Morning Falcon Watch 12-2-15
By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK
A very dark, cloudy morning in Rochester but warm for December with a temperature of 47 (F) 8 (C)
I was parked at the north end of my parking lot at Seneca Towers (ST)-as I got to my car and looked up I just caught Billie flying around the northwest corner and head south along the west side and out of sight. Then I spotted Seth in his usual spot on the north window ledge.
I promptly drove out to Seth Green Dr. where I round Billie on the tall antenna at the south end of ST. She was in hunt mode.
I was parked further back than usual as my regular spot was taken so I decided to go out on St. Paul St. for closer viewing. Billie was watching sparrows below her as she stand perched on a very small surface-it always amazes me what little things they can fit those big yellow feet (BYF) on.
At 7:39am Billie pooped then flew west out of my field of vision. I headed south to downtown.
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Landing on the Andrews St. bridge just before 8am I could see Beauty on the northeast corner of Crossroads eating. I went over to State St. to get closer to her.
For the most part the Beautyful one had her back to me with some profile positions. I left her to look for Dot.ca (DC) but couldn’t find him. He’s been elusive the last few days-this is the second time this week I didn’t see him. Anyway, I ended up on Bragdon Place across the river from Beauty after checking the OCSR elevator shaft. She soon finished eating, did some clean up then stood on the corner perched and facing me.
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Beauty turned around to poop then perched a few more minutes before flying off to the Frontier Communications tower at 8:43am. I watched as she landed on the southeast cube.
It was a slow leisurely flight in which she flapped her wings the whole way. I went over to Allen St. by the City Hall parking lot for a quick shot of her before leaving downtown.
I checked the Medley Centre, St. Ann’s Home and Seneca Towers but never saw another falcon-I ended my watch at 9:30am. Sadly, it was reported that Beauty’s mom, Dorothy is no longer at the Cathedral of Learning nest site in Pittsburgh and that another female named Hope has been seen bonding with E2 a number of times. Dorothy is almost 17 years old and has done her part in adding to the Peregrine population-she will be missed. I always smile when I think of her as she gave us Beauty! 🙂
Click on the links below to see today’s videos
December 2nd, 2015 at 5:31 PM
Dear MAK, Thanks so much for remembering our dear Dorothy. I like to think that she is off wandering, free from child-care responsibilities and enjoying retirement. She was a fierce, wonderful PEFA and the site at the Cathedral of Learning just won’t be the same without her.
On another note, I also wanted to thank you for your tireless work there in Rochester. I’m a frequent reader of this blog and really appreciate all you do.
December 2nd, 2015 at 8:16 PM
I appreciate hearing from you Pa Gal. We do love them don’t we!? 🙂
December 2nd, 2015 at 10:15 PM
MAK – we sure do!