different. Thank you, Carol P. and Brian, for your efforts, and to the “rehabbers” too… and Jess for your updates. Whatever her fate, Mariah couldn’t be in better hands.
April 14th, 2009 at 1:25 AM
I can’t help but see trust in Mariah’s eyes as her rescuers attempt to save and comfort her in the most vulnerable of moments…a trust that must come from years of cautious respect as she has watched (and “guided”!) you gently remove and return her eyases to/from the scrape. I think Mariah has already taught us many lessons, and this one of mutual respect and “trust” is as great an any tangible gift. May we continue to Learn!
Thank you.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:08 AM
So sad to here the news about Mariah, but with all the tender loving care I’m sure she’ll come through this ok. My prayers go out to Mariah & those who are taking care of her.
April 14th, 2009 at 2:36 AM
So sad to here about Mariah. I hope with all tender loving care that she comes through this ok. My prayers go out to Mariah & to those who take care of her.( Get well soon Mariah )
April 14th, 2009 at 3:08 AM
MARIAH WE ARE ALL PULLING FOR YOU, HERE IN ROCHESTER AND ALL OVER THE WORLD. IN THE PAST, YOU’VE SHOWN US HOW STRONG YOU ARE, TRY TO BE STRONG NOW. YOU ‘VE HAD SUCH A CHANGE IN YOUR YEAR SO FAR, NOT HAVING KAVER OR YOUR HOME THAT YOU’VE BEEN COMING TOO. YOU’RE A BEAUTIFUL BIRD AND I HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE SKY, FLYING. YOU ARE THE QUEEN OF SKY.
April 14th, 2009 at 4:15 PM
We have been blessed watching this beautiful bird. I know
it is nature, but it is still sad nonetheless.
April 14th, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Oh my god.I feel so bad for M, she sure got the worse of it. I pray she will recover fully. Thank you for the news. Things sure aren’t as they use to be.
April 17th, 2009 at 9:50 PM
I was away earlier in the week and have just come back to this shocking news. Thank God that Carol & Brian were there…I agree that Mariah looks calm in the pictures with the rehabbers. I pray she continues to do well in her fight to recover. Your royal subjects are at your beck and call, Queen Mariah! We salute you!