Imprints

Hopefully everyone has been following the fledglings’ antics at our FalconWatch blog. Our on-site team of watchers have provided over fifty updates so far. There are still a couple of weeks to go before the young Peregrines start moving away from the Rochester area, so keep checking the FalconWatch blog for more news in the coming days.

Falconcam fan and Fledge Watcher Jeanne Y. has been in contact with several raptor biologists and wildlife experts who have experience with relocating Peregrines. After describing the situation here at Rochester, the consensus from these experts agrees with what we’ve heard from our own specialists, the DEC’s Mike Allen and Barbara Loucks– Namely that our chances for a successful relocation are quite high, provided that we install a nest box in a location that’s within a few blocks of the current site, and that the location is one that is already familiar to the falcons. Interestingly, it doesn’t appear that we’ll need to install a lot of nest boxes– most of the raptor authorities said that one or two boxes was sufficient.

The Rochester Falconcam’s Nest Box Relocation Team has identified a few sites where we can place nest boxes. In consultation with Barbara Loucks, head biologist and manager of the Endangered Species Unit at the New York DEC, our plan is now to install two nest boxes at locations where Mariah and Kaver are known to perch during the off season. We’re currently working with property owners in the area to obtain the permission needed to install the nest boxes (and hopefully the Rochester Falconcam cameras too!).

Though we’ve turned off the Rochester Falconcam’s cameras, work has not yet begun on the repairs at the Kodak tower, and the nest box is still in place. We plan to remove this nest box and re-install it at the site that we feel is most likely to be accepted by Mariah and Kaver. Another nest box will be placed in a second location that also meets the recommendations of the experts.

As the work progresses we’ll keep you updated. We’ve also received requests from some of our readers to see pictures of the work on the Kodak building as it progresses. After all, as one fan noted, Kodak has been so much a part of the history of these falcons that it’s only natural to see what’s going on there too. We think this is a great idea, so we’ll be posting updates about the Kodak tower work as well.

-Jess

The opening night Gala for the Rochester Falcons art show at the High Falls Art Gallery was a terrific success! Our many guests included fans of Mariah and Kaver from around the country, as well as New York State Senator Joe Robach. We also had a couple of very special guests– Falconer and raptor artist Al Jordan joined us with Kai, his Harris Hawk!

After a wonderful 2008 nesting season we’ve seen all five of this year’s eyases– Seneca, Diamante, Quest, Zephyr and Susan B– take to the skies of Rochester and fledge successfully. Our computer servers have captured and stored many thousands of images, and space is getting short. Since the falcons have largely left the nest box, and we are preparing to transition the camera equipment and nest box, we’ll be turning off the Rochester Falconcam’s cameras on Monday, July 7^th. We’ll continue to bring you information from our on-scene volunteer watchers at the FalconWatch Blog throughout the summer. And of course, we’ll keep you up to date on all the news here at Imprints.

The Falconcam site will remain active throughout the year so that we can bring you news of Quest’s travels via her solar-powered backpack transmitter. We’ve been informed by the satellite monitoring agency that her signals are being received, and we’re preparing the website so that we can show you where she goes. We’ll begin posting updates for Quest in a few weeks, as soon as she leaves the area. Look for updates to occur at intervals of roughly a week.

Our nest box relocation committee is already hard at work, contacting local property owners and making initial surveys for possible nest sites. We’ll be working with the project leaders for the renovations at the Kodak tower on the actual date that we’ll take down the nest box. We plan to reinstall the “Kodak” box at one of the relocation sites, and to install several others as well. We’ll keep everyone updated on the progress of this important work throughout the coming months.

We’re very excited about some new Rochester Falconcam merchandise that we’ll be showcasing at our new online store. Look for more news about that soon. We’ll also be announcing some upcoming opportunities for our viewers and fans to contribute to the story of Mariah and Kaver so stay tuned!

-Jess

Early this morning our on-site fledge watchers reported that Seneca took her first flight! With that, all five of the 2008 eyases have fledged, bringing to 43 the total number of fledglings produced by Mariah at the Rochester site in eleven years. It’s a remarkable feat that’s unmatched by any other site that we’re aware of!

You can read updates about Seneca and the other fledglings from Lisa McKeown and Carol Phillips in our FalconWatch blog!

-Jess

For the second year, the Gallery at High Falls will exhibit art and photographs featuring the Peregrine falcons of Rochester.

There will be an opening night gala on Saturday, 28 June 2008 from 5:00-7:00 PM. The gala is sponsored by the Genesee Valley Audubon Society and the Rochester Falconcam. The exhibit will run throughout the summer.

We will showcase amazing photography by our local falcon watchers, along with sculpture, drawings and paintings by artists who love the Peregrine Falcon.

The gala is open to the public, and there’s no dress code — come as you wish. A $15 donation from our guests is suggested, and we’ll serve terrific hors d’oeuvres from the Triphammer Grill, as well as a cash bar featuring a selection of our great New York State wines.

We hope to see you there and we’re looking forward to another great opening!

-Jess

If you missed our recent Fledge Watcher Orientation meeting, don’t despair! You can still participate.

First, download and print a copy of our 2008 Fledge Watch Brochure. The brochure provides an overview of information that you need to be a successful fledge watcher. It includes a list of contact numbers, recommended fledge watching gear and instructions for how to rescue a downed fledgling.

Next, check out the Fledge Watch Calendar. Fledge watch shifts are available from 7AM to 9PM every day from now through mid-July. You can sign up for as many or as few shifts as you want. We request that shifts be two hours in duration or more, but whatever amount of time you can volunteer will be greatly appreciated! And don’t worry if you see that someone else has signed on to the same time you’d like to watch. The more watchers we have out at one time, the better we can cover all the ground once the fledglings start really flying.

When you decide on which shift(s) you’d like to take, send an email to Lisa McKeown, our Fledge Watch Coordinator. You can reach her at either of the following addresses:
gladyshall@gmail.com or
sponsorship@rfalconcam.com

Be sure to include your name and the dates & times for the shift or shifts you’re interested in filling. And to make it easy for Lisa to pick out your email from all the rest, be sure to include the words “Fledge Watch” in the subject line.

While you’re looking at the calendar, take a moment to browse the other pages at the Rochester Falconcam’s FalconWatch Blog. We’ve included helpful guidelines for posting your fledge watch reports and using the FledgeWatch blog. You won’t be able to post your report on the FalconWatch blog until you’ve been accepted as an author at the blog. We’ll send you a username and password that will allow you to post your fledge watch reports.

Finally, have fun! Fledge Watching provides a rare opportunity to see one of nature’s true marvels up close, and to help ensure the safety of the fledglings. You’ll most likely find a group of “regulars” nearby who’ll be happy to walk you through the basics, so come one come all, and join the 2008 Fledge Watch!

-Jess