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Archive for March, 2013

A Late Morning/Early Afternoon Falcon Watch – 3/16/13

Saturday, March 16th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Due to all the activity downtown (Rochester, NY), I was unable to watch Beauty and her unbanded tiercel, UT.  So, I spent the day with Pigott at the BS location.  During the time I was on watch at BS, Brian H was able to walk around the downtown area and reported the following:

1:10 pm – “1 Pefa eating at base of mercury, I started seeing feathers so I followed them, the other landed on sw top I beam OCSR.  UT now going around mercury. B eating up there.”

Later in the day, Larry O reported seeing both Beauty and UT between 7:00 and 7:30 pm.

7:00 pm  – “One Falcon on the base of mercury.  And the second Falcon is on the top I beam south corner of OCSR.”

7:20 pm – “UT just went to the nest box. B is still on Mercury.”

7:30 pm – “UT flew to the elevator shaft. B is still on the Mercury statue.”

The first 1/2 of my watch at the BS location was shared with fellow Falcon Watcher Dana.  When I first arrived, Pigott was on the south side of the building on the west end of the vent.  She remained there for quite awhile stretching and preening.

Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13*

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It snowed quite heavily through much of my watch and it was very cold.  Thankfully spring will be here soon.  🙂

Pigott took off and flew to the front (north side) of the building, landing on the NW corner.    She took off again, this time for parts unknown.  We circled the building looking for her.  Then Dana yelled out, “Here she comes.”  Pigott was flying high over us and heading straight for the building.  She flipped around the west end of the building.  Dana had to leave, so I drove back around to the back of the building and found her, again, on the south side vent.

Pigott Returns 3/16/13*

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Pigott remained on the vent for the rest of my watch.

Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13Pigott at BS on the southside vent - 3/16/13*

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There wasn’t much activity, but I was happy to spend a few hours observing Pigott on territory.  Tomorrow I hope to get downtown to do some watching.

I’ll leave you with a few pictures I took during my watch today.  Enjoy and Goodnight!

Groundhog aka Swearword at BS - Can you see him? - 3/16/13Groundhog aka Swearword at BS - There he is! - 3/16/13*

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Chipmunk at BS on north side of building. - 3/16/13Roof Geese at BS - 3/16/13*

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While checking out KP.  At first I thought they were a flock of starlings.  Image my surprise when they all took off, red & yellow “shoulder” patches blazing.  Then the unmistakable shrill trill of a flock of approximately 25 Red-winged Blackbirds.  Awesome!  A true sign of spring!

Red Winged Blackbirds - 3/16/13

Morning watch 3-16-13

Saturday, March 16th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

Another overcast dark morning here in Rochester with a temperature of 24 (F) -4 (C) when I left for my watch. During my watch it snowed very,very lightly at times.

I managed to get downtown before 7am this morning and UT was at the nest box when I arrived as told to me by Donna as it was too dark out to see. She asked me what he was whining about and I had to say I don’t know. She said he was up on the nest box roof but I couldn’t see him as he was directly behind cam 4 and blended in well in the dark. And the street lights kept getting in my eyes-kinda like the excuse the sun was in my eyes!! lol! By the time I saw him it was 7:10am already so left to look for Beauty. I found her on the east side-she was on the southeast corner of HSBC looking for breakfast as this is one of her favorite hunting spots. Thanks Donna!img_1592-beauty-on-hsbc

Beauty took off 10 minutes later flying southeast so I went back to the Broad St. Bridge to see if UT was still near the nest box.

img_1593-beauty-takes-off

I found Beauty on the west corner top ibeam of OCSR as she fooled me flying off in the complete opposite direction of where she now was! UT was up on deck near the nest box on the Times Square building.

img_1594-beauty-speaking-to-ut-as-he-flies-by img_1596-ut-looking-for-his-girl-beauty

I was in the hole (Aqueduct St.) watching when UT took off whining above me then flying past Beauty,circling above OCSR eventually landing on the south corner of the roof.

img_1606-ut-on-ocsr-roof img_1607-beauty-and-ut-on-ocsr Make sure to click on the pics for a full version

The 3 of us would remain in our chosen spots until 8:30am when they both left the building and flew to the nest box. I only saw 1 of them fly up to it but one of our trusty cam watchers Shaky let me know that both Peregrines were up there. Thank you Shakymon!! Downtown was starting to get busy with preparations for the St. Patricks Day parade and a race called “Johnnys Runnin’ for the Green” so I beat feet out of there and went to the Brighton site. I found Pigott at home on the southwest corner of the west extension.

img_1633-pigott

For the next 5 minutes Miss Pigott would keep watch on her territory and then fly off up to the gray structure that sits atop the building.

