Fledge Watch 6-25-15
By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK
It was a beautiful day for a falcon fledge watch with mostly sunny skies, a delicious breeze and temps in the 70’s
Dan was on the Broad St. bridge when I arrived just before 5:30am-he was bored as he only saw Beauty stoop once and miss. No other activity so he left before 6am. I had better luck as I went looking for our beloved falcon family. From the Court St. bridge I saw a falcon by the Powers nest box. I went up on the Sister Cities roof and found a juvie on the third railing on Powers. It flew off and I went to the hole to find a juvie on the Wilder roof northeast corner-it had food. It disappeared and Beauty appeared on the fire escape ladder. She flew off and promptly got chased by a juvie over Wilder. Next time I saw the Beautyful one and a few times more during the course of the day she was on the Frontier Communications Tower (FCT). She always herds her kids to FCT after they start flying-guess she’s ready! Larry stopped before work for a few minutes.
I wanted to know if Cadence was still on the Wilder roof so I went up on the South Ave. garage. I found her at the Powers building nest box. Genesee joined her and then Dot.ca (DC) showed up with food. First Genesee then Cadence mobbed him on the southeast corner of the upper railing. Genesee got the spoils and took it down behind the railing. DC took off and returned a couple times to supervise. When I saw 2 falcons on the FCT I came down from the garage for a closer look.
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Patty joined me on watch as Cadence flew from behind OCSR low to the railing on the back of the Reynolds Arcade building and quickly took off again. She was flying very well today-getting her nerve up slowly but surely. Landing well too! Next up was DC with food on the back of Times Square. While giving Patty a drive around tour to show her different places to find the falcons we found Beauty back on FCT and DC on OCSR. I also took her to the roof of the South Ave. garage as we couldn’t find the kids. They were down for a nap I’m sure! We finally spotted Cadence sticking her wing out at the Powers nest box.
We went down to the hole to have lunch as things were quiet for a while. Once again we took to the streets looking for falcons and once again found Beauty on FCT. DC was up at the Powers nest box with a juvie on the railing. DC went to OCSR and we found Genesee on the northeast side of it laying down. He likes to nap on that side of OCSR in the afternoon shade. Patty left as Carla joined the watch around 2:30pm. We found Genesee next on the Wilder building whining before flying off-he’s a very good flyer and also lands well.
The highlight of the day for me occurred after Carla left-I was on the Andrews St. bridge around 5pm. Cadence was on the north side of Crossroads and Beauty at the Powers nest box. Genesee came flying in landing next to Cadence ans he was full of it as he wanted her to play and fly with him. He chased her to the northeast corner pulled on her tail a couple times (one of his favorite things), jumped up and down, flew off and back a couple times and finally Cadence had enough and walked (her favorite pastime) away down the east side. Genesee flew off out of sight and I couldn’t help but wonder who he was going to terrorize next! (It’s all captured on video)
Carol came to relieve me around 5:15pm after a 12 hour watch-I was more than ready to tag her in and end my watch. I left smiling from the antics of Genesee who never fails to entertain! 🙂
Click on the links below to see today’s videos
June 25th, 2015 at 10:52 PM
Thanks for the tour today, MAK- I think I can remember a few of the good spots to watch! lol That last video was just the BEST! So nice to see them both playing(well Genesee playing and Cadence tolerating him! hahahaha!) And just amazing to have seen DC hanging out in that Powers NB-hope it’s not time to move the cameras! 😉
June 25th, 2015 at 11:13 PM
I was more than happy to do it Patty. That Genesee is a riot in the video isn’t he!? 🙂
June 25th, 2015 at 11:39 PM
Thanks again for your long watches to keep our fledglings safe! Loved the video of Genesee trying to entice Cadence to play…too funny! I do hope this interest in the Powers nest box is going to pass and they’ll return to TSB. Peregrines and other Raptors have been known to move their nesting spot when it’s least expected..I know a few pairs that did it just this year!
June 25th, 2015 at 11:41 PM
What a blast! Such fun watching juvie high jinx. Genesee is a busy little rascal! It’s also comforting to see Cadence building her confidence and flying more, but carefully.
Loved the tour of my home town. Thanks, MAK…Nice camera work!
June 26th, 2015 at 2:30 AM
Love the activity on the Powers Bldg this year. These falcons never cease to amaze me. So glad play time is here. Can’t wait for the antics in the sky.
June 26th, 2015 at 5:14 AM
I know Kris, it wouldn’t be cool for folks at home with no cameras if they nested there next year. 🙂
June 26th, 2015 at 5:16 AM
Cadence is a smart girl Barb-she knew enough to stay grounded until she was ready again. She just wanted to go with her brothers the first time she flew off-it was too early I think. 🙂
June 26th, 2015 at 5:17 AM
It’s about to get a little busy in the Rochester sky Joyce! 🙂
June 26th, 2015 at 1:16 PM
LOL! Great video. Genesee’s a typical bratty brother. Thanks for your report and the smiles.
June 26th, 2015 at 2:31 PM
You’re most welcome Beth! 🙂