Morning watch 10-17-14
By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK
As soon as I got in my car this morning it started to rain and it did so on and off during my entire watch-the sun came out for less than half hour when I was downtown. Starting temperature was 68 (F) 20 (C)
Click on the pics to see the full version
When I first got to my spot on Seth Green Dr. at Seneca Towers I could see Billie on the west side railing. I didn’t notice 99 right away as he was in front of a roof top pole and didn’t stand out. Anyway, they were pretty close to each other hanging out in the rain.
A couple minutes later Buffalo Billie flew off to the south and returned to land on the northwest corner of the roof.
10 minutes later some small birds flew past Billie and she took off after them-she came back and came to rest on the northwest corner of the railing. 99 remained on the west railing all this time.
<Click them
More birds flew past Billie and they got 99’s attention as they both watched them and glanced at each other now and again.
<Click it
At 8am both Billie and her beau flew south and I went south too-going downtown to look for Beauty and Dot.Ca (DC). I spotted Beauty on the Times Square building (TSB) under the northeast wing and just as I was about to tweet it out I received a tweet from Pat saying she could see a falcon there from the Thomson Reuters building where she works. She thought it was the Beautyful one and I confirmed it.
It was at this time the sun came out for its short visit before being covered again by clouds. I was in the hole on Basin St. by the Wilder building. The sun left and then I spotted DC on the northwest wing ring.
I went up on the Broad St. Bridge (BSB) after DC flew off when I wasn’t looking. I was able to see him clear as day on a middle arm of the Frontier Communications Tower.
A couple minutes later Beauty was down on the deck and DC came in and landed on the southeast corner of it by the main cam. Shaky confirmed that Beauty and DC were at the nest box. He flew off when I wasn’t looking and a few seconds later Beauty came flying out from the nest box. DC went to the Mercury money bag (MMB) and Beauty to the base just before the 9 o’clock hour.
A couple minutes later DC took off after a crow that was flying over the river-he caught up to it near the Rochester Convention Center then flew back to the MMB. Beauty flew off too and returned to the base. Just want to share my thoughts on Beauty and DC visiting the nest box 2 days in a row-perhaps DC is getting ready to migrate and they are strengthening their bond before he leaves. Time will tell.
For the next half hour DC alertly watched the area, looking down at his mate at times and thoroughly entertained me-Beauty mostly rested, giving a look around once in a while.
Right around 9:30am DC pooped, spread his wings and flew over to the TSB landing under the northeast wing. Beauty remained on the base of Mercury resting.
<DC with inverted colors 
I chose to end my watch at this time as the rain started to pick up and I had things to do. I drove out of downtown smiling after seeing all 4 of our resident Rochester Peregrine Falcons! 🙂
Click on the links below to see todays videos
http://youtu.be/oMOiyXPeV1I
October 17th, 2014 at 6:54 PM
MAK, the pic of Dot.ca taking off from Mercury’s moneybag with wings fully spread is breathtaking!
October 17th, 2014 at 7:09 PM
I agree with Pat- very nice! I’m hoping DC stays…heck I’m hoping for mild days to hang around too! 😀
October 17th, 2014 at 7:55 PM
From your reports they seem to be perching together or within visual sight of each other quite a bit so to me that sounds like they’re doing quite well and they’re defending together too..all encouraging signs. The nice spring like weather probably just has their hormones up hence the nest box visits.
I expect with all that B has been through over the past few years, her being in spots where she can keep a better eye on the territory has resulted in the variance in routines from when Archer was there. That’s my take on it anyway 🙂
October 17th, 2014 at 8:52 PM
I was wondering about the possibility of imminent migration as well, MAK. I was glad to see two falcons as I left work today. I’ll miss His Whiteness if he migrates, even though he’ll be back in a few months. After all, he’s been here since March 17, 2013.
October 17th, 2014 at 10:14 PM
Thanks Pat and Patricia, I’ll miss His Whiteness as well-let’s hope he stays here. I so enjoy him! 🙂
Kathy, you’ve been doing this longer than me-you’re explanation makes total sense. Thanks! 🙂
October 17th, 2014 at 10:42 PM
Actually, DC’s been in Rochester since 2012..the year Orion was hatched! DC migrated in 2012, wintered over in 2013 so it’s a toss-up what’s going to happen this year. I hope he stays because Beauty always needs extra eyes on this territory plus I love the closeness they’re sharing right now..strengthens their bond.
October 18th, 2014 at 1:40 AM
Thanks Kris and I love it too! 🙂
October 18th, 2014 at 9:33 AM
Count me in on the closeness theory! Love conquers all !! They certainly look to be keeping an eye on each other..A wink and a smile!
October 18th, 2014 at 9:58 AM
That’s what I meant, Kris, that he has actually been here since March 17, 2013 without the interruption of migration. I knew he had his first season here in 2012, and that he migrated in 2012. Sorry if I wasn’t clear on that.
October 18th, 2014 at 10:44 AM
June, I don’t recall Beauty and DC staying so close to each other. It’s probably because Pigott isn’t in the picture any more. After all, you got to love the one you’re with! 🙂
October 18th, 2014 at 12:57 PM
I think he stayed last winter because of the threat of losing his territory. (He did lose downtown for a day or two that summer remember) I think this year will depend on several things. If his territory feels threatened, and just how hard last winter was on his whiteness, we all know the boy hates snow 🙂
October 18th, 2014 at 2:25 PM
bc, I don’t think he liked coming back from migration and finding another tiercel hanging around. I think he’ll deal with the snow rather than risk losing another mate. 🙂
October 18th, 2014 at 11:06 PM
Patsy..I thought you probably knew when DC came into the picture..that infamous year 2012..sorry I misunderstood your post.
October 19th, 2014 at 7:54 PM
Catching up.The comments were helpful to me from fellow birders.People know so much.I am mostly an observer and learn as I go but mainly,like viewing the falcons and other birds.Scenery also enthralls me.Oh well,takes all of us to appreciate nature and environment.Thanks as usual.Diane
October 21st, 2014 at 6:44 AM
Diane, we’ve all had to learn as we go and we’re still learning. The birds have a lot to teach us! 🙂