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She stayed there all of 20 seconds then flew down to the west end of the south side vent.

img_1665-cute-miss-pigott

She would do a lot of picking at her talons and scratching-with a full crop I might add. Must be her meal was messy and finger lickin’ good!!

img_1678-i-really-need-a-manicure img_1682-my-nose-is-cold img_1687-please-mak-no-more-pics

I left for 10 minutes to run an errand and when I came back Dana was visiting with Pigott who was still on the south vent. I chatted with her for a few minutes and ended my watch at 10:00am. I was happy to see all 3 current Rochester Peregrine Falcons this morning and as always went home with a smile on my face! 🙂

I have provided links for your viewing pleasure below-all you need do is click and view my pics and videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrYjg

http://youtu.be/h9PSmKOqS_s
http://youtu.be/PBGfsPPOZkk
http://youtu.be/1sNEGbYcE6Q

A Late Friday Afternoon Falcon Watch – 3/15/13

Friday, March 15th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Had to cut my watch short today, so I was only out from 3:45 to 5:30 pm.  During that time I saw all three current Rochester Falcons, so it was a good watch.

From the Broad St Bridge, I saw both Beauty and UT (the unbanded tiercel).  Beauty did some flying, but UT was out zooming around over the river, chasing the pigeons there and pretty much causing chaos wherever he went.  At one point, every single pigeon on the Blue Cross Arena aka War Memorial just left.  He is definitely display flying for Beauty, strengthening their bond.  I did not see any copulations, but it was reported that they did copulate on the Mercury statue about an hour before I got there.  Thanks Joyce for letting me know about that.  Also, Donna was a great help in identifying who was in the nest box at one point.  It was UT.

UT zipping over the Rochester Library has he head back towards the OCSR - 3/15/14UT on Base of Mercury Statue - 3/15/13UT on Base of Mercury Statue - 3/15/13*

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UT on Base of Mercury Statue - 3/15/13UT on Base of Mercury Statue - 3/15/13*

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While Beauty and UT were settled and all was quiet, I headed over to the BS location for a quick look.  I found Pigott on a windowsill below the tree ledge on the east end of the building.  She only remained there for about 10 minutes before taking off and heading slowly to the south.  I waited to see if she would return, but she did not.  I was very happy to have seen her.  I haven’t had much luck seeing her on my late afternoon watches lately.

Pigott at BS on east end - 3/15/13*

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When I returned downtown, the Broad St Bridge was already filling up with cars.  There were only a few spots left and I took one of them on the north side of the bridge, facing west.  Beauty was at the nest box and UT was on the top IBeam SE side on the OCSR.  I wondered if there was another Rochester Americans (Amerks) game this evening.

Beauty at the nest box 3/15/13UT on the OCSR Top IBeam 3/15/13*

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At one point during my watch, both Beauty and UT were on the top IBeam, SE side.  First time I had seen that.  He usually likes to be up on top of the elevator shaft.

Beauth and UT on the top IBeam of the OCSR 3/15/13*

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Tomorrow is the St. Patrick’s Day parade Brian H says it starts at 12:30 pm.  It will be really busy downtown, so I plan on getting down there well before the parade starts.  Once it starts, it will be hard getting around.

Enjoy the weekend everyone and Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of you!

Morning watch 3-15-13

Friday, March 15th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

I was happy to see it was clear when I started my watch with sun for a little while and a temperature of 21 (F) -6 (C). It started to snow just before 8am.

