Here’s some handy information about watching the fledglings.

Q: Where should I watch?

A: The falcon’s nest is located at the top of the Times Square building, located at 45 Exchange Street. The sidewalks along Exchange Street between Main and Court Streets, and the Broad Street bridge provide good views of the building. Once the young falcons begin flying, they’ll be landing on other nearby buildings. We anticipate that, at least in the first week or two, the falcons will limit themselves to a one or two block radius around the Times Square Building, but this is the first year we’ve had fledglings in downtown Rochester, so we’re all learning as we go. Once you locate the young falcons, hopefully you’ll be able to keep an eye on them as they fly around the city’s center.

Q: Where should I park?

A: Parking is available at metered spots along Main, Broad and Court streets. Depending on the time of day, these parking spots may be more or less occupied. Metered parking is checked pretty regularly by Rochester city officials, so if you choose to park in a metered space, make sure you bring plenty of change and remember how much time you’ve paid for! City parking pay stations take quarters, dimes, nickels or credit cards. The cost is $1.25 per hour. Parking between 6 PM and 8 AM is free on weekdays. On weekends and holidays, parking is free all day.

There are several city-run parking garages within a few blocks of the Times Square building. The South Avenue Garage at the corner of South and Broad is close by, as is the Sister Cities Garage on Fitzhugh Street. Rates vary. Call the garage for the rate in effect at the time of your planned watch.

There are also several private off-street paid lots available, including a couple that are next to the Times Square building. They charge $1.50/hr, with a maximum $7.00 per day charge.

You’d think with all those choices it’d be easy to find a parking spot at any time, but that’s not always the case. Rochester hosts many festivals and other activities throughout the summer, and games or concerts at the Blue Cross Arena can eat up all the nearby parking. If you live in the city you may want to consider public transportation. RTS buses run downtown frequently. View the Rochester/Genesee Regional Transit Authority‘s map HERE (it’s a very large file; be patient while it loads!).

Q: What About Food?

A: Rochester is fortunate to have a great variety of eateries. Within a block of the Times Square building there are probably a dozen or more places to eat, from street-side vendors to Chinese take-out and sit-down restaurants like the Dinosaur Grill, McDonald’s, Subway, and Tim Horton’s. If you want to brown bag it, the Aqueduct Park located off Main Street and overlooking the river has plenty of shade, plus park benches and tables.

If you’re watching during the morning or early afternoon, St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene Episcopal Church on Fitzhugh Street near Broad Street, has a hospitality program Tuesdays through Fridays, 10 AM to 2 PM. They serve free coffee etc. and also have very nice restrooms. Enter the church at the main entrance on Fitzhugh Street. For the restrooms, go down the right-hand aisle toward the altar, enter the lower level, and turn left. Church members will be happy to direct you.