Watcher Carla P reports:
I worked late again tonight, and pulled onto Elm Street about 8:20 P.M. I found a falcon on the NE corner of Midtown, and this time I could tell it was Beauty. We both just chilled for a little while, and then Beauty took off heading east. She swung back around and flew between Xerox and Midtown, kacking all the way. Archer flew in and landed on the NE corner of Midtown with prey. Beauty landed next to him a split second later, still kacking. Archer picked at the prey for a few seconds longer and then took off towards the southeast, leaving Beauty alone to eat her meal. I ended my watch at 8:35 P.M., with Archer still out and about and Beauty eating her dinner.

Carla P.

From watcher Carla P:
I worked until 8:00 P.M. tonight, and decided to make a quick stop at Midtown on my way home. When I turned onto Elm Street, I could see a falcon perched on the ledge(northeast corner)of lower Midtown. I wasn’t sure who it was at first, but then I spotted another falcon on the ledge in front of the scrape and knew from the size that this was Beauty!  She was enjoying a meal, and Archer remained a few yards away on the corner of the ledge. They are both beautiful birds, and I know in my heart that we will all grow to love them in time.

At about 8:20, Beauty took off, headed east and circled around, landing on the low yellow brick building north of Midtown(?) Archer then took off and circled around to “hook up” (literally!) with Beauty. The copulation lasted approximately 8 to 10 seconds. Both took off then, heading south, and as it was getting dark, I ended my Watch at 8:25. Neither returned before I left.

This was a thrilling watch for me, because it was the first time I had witnessed copulation. It was quite beautiful. What a wonderful way to end a long work day. Life is good!

Carla P.

I had fun today chasing around the new falcon and tiercel in town, and got close to reading their leg bands.  Read the report and pictures here.
http://marchlords.com/birdblog/2009/04/busy-half-hour-with-midtown-falcons.html

Jim

If you’ve been following Imprints, you’ll know that Mariah was attacked and seriously wounded by an intruding female over the Easter weekend.  The report I posted here on the 10^th of Mariah and the new tiercel was perhaps the last we’ll have of her in Rochester.

More recenlty, I added some information compiling a probable timeline of the events leading to her injuries. You can read that HERE.

Today I got out at lunchtime to check on the new Peregrines in residence. You can read all about it and view the pictures HERE.

Since the comments function here doesn’t seem to be working, just post your thoughts over at my Peregrinations blog if you care to leave any.

Jim

I was downtown for about 3 hours yesterday and got to see some great action from Mariah and her new tiercel. You can read about it and view pictures in my latest blog post.
http://marchlords.com/birdblog/2009/04/new-home-for-falcons-at-midtown-tower.html

Jim

Sorry for the lack of posting, but not much has been happening here in Rochester.

Mariah and her Tiercel continue to be seen in the downtown area.  We frequently see them on Midtown Plaza and sometimes the Kodak Tower.  There is no indication that Mariah has laid any eggs yet.

There have been reported sightings of the Brighton Falcons.

We’ll keep Watching.

Carol P.

As we continue to keep our eye on Mariah and her new mate, we are happy to have a new pair to watch.  It’s wonderful to know that one of our young males has returned to Rochester.  We’re very hopeful that  he and the female hanging out in nearby Brighton will choose to stick around to raise a family of their own.

A few of us braved the rain on Sunday afternoon to get a good look at this new pair.

The following is a video I took.  The female had just landed on a lower building on the west side of the complex.  She started vocalizing, loudly, while Zephyr flew around above her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb1BeZknkew

Not to worry.  We’re definitely keeping a close eye on Mariah and her Tiercel, who continue to hang out at Midtown Plaza.  Although we did see them both in the gorge  and flying around the Kodak Tower on Saturday.  So, where will they choose to nest?  We’ll keep Watching and report what we see.

Carol P.

More news on one of our Rochester falcons…

One of our 2008 fledglings has been spotted on a tall abandoned building in Brighton, south of downtown Rochester.  Marcia L and Joyce watched as Zephyr and an adult female perched on and flew around there. 

Here are Marcia’s photos and report

Amendment – Joyce’s album

Mariah and her new mate have taken over the Rochester city skies.  They are very active flying around downtown, especially around Xerox, Bausch & Lomb, Midtown, and HSBC (which are all in close proximity as the falcon flies).  They are frequently seen landing on Midtown.  There are no occupants in this building anymore.   You can often hear the pair e-chupping to one another.  One has to wonder if Mariah and her mate plan on taking up residency and raising a family there. 

Here are two watch albums of Mariah and her new tiercel from last weekend – Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=tq6stye.c6m1yufq&x=0&y=-abvoil&localeid=en_US

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=tq6stye.70aczjrq&x=0&y=fbvhee&localeid=en_US

Good news – on Thursday 3/26, one of the local falcon watchers who works downtown, witnessed Mariah and the tiercel mating on top of HSBC (across the street from Midtown).

 Joyce

I was thrilled to get downtown this afternoon for some good looks at the new tiercel who’s flown into town.  On the downside, this is definitely not Kaver.  The tiercel is banded.  Despite our best efforts, two spotting scopes and lots of long zoom lenses he’s being coy, not giving us a good look at the ID number on that band yet.  He’s been perching low enough that we may be able to get a read on the band, if he’ll cooperate and stick his leg out where we can see it!

In any event, enjoy the pictures and my report of today’s activity:
http://marchlords.com/birdblog/2009/03/mariahs-neuveau-beau.html