It took me about 10 minutes to find Beauty on the Bausch & Lomb (B&L) building northeast corner and an added bonus was that she had food up there. Feathers were a flying as she prepared her meal.

img_1495-beauty

I observed her from Broad St. between Xerox and Midtown and decided to go over  by Clinton Square and as I stepped out on the curb I spotted UT on the same roof ledge as Beauty. He was further down watching her but not begging like so many other males have done in the past that visited in the winter.

img_1501-ut img_1504-beauty-and-ut-on-bl Click on my pics for the full version

I then decided to go up to the roof of the South Ave. parking garage which would give me the best vantage point. By the time I drove around to go the 8 floors to the top Beauty had flown to another spot on B&L where UT couldn’t see her. She was tucked in opposite Archers corner on the northwest corner and nibbling on something when I first arrived.

img_1507-beauty-on-bl img_1513-location-pic-bl1

I believe she probably cached her food there so UT wouldn’t eat it. After a few minutes UT flew to the corner Beauty had been eating on and Beauty flew around the north side of B&L and landed up on the northeast corner of Xerox. UT was probably looking for scraps.

img_1509-ut <UT-Beauty>img_1512-beauty-on-xerox

At 7:45am they both took off-Beauty went to the nest box and a few minutes later UT landed under the northeast wing of the Times Square building (TSB).

img_1514-beauty img_1525-ut img_1527-but-on-tsb

For those of you not familiar with our fair city I have included some labeled pics of the west side of the river in todays photo album taken from the roof of the South Ave. parking garage. I hope they help give a feel for how the buildings are situated.

Around 8am I decided to come down from the garage and park on the Broad St. Bridge(BSB). When I arrived Beauty was still in the nest box and UT had gone to the base of Mercury. He took off so I left as well to check the Brighton site. I found Pigott on a northeast corner and after circling the building I found that she was alone.

img_1537-pigott

While I hung out with Pigott the snow that had been falling picked up and so did the wind. Miss Pigott never moved from her spot and was keeping an eye on her territory when I left her around 9:15am. Upon my return to downtown I found Beauty at the nest box and UT was on the base of Mercury again. From the BSB he had his back to me so I checked out the river to see if it was still raging like yesterday-it was indeed! Then I went to the hole(Aqueduct St.) to watch UT.

img_1578-ut

Just before the 10 o’clock hour UT flew off and went to the nest box.

img_1581-ut-leaving-mercury

I ended my watch with a smile for having seen all 3 of our Rochester Peregrine Falcons safe and sound! 🙂

Click on the links below to view a photo album and a few videos from my watch

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrYYA

http://youtu.be/wHASd5q6Bh8

http://youtu.be/pKqhxSNgpzE
http://youtu.be/6UI3KpcCMAE
http://youtu.be/gBpdnEe4p5U
http://youtu.be/p8b0dFofY98
http://youtu.be/oUZR1RpZzqY


Late Thursday Afternoon Falcon Watch – 3/14/13

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watch Carol P.

It was bitter cold and very windy when I started my watch today around 3:45 pm, with temps around 30 degrees (F).  Brrrrr!

My first 2 stops were KP and the LT locations.  No peregrines seen at either location.  Next stop downtown Rochester (NY).

From the Broad St Bridge (BSB), I found a falcon on the SE top IBeam of the OCSR.  It was facing the building, so I was not sure if it was Beauty or UT (the unbanded tiercel/male).  I drove around the downtown area, but was unable to find a 2nd falcon.  Back to the BSB, where the falcon remained on the OCSR.  It was time to go check on the BS location.

I drove around the building at the BS location a few times, but I could not find Pigott or any other Peregrines.  A 1/2 hr later, I was on my way back downtown.  The falcon on OCSR was still there.  Lisa McK joined me on the BSB and Pat walked by on her way home.  Finally, I noticed that there was a peregrine on the base of the Mercury statue.  It was Beauty and she was eating.  I looked over at the falcon on the OCSR.  Well, now I knew it was UT.  He took off and flew up to Beauty.  I thought he was going to join here and attempt to share some of her meal.  At the last second, he veered off and headed east across the river towards the Radisson.

