Beauty Baths in the Genesee River – May 2, 2010
From Rochester Falcon Watcher, Carol P.
I headed downtown around 9 am. Since Archer and Beauty are incubating the eggs, there hasn’t been too much activity. That will all change when the first eyas hatches.
Today I met Dana and Larry O (with Cleo) on the Broad St. Bridge. Just before Larry arrived, Dana and I saw Beauty fly off of the Mercury statue down to the river on the south side of the bridge. We crossed over to that side and were excited to see Beauty down below in the shallow water of the Genesee River.
It was a warm, cloudy day and Beauty took advantage of the cool water, drinking and bathing for about 10 minutes. She then took off and flew through a group of about 7 Ring-billed Gulls that weren’t very happy at the intrusion. Beauty ended up landing on the base of the Mercury statue, where she started to preen and dry off.
I’ll let Dana post her pictures, since she has a really great camera, but I was lucky to get some video to share with everyone. Enjoy!
May 2nd, 2010 at 9:34 PM
I knew when you posted your twitter watch that there had to be a video. I love it! When Beauty finally turned and we saw her profile, I couldn’t believe how deep she put her head under the water. Great video. Thanks Carol.
May 2nd, 2010 at 11:31 PM
Nice video, Carol – What a Bathing Beauty!
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:04 AM
And once upon a time, we thought peregrines did not bathe or drink water. What a wonderful resource this camera and its faithful watchers have been for science and for the bathrobe brigade.
May 4th, 2010 at 7:37 AM
And this member of the bathrobe brigade appreciates all!! 😀
May 10th, 2010 at 6:23 PM
Carole, what a great catch. How fortunate that you were able to witness “the bath”.