Wednesday Morning Falcon Watch (6:30 – 10:00 am) – 7/29/20
By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.
Morning Watchers: Larry O, Dana and Carol P.
Weather: Chilly morning in the 60’s. Started with sun, ended with clouds and rain. Going up to 80 degrees with possible TStorms this afternoon.
The morning watch started out very chilly. Chilly enough to wear a jacket. The first falcons I found this morning were on Widows Walk. While I was driving closer, I was hoping they were juvies, but after a closer look, it was two adults. Beauty and Dot.ca were together, hunting from WW.
I met two birders, Jeannie & Tom, just after Beauty and Dot.ca left. They have been coming downtown hoping to see the Rochester Falcons. After finding Beauty on the base of Mercury, I quickly found Jeannie and Tom and brought them to Broad St. From there, they were finally able to meet Beauty!
My next stop was the Court St Bridge, where I was joined by Larry O and Dana. Beauty had taken off and was hunting over the river. She continued on to soar over Xerox. From there, she stooped over the river chasing pigeons. She was not successful. Beauty flew up to the Times Square Bldg and landed on the ledge below the northeast wing. She took off again, heading towards Xerox. We lost sight of her after that.
Larry had to end his watch, so Dana and I drove around trying to find the falcons. We both arrived on the Andrews St Bridge at the same time. Dana spotted Dot.ca on the top Ibeam of OCSR and I spotted Beauty eating on the corner of the Elwanger and Barry bldg. We also spotted a Kestrel hunting in the area.
I ended my watch at 10:00 am and stopped at Seneca Towers on the way home. I found an adult on the Vets Bridge. Based on size, I believe it was Billie. So nice to see her!
Sadly I did not see a juvie this morning, but Dana reported at 11:55 am that she saw a dark-headed juvie on Cross Rds.
Here are some pictures from the morning watch. Enjoy!
Less Water Today
July 29th, 2020 at 9:46 PM
That’s the bittersweet end of a falcon season. If successful, the juveniles all fly away and vanish. Sometimes, a year later, we learn of a new territorial pair somewhere. This year, all are unbanded, so we won’t. Based on their skills, I am sure that some of this brood will make it.!
July 30th, 2020 at 5:29 AM
In the picture of Beauty over Xerox, it looks like her molt is still in full swing and at least two primary feathers need replacements.
July 30th, 2020 at 2:15 PM
Thanks Paul! It is always a sad time for the watchers, when we see less and less of our young falcons. Thankfully, today, I was able to watch Roc attempting to hunt. So much fun! I will miss them.
July 30th, 2020 at 2:16 PM
You’re right Alison. She is definitely molting now.