UT on the OCSR - 3/14/13Beauty on the base of the Mercury statue with food - 3/14/13*

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After finishing her meal, Beauty took off and flew over to the OCSR, landing on the SE top IBeam.

Beauty Takes off From the Mercury Statue - 3/14/13Beauty on OCSR - 3/14/13*

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UT flew in from the east side of the river and past Beauty on the OCSR.  UT put on a really nice flight display for Beauty, continuing to bond with her.  He landed on the river side (east side) of the Thompson Reuters Bldg.

UT on TR Bldg - 3/14/13UT on TR Bldg - 3/14/13*

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UT on TR Bldg - 3/14/13UT on TR Bldg - 3/14/13*

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First UT and then Beauty took off and headed west, towards the Times Square Bldg.  I could see that UT was at the nest box, but I wasn’t sure where Beauty went.  I tweeted, asking the on-line watchers if she was also in the nest box.  Shaky & Joyce immediately came back telling me that only UT was up there.  I drove down onto Aqueduct St (aka the hole) and found Beauty on the east end of the green strip at the top of the Wilder Bldg.

UT at the Nest Box on the TSB - 3/14/13Beauty on the Wilder Bldg - 3/14/13Beauty on the Wilder Bldg - 3/14/13*

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Well, this was promising.  I had seen many copulations between Beauty and Archer in this exact spot.  I kept looking back and forth between Beauty and UT.  They both seemed settled and I was thinking about calling it a watch.  That’s when UT launched himself from the nest box platform.  He flew directly down to Beauty and before I knew it, I was witness to a successful copulation between them.  There had been many attempts before this that were not successful.  Sorry to say, I did not get any pictures.  But, I did get a short video snippet.  Just click on this Youtube link if you would like to view it.

http://youtu.be/uPvDHlO94_A


Afterwards, UT flew up to the top of the OCSR elevator shaft and Beauty followed and landed on the top SE IBeam.  It was time for me to call it a watch and head home.

Before I end my report, I just wanted to let you all know that Lisa McK reported the following from the BS location at approx 7:30 pm – “Pigott is home for the night.  Tucked in the corner by the east extension on the south side.”

So all three current Rochester falcons were seen by the Watchers this afternoon.

Goodnight everyone!

I’ll leave you with a picture of the flag at the top of the Powers Bldg straight out in the high winds.

REMEMBER TO CLICK ON ANY PICTURES YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE LARGER.

Windy! Flag at the top of the Powers Bldg - 3/14/13

Morning watch 3-14-13

Thursday, March 14th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

Brr, winter is back with a vengeance today! It was 18 cold degrees (F) -8 (C) when I left for my watch with a bitter wind. And it snowed on and off in varying degrees of intensity.

Upon arriving on the Broad St. Bridge (BSB) it was a great way to start my day when I spotted UT (unbanded tiercel) on the Thomson Reuters building. He was on a top floor  river side window ledge.

img_1409-ut

He kept half sleeping as he would close his right eye and keep his left eye on his surroundings.

img_1422-one-side-sleeping

True to form he didn’t stay long-flying off after 10 minutes going northwest.  UT would double back and go to the nest box. I wasn’t able to locate Beauty in the first hour of my watch but I was told that she had been in the nest box with UT minutes before I arrived downtown for my watch. I left to check the Brighton site (BS) confident that Beauty was ok and just hiding from UT and I. After seeing the unidentified male at BS yesterday with Pigott, I planned to go there earlier than usual. I found Miss Pigott on the west end of the south side vent.

img_1444-pigott

I took a drive around to see if there was any other PEFA but could see none. I spent an hour with Pigott in the snow and wind barely able to see her at times. She preened,napped,pooped and looked over her territory for a meal.

img_1449-poop-shot

I left for downtown determined to find Beauty at 9:10am. From the BSB I spotted a falcon high above Xerox and followed it as it flew north over the Hyatt before turning west and crossing the river. I lost sight of it when it flew behind the Crossroads building. I drove over that way but didn’t find it so I returned to the BSB finding Beauty on the top ibeam southeast side of OCSR.

