When I arrived, one of the fledglings was on a building near the edge of the gorge, close to the bridge.  Here’s a few shots:

One of the fledglings started to fly around which got another one into the air and initiated some ‘Talon Tag’!

It was quiet for a bit until Seneca decided to stoop a duck.  It was so quick that I don’t think any of us caught it on camera, but we saw her fly down towards the water and we heard a splash.  We realized that it was the duck hitting the water and Seneca flew back upwards – no duck for her!  She flew back around towards the falls and actually stooped down on a gull as well!  After that excitement, she landed in one of the tree branches on the side of the gorge for a little rest. 

A few of us that were watching from the observation deck were lucky enough to have some great views of Quest flying right in front of us.  At one point she almost landed on ‘Pride Rock’ but decided against it, kak-ing all the way – almost as if she was yelling at us!

This again initiated some more ‘Talon Tag’ by Quest and an unknown sibling.

After the ‘Talon Tag’, one of the fledglings, maybe Seneca again, decided to try for some food and chased a a pigeon in front of the falls.  He/she was right on the pigeon’s tail – not wanting to give up, but did so after a long chase and landed on the guard rail of the train track.

It was time to go, but before I left, I got a shot of Diamante preening and sunning himself…

– Jill C.

As you’ve read by now, the fledglings have made it out to the gorge. I’ve published some pictures from yesterday morning and afternoon here:
http://marchlords.com/birdblog/2008/07/finally-fledglings-find-gorge.html

Jim

Oh, happy day!  The fledglings have made their way to the gorge!  Watch out wild turkeys, ground hogs, great blue herons and everything else that moves.  You are all fair game!

Lots of Watchers gathered on the pedestrian bridge to welcome the young Falcons.  Just wait until you see the pictures everyone took.  It may take awhile, but we’ll all post them when we can.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Carol P.

We spotted all five fledglings tonight. Four of them– Seneca, Zephyr, Susan B and Diamante, spent most of the evening on the BeeBee Station. Quest stayed on Kodak’s building 16, south of the tower. Zephyr made a nice flight chasing Mariah northward over the gorge, and it looked like most, if not all, had dinner. Seneca and Zephyr in particular ate their fill of a very fat pigeon, with feathers flying everywhere.

The low sun in the west made for some nice silhouettes of the falcons, but it wasn’t good for photography. I’ll be out again tomorrow morning. It was the opinion of the assembled watchers that the fledglings are ready to begin their stint in the gorge, so I’m hopeful that I’ll have some pictures to share tomorrow.

Jim

Another quick update.  Watching from the pedestrian bridge, we saw the fledglings flying high over the city of Rochester.  They’re doing great!

Lou and I decided to take a quick trip downtown for a closer look.  We saw Mariah flying above Xerox.  She headed northeast, but quickly returned.  That caused the 3 fledglings that had been on top of Xerox to take flight.  We had 3 fledglings and Mariah playing on the air currents high above us.

After awhile, the three fledglings settled on the north (shady) side of Midtown Plaza (soon to be gone) to escape the heat.

No sightings of Kaver or the other two fledglings.  I was only able to positively ID one of the fledglings on Midtown, Seneca.

Early this morning (7/3) around 6:30 a.m. the cameras caught both Mariah and Kaver in the nest box, bowing to each other.  🙂

Carol P.

Only Seneca was apparent on the Kodak building when we arrived at 6 PM. Checked out local roof tops, etc, but only found a kestrel. So, we watched the 2 fawns, 3 turkeys, beaver, and kestrel while waiting for the falcons to reappear. At about 7 PM, the fledglings became very vocal and started flying around as dad came with food. He is fast! I saw him fly off the Kodak building and a few seconds later land again, having caught a bird that I didn’t even see. We saw everyone except Quest …  don’t know where she was hiding.

Plenty of flying from all the fledglings today.  I’ve posted pictures and a recap here:
http://marchlords.com/birdblog/2008/07/shunning-gorge-fledglings-keep-flying.html

Jim

No pictures to share at this time, but I just wanted to let everyone know that all five fledglings have returned to the Kodak Tower.  Lots of flying by all five.  I’m sure pictures will be shared soon.  😉

We actually saw Diamante come off of the tower and chase a moth.  Incredible flying!!!

Carol P.