Tuesday Fledge Watch – Matilda & Lilac Fledge! 6/14/16
By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.
Lots of watchers were out today to see two of our girls take their first flights. Dan, Larry, Zaph, Tonya, Joyce, Brian, Kelly, Sydney, Lynda, Tim, Cheryl, Carla, Pat, Jeanne, Dana and me, Carol P.
Matilda fledged very early this morning. I read a text from Annette on the Rfalconcam Forum, saying that one of the falcons has fledged from the bump on the well wall. She was right. It was Matilda! Shaky quickly found her on the Wilder bldg using our camera 1. She was safe and sound! I found out later that long time Watcher Dan, had witnessed her fledge.
I arrived downtown at about 6:30 am and met Larry, Joyce and Zaph in the parking lot looking up at Matilda on the Wilder bldg. She was running back and forth with wings spread out. We all settled in for a long day of keeping watch over our young falcons.
Later in the morning, only Dan and I were on watch to see Lilac fledge. She was on the wall flapping her wings when she launched herself skyward. We both stood up and watched her strong sure flight to the Wilder bldg where she landed on a tall chimney at the east end of the building. She eventually joined her sister.
Leo continues to improve his flying skills! We saw him on the OCSR, Cross Rds and Talesca bldgs. He even made it to the top of the Times Square Bldg where he landed on the NE wing ring, a favorite spot for Dot.ca to land.
Beauty and Dot.ca continue to watch over their young. They are amazing!
Aria continues to strengthen her wings. I would not be surprised if she fledges tomorrow.
It looks like Matilda and Lilac will spend the evening on the Wilder bldg, while Aria and Leo will sleep at the nest box. Tomorrow should be another exciting day for the watchers.
A very special thanks to on-line Watcher Eileen for helping to move camera 1 around to track the movements of Leo, Matilda, Lilac and Aria.
On the evening watch we all enjoyed pizza courtesy of Lynda. Thanks!
Stay tuned for more fledging news!
June 14th, 2016 at 10:18 PM
Thanks Carol! I had help from Donna too…and we both, of course, learned from the master 😉
June 14th, 2016 at 11:10 PM
A lot of new watchers! Or at least new names! That is so great-can’t wait until July to meet everyone !
June 15th, 2016 at 8:21 AM
Well, heart in my mouth time, as the faithful watchers on the street stand ready to help any stranded fledgling and the Bathrobe Brigade cheers them all on from home.
June 15th, 2016 at 9:57 AM
An exciting time for sure.Am wishing all safe landing!!!!Thanks Carol for telling and showing the story as it occurs.
June 15th, 2016 at 9:07 PM
Exciting watch – thank you for the report.
June 15th, 2016 at 9:42 PM
You’re all very welcome! And thanks to you too Donna! 🙂