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I drove to Graves St. but there was nowhere to park so I stopped and took a pic, then I went over by the Radisson to observe.

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Beauty had her back to me from there so I drove to the hole (Aqueduct St.) to finish up with my watch. The Beautyful one did a little preening and a little napping in the half hour I shared space with her.

img_1474-beauty img_1478-beautyful

I don’t know where UT was but I had seen him earlier so I knew he was ok as I ended my watch at 10:00am.  I wouldn’t be done looking for falcons for the day though. At 1:05pm as I had just started writing my morning watch report I got a text message from KrisG saying that MarkB, who works in the Times Square building had reported a PEFA fight over the river on the livestream chat. I told her I’d go downtown and check on Beauty and UT.

Half hour or so after looking everywhere I spotted UT fly up to the nest box-one down and one to go. Another couple trips around downtown failed to locate Beauty so I went back to the BSB and waited. Thankfully, Beauty came flying in from the east and landed on the top ibeam southeast side of OCSR. I went to Graves St. for closer viewing and within a couple minutes she turned from showing her back to showing her front as UT came flying in to attempt to mate with her. Nobody has witnessed him giving her a food gift yet(doesn’t mean he hasn’t) but I’m thinking perhaps she isn’t going to mate with him until he can show her that he can provide for a family. Time will tell as we shall have to be patient to see what happens. I saw all 3 current Rochester Peregrine Falcons today which in itself is enough to make me smile, but I was also happy nobody was injured in the battle that occurred earlier! 🙂

Click the links below to view 3 videos from my watch this morning

http://youtu.be/2cHDkT_mF6M
http://youtu.be/ejzUv8wLR24
http://youtu.be/PQ4DDQGuTJw

A Late Wednesday Afternoon Falcon Watch – 3/13/13

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Watchers out while I was out on watch today: Lisa McK, Barbara & Pat.  Kathy O was out later with Lisa McK at the BS location.

Winter has arrived, again.  This afternoon, the winds geared up and were gusting.  Just north of downtown Rochester, there were ominous, dark clouds.  Some of the largest snow flakes I ever remember seeing were falling from the sky.  I checked the LT location on the way, but saw no falcons.  Oh, and before I forget, I’m pretty sure I saw a peregrine eating on one of the KP buildings this morning.  Of course it took off before I could take a picture.

As I approached Rochester, the dark clouds remained to the north.  The sun was shining by the time I reached the Broad St Bridge (BSB).  I saw a falcon up at the nest box and with the help of Ei and Lisa McK, I knew it was Beauty.  So where was UST.  I searched, but could not find him.

Finally, UT made an appearance, which brought Beauty off of the nest box perch.  She and UT, flew gracefully together over the river between the OCSR and the Radisson.  Beauty landed on the top IBeam, SE side of the OCSR.  UT landed on a window on the west (river) side of the Radisson.  He didn’t stay there long.  Off he went, flying past Beauty’s position and on.  I lost him for a short while before he turned landing at the top of the OCSR elevator shaft.  Their bonding behavior continues.

Beauty and UT on the OCSR - 3/13/13*

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It was time to visit the BS location, where I hoped to find Pigott at home.  I knew no falcons were there when a Turkey Vulture (TV), floated over the building and then headed NE unchallenged.  I circled the building three times, checking every nook and cranny with my window open, just in case there was any vocalization.  There was none.  After about 45 mins, It was time to head back downtown.

I again parked on the north side of the BSB facing west, towards the Times Square Bldg.  This gave me a great view of the area.  Beauty remained on the SE top IBeam of the OCSR.  UT buzzed through and went after all the birds flying over the river.  He finally landed between two top windows on the Thompson Reuters Bldg (TR).  I got out of my car to take some pictures, but soon had frozen fingers that made it almost impossible to take pics.  Barbara joined me first and then Lisa McK.  We all ended up watching from inside our cars.  It was really windy and bitter cold.

