Falcon watch dedicated to S2 10-14-12
By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK
I write this report with a very heavy heart in honor of the life of S2 as news of her death from the DeMortel site in the Netherlands has been realized. I was a lurker when S2 first became famous for taking over the care of eyasses that were not hers. It touched my heart to say the least and when I heard of the news that she had been shot last year, of course I kept track of her handling and recovery. She was on the last legs of her rehab and with a falconer to finish preparing for her release in the weeks to come. S2 died this past Friday from fly infestation-maggots eating away at her from inside. This is devastating to everyone who loved her and we must remember that she was given the best of care and the shooter is the only one to blame for her death. Fly free, brave and strong S2 we will never forget you!
I borrowed this pic of S2 from the BCAW site
I was going to take the day off from falcon watching and when I heard this sad news, well I just had to go check and see if our own Rochester falcons were ok. As I arrived on the Broad St. bridge I spotted a falcon under the northeast wing. It had its back to me and I had a hard time deciding who it was until I got home to check the pics on my computer screen. It was Dot.Ca and he was doing some serious preening up there while I watched.
I decided to take a ride over to the Brighton site to look but there was no falcons in sight over there. I returned to downtown after hearing that Beauty was at the nest box from Donna. Thanks D! Beauty was still there when I returned and DC was under the northeast wing.
I shared space with them for a half hour or so as it gave me some relief from the grief I feel over S2. During my short watch both Beauty and DC seemed to look me in the eye as if to say we’re here for ya.
I will end my report here knowing that nature can be tragic but it can also make you smile! 🙂
1 video of our Times Square pair at the link below
October 14th, 2012 at 2:32 PM
That was sweet of you to dedicate your watch to S2. It saddens me that something like a fly/maggot, (I hate that word), infestation took her life, considering all that she went through up til now! FLY FREE sweet S2, you will never be forgotten. 🙁 Heavy sigh!
October 14th, 2012 at 3:06 PM
Heavy sigh indeed Donna! Keep smiling anyway for she has joined some late great Peregrine Falcons and they are all flying together in harmony for their are no battles where they fly now! 🙂
October 14th, 2012 at 3:54 PM
Thank you for dedicating this to S2. She was so patient and sweet and I loved her too.
I like to think she is flying with Callidora now and is happy ♥
October 14th, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Also say a prayer for the Sydney Sea Eaglets. S3 & S4 have been tangled in fishing line/wire since yesterday and S4 has a hook embedded in his mouth. They are going to attempt a rescue again today since yesterday’s failed. It is now Monday in Australia and they tried to rescue them Sunday.
October 14th, 2012 at 7:08 PM
So sorry to hear about S2 passing. What an amazing story about her taking over the care of the young ones. Wow. I was happy to the Beautyful one on camera before i had to leave for work earlier today. It made my day.
October 14th, 2012 at 8:57 PM
Sosad about S2. I too, followed her story, and this is devastating. Fly free, S2.
October 15th, 2012 at 3:24 PM
What a beautiful dedication to S2. I wasn’t a follower at that time, but I love those birds and feel terrible that one had to die in such a horrible way. She sounds like she was so special, taking care of babies not her own.
October 15th, 2012 at 3:29 PM
She was very special Sheila! 🙂