UT on Thompson Reuters Bldg on River Side - 3/13/13UT on Thompson Reuters Bldg on River Side - 3/13/13*

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UT on Thompson Reuters Bldg on River Side - 3/13/13UT on Thompson Reuters Bldg on River Side - 3/13/13*

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UT’s head was in constant motion, watching all the starlings and pigeons flying up and down the river and landing on the building.  Pat walked by while he was on the TR Bldg, before heading home.  He finally took off and ended up back on the top of the OCSR elevator shaft, while Beauty remained on the top IBeam of the OCSR.

It was time for me to head home at 6:30 pm.  Lisa McK was going to head out to the BS location, where she was joined by Kathy O.  Kathy reported that they had Pigott out there on an east side window ledge.  They stayed until 7:30 pm.  Kris G & Bill stopped by the BS location while they were there.

More cold temperatures and a chance of snow tomorrow.  Bundle up and keep warm everyone!  Goodnight!

I’ll leave you with a couple of pics I took while on watch tonight.  Both were taken from the Broad St Bridge.

Click on any pictures you would like to see larger.

Dark Clouds Behind the Times Square Bldg. - 3/13/13Dark Clouds Behind the Jail Communication Twr - 3/13/13

Morning watch 3-13-13

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

It was 31 (F) -1 (C) and clear as I left for my watch this morning. They called for sun this morning with clouds moving in this afternoon.

Upon arriving on the Broad St. Bridge (BSB) I could see Beauty at the nestbox and UT flying around the Thomson Reuters building. UT flew to the Crossroads building  and landed on the southeast corner.

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He took off after something over by the Widows Walk (WW) and turned up a minute or so later by the Times Square building (TSB). UT flew across in front of the nest box which drew Beauty out of the nest box as she flew out and up under the southeast wing.

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UT continued flying off to the east and Beauty soon flew off to the north. 15 minutes later I spotted UT tearing up the sky in the TSB area going up and down Exchange St. between the buildings from Main St. to Broad St. and behind the TSB. He landed under the northwest wing of the TSB for only seconds and continued to give me an aerial display zipping in and out and around the buildings. I am not used to such energy and activity from a falcon but I have no problem with getting used to it if he stays here!

I met up with DebbieH on her way to work by the stairs on Broad St. which we call Falcon Watcher Central around 7:50am. She said she saw Beauty go to the nest box and UT on the OCSR elevator shaft as she walked across the BSB coming from where she parked her car in the South Ave. garage. As we were speaking we spotted UT fly behind the TSB heading south toward the jail. Debbie left and I decided to go to Plymouth Ave. which is where the jail is located to have a look/see. When I got to the intersection at Broad and Plymouth Debbie was pointing to the sky where UT was flying. Deb went to work as we lost him to the east and I left to check the Brighton Site (BS).

As I pulled in the driveway at BS I saw a falcon circling above the building. When I got to the back of the building to park there were 2 flying and one was smaller telling me it was a male- immediately the adrenalin kicked in. Was this Dot.Ca returning from migration,was it BST returning from wherever he went or was it a falcon migrating thru. They kept flying back and forth between the front and the back (south side) of the building and I could hear lots of echupping. One of them landed on the silver rooftop structure at the tippy top of the building. I’d never seen any other falcon up there so I thought perhaps it was the male.

img_1356-male-or-pigott img_1357-male-or-pigott-at-bs

The distinct heart shape on the mustache made me think it was DC but without a look at the legs for a band there’s no way of knowing for sure. This falcon flew off after half a minute or so toward the front (north side) of the building and I couldn’t see either one of them.

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Unfortunately my take off shot wasn’t clear enough to see if there were any leg bands. Pigott then resurfaced landing on the south side vent echupping very loudly.

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She took off and then I saw a falcon land on the west extension northwest corner and again on my little LCD camera screen I saw a distinct heart shape on the side of the face and in the bright sunshine the chest looked very white. Turns out it was Pigott which shows how much a role the lighting plays when observing these falcons. Even Beauty can look very white in bright sunshine.

img_1367-pigott img_1369-pigott Notice in the 1st pic the mustache looks heart shaped and the 2nd not so much.

Pigott took off flying north out of view and I didn’t see the male or her again. I returned to downtown half hour later as I was concerned that if it was DC he might be doing battle with UT. Arriving  a little past the 9 o’clock hour just in time to see a falcon fly to the nest box. I took a pic and looked at it to see who it was and upon seeing a heart shape on this falcon I thought DC and tweeted it out! I apologize for any angst or excitement I caused anyone. I then texted Donna for an ID from the cams and she informed me it was UT.

img_1377-ut

I wish to thank Donna,Ei and Shaky for the assistance they give us out in the field-I truly appreciate it!  I also asked Donna if UT was seen at the nest box while I was at BS so we could rule out him as the male with Pigott. She confirmed that it couldn’t have been UT. While on the south side of the BSB I couldn’t help but notice the raging river below. I videotaped it as I don’t recall ever seeing the water so high.

At around 9:25am Beauty and UT were at the nest box bowing and when they were finished he shot out of the nest box flying east. There was a college event at the Rochester International Convention Center this morning and the BSB,Main St. Bridge and South Ave. were jam packed with parked school buses. On the BSB they were double parked on the north side and getting around was not an easy task.

img_1383-what-a-mess

I went to the Court St. bridge to get away from the busy bus areas and spotted UT on top of the OCSR elevator shaft about an hour after I last saw him.  Beauty was still at the nest box so to get a closer look I parked by the Radisson Hotel to observe UT.

img_1391-ut

Just before 10:30am UT took off flying northeast quickly leaving my field of vision. Beauty was now gone from the nest box and a few minutes later UT showed up at the nest box. I decided to go back to BS to check at this time but no falcons were there so I returned to downtown. As I approached downtown on Exchange St. I could see a falcon on the base of Mercury so I swung  down Court St. to see who it was but after just one bad pic it took off.

img_1398-beauty-on-base-of-mercury

At about 11:ooam Donna and Ei confirmed that Beauty and UT were at the nest box for a bonding session. When I got back from looking for them a couple minutes later I saw UT leave and fly northwest from where I was parked in the hole (Aqueduct St.). He returned 10 minutes later flying around the TSB with Beauty still at the nest box. I decided all was quiet and ended my watch. Keep smiling everyone for with all the Peregrine Falcon activity in Rochester these days there is lots to be happy about! 🙂

Click on the links below to view more pics and videos from my watch

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrYQg

http://youtu.be/JsbJsLjfGSM
http://youtu.be/jeRvilh15TM
http://youtu.be/qw7cj17Ocv4
http://youtu.be/qX8Li67efok
http://youtu.be/9WErgH22GLo

Late Tuesday Afternoon Falcon Watch – 3/12/13

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

It was a return to winter here in Rochester, NY, after a few days of spring-like weather.  Cold and windy.

I arrived downtown at 3:45 pm. and found Beauty on the top IBeam of the OCSR.  UT, the unbanded Tiercel, was on the platform in front of the nest box on the Times Square Bldg. (TSB).

Beauty on OCSR Top IBeam SE Side - 3/12/13UT on the platform in front of the Nest Box on the TSB - 3/12/13*

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My next stop was the BS location to check on Pigott.  While I was waiting for the light to change at the intersection of Broad St and Exchange, I took this picture of UT at the nest box.

UT at the Nest Box on the TSB - 3/12/13*

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At the BS location, I was unable to find Pigott until she flew in from the east.  She landed on the NW corner of the west extension.

Pigott Flies in from the East - 3/12/13Pigott at BS on NW Corner of West Ext - 3/12/13*

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Pigott only stayed for a few moments before she again took off, flying above the building on the gusting winds.  After I lost sight of her, I headed back downtown.

Beauty was still on the top IBeam of the OCSR on the SE side, where she was when I left.  UT was now on top of the OCSR elevator shaft.  Fellow Watcher Pat joined me for a short while on the Broad St. Bridge.

Beauty & UT on OCSR 3/12/13*

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UT took off and flew around the area.  He made one attempt to copulate with Beauty on the top IBeam, that failed.  UT landed on the north end of the Cross Rds. Bldg.

UT on Cross Rds Bldg & Beauty on OCSR 3/12/13*

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UT again took flight.  I lost sight of him as he passed behind the Cross Rds Bldg.  After awhile, he returned and landed on top of the OCSR elevator shaft.  From there he is able to see most of the city and the surrounding area.

That is where I left them at the end of my watch at a little after 6 pm.  Watcher Kathy O arrived just before I left.  She and Lisa McK remained on watch until around 7:30 pm.

I’ll leave you with a picture of a Coopers Hawk (I think) in a tree near where I live.  Now that the migration has started, I’m sure there will be lots of hawks and falcons and eagles passing through.  If you want to see them, remember to keep your eyes to the sky!

CLICK ON ANY PICS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE LARGER.

Coop in a tree - 3/12/13

Morning watch 3-12-13

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

Well it’s back to reality here in Rochester as the temperature was 31 (F) -1 (C) breezy and overcast when I left for my watch. The highs for the rest of the week will be in the 30’s.

Donna informed me as I arrived downtown that both Beauty and UT (unbanded tiercel) were in the nest box. I parked down in the hole(Aqueduct St.) and waited for them to show themselves to me. 10 minutes later UT flew out from the nest box and I would find out that Beauty had left as well. Keeping track of UT is hard enough-I don’t need Beauty being sneaky too! lol  No worries-it’s challenging and fun!

I went up to the Broad St. Bridge (BSB) in time to catch a glimpse of one of them stooping  near the Thomson Reuters building vanishing toward the Wilder building. Soo I drove back to the hole and watched Beauty and UT tandem hunting by Widows Walk (WW). They were swooping down at something going in and out of view.  I drove over to Broad St. near the Ebenezer Watts building for a better view as they kept up their aerial show circling above WW and the Times Square building (TSB) before flying out of my field of vision. I drove back to the BSB and saw Beauty fly to the deck near the nest box.

img_1234-beauty Click the pics for a full version

Beauty went into the nest box and UT came flying in to join her. I missed both of them leave but UT came back to the nest box a few minutes later at 8:00am. He shot back out after a few minutes and flew south. UT then landed under the southeast wing for less than half a minute and took off heading south again.

img_1240-ut

It was at this time I found out why UT kept going south-the jail tower is in that direction and Beauty was on it according to DebbieH who texted me with this information. I drove to Troup St. but she was gone when I got there so I drove to the BSB to take a look around. I spotted Beauty as she flew to the jail tower and landed on the top arm west side.

img_1245-beauty

She didn’t stay for long as I followed her fly to the east side,soaring above Xerox at 8:30am then she came across the river and landed on the Mercury money bag.

img_1248-beauty-lands-on-mercury img_1260-beauty

10 minutes later I saw UT at the nest box.

img_1271-ut

Beauty seemed to be looking for a meal below her as UT watched her from the nest box. At approximately 9:00am Beauty flew off after pigeons in the river with UT joining her before they both went to the nest box for another bowing session.

img_1274-beauty

I left at this point to check the Brighton location. Pigott wasn’t there and after waiting half hour or so I returned to the downtown area. I could see a falcon on the Kodak Office launchpad so I drove over there to find Beauty on the southeast corner.

img_1281-beauty

The Beautyful one and I shared space for more than 30 minutes when she flew off to the south. I followed and could see UT on the column above the nest box as I waited for the traffic light at Main and State. I parked by He’s Chinese to observe. UT dropped down to the nest box and Beauty flew in to join him around 10:40am. When they were down bonding UT flew out landing on the fledge ledge across from the nest box and Beauty made her way out to the deck next to cam 4.

img_1324-ut img_1329-beauty-looking-at-ut-on-fledge-ledge

Just before 11:00am UT flew up under the southeast wing of the Times Square building and when Beauty flew off to the south he followed her. I ended my watch smiling after having another fun filled time with this very busy pair of Peregrine Falcons! 🙂

Click on the links below to view more pics and videos from my watch

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrYJA

http://youtu.be/3SyeV1Jpp5I

http://youtu.be/geZgURAaIlQ

http://youtu.be/S1mgSwh6dS8

http://youtu.be/1jrZxFJg2qQ

http://youtu.be/2y2HB3iraEM

http://youtu.be/9CyECZLtVZA


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