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Morning watch 10-15-12

October 15th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

A little different start to my watch today as I was driving down Broad St. from the west I could see Dot.Ca(DC) under the northeast wing. Then as I was stopped at the traffic light at Broad and Fitzhugh I watched Beauty fly in from the east and go to the Times Square building (TSB). Of course at the time I didn’t know who was who until I got a text from Donna who said that Beauty was at the nest box. Thanks for your much appreciated help Miss D!

img_0502-beauty img_0541-hello

I first parked on the Broad St. bridge(BSB) to observe our downtown pair and as 8:00am approached (you have to pay for parking from 8-6 Monday-Friday) I left to park down in the hole for free. As I was turning off  Broad St DebbieH was crossing Exchange St. to join me before going to work. Almost as soon as we got situated between the Thomson Reuters parking lot and the Phillipone building (the hole) DC flew off the TSB chasing a bird. He flew right above us and almost got it by the Thomson Reuters building(TRB) before going back to the TSB. The Kestrel which looked like a juvie due to the white down feathers it was sporting, landed on the lower rear roof of the Phillipone building briefly looking a bit dazed.

img_0505-juvie-kestrel

It then flew to the safety of a tree in Aqueduct Park and Deb had to leave for work. Beauty had left the nest box unbeknownst to me and DC made a few attempts at other small birds flying in his Times Square area.  His head was on a swivel making my neck hurt just looking at him. lol

img_0533-dc-watching-a-small-bird-fly-by img_0541-hello1 img_0546-im-gonna-get-you

DC met up with Beauty over the river and had a nice flight together riding the swift winds that were blowing in dark and gloomy downtown Rochester this morning. They returned to the TSB as he went under the northeast wing and she went back to her nest box. This has been their routine for a few days now doing their falcon duties of him watching the territory and her guarding the nest. DC flew after a bird behind the Telesca building and returned empty taloned to the base of the northeast wing where he tried in vain to bring up a pellet and did some preening. No doubt he wanted to lighten his load so he could be that much faster to hunt.

img_0545-put-up-yer-dukes

DC left around 9:40am and Beauty was also gone from the nest box so I took a ride over to Brighton to try and catch Miss Pigott at home. No such luck! I’d really love to know where that little girl has been wandering off to lately.  I went back downtown and from the Andrews St. Bridge I found the Beautyful one on the top ibeam of OCSR northeast side.

img_0558-watching-pigeons-over-river img_0568-hi-beautyful

Beauty was checking out some pigeons that were flying back and forth across the river. I left her to it as I ended my watch. Keep smiling! 🙂

Videos can be seen at the links below

http://youtu.be/hY650LS7SgE
http://youtu.be/KhxcwpAffNM
http://youtu.be/wyxFEMVWuxA

Falcon watch dedicated to S2 10-14-12

October 14th, 2012

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!

s2 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.

img_0476-dc img_0482-dc

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.

img_0485-beauty img_0488-beauty

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.

img_0493-hello-beautyful img_0475-hi-there-handsome2

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

http://youtu.be/GRZTXL30P6s

Falcon Watch – Saturday – 10/13/12 – A Visit With Barb From LA!

October 14th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Today I was so excited to meet Barb from LA.  After speaking to her yesterday evening, we decided to meet on the Broad St Bridge at 11 am this morning.  I quickly got an email out to all the Watchers to let them know.  We do love when we receive a visitor.  🙂

Many Watchers were on hand (MAK, Larry O, Lisa McK, Shaky, Jeanne, Joyce, Kathy O, Judy and her brother from South Carolina, and myself) to greet Barb and her brother Rich this morning.  Beauty and Dot.ca were also in attendance the whole time Barb was there.  She was thrilled to see both in person and to see all the Falcon Watch Landmarks that are mentioned in our reports.  Shaky even turned Pan Cam (Cam #1) towards us to show the virtual watchers.

The weather could not have been nicer.  Blue sky and sunshine.  A beautiful morning.

During our visit, another forum member, a friend of Barb’s, called to let us know that we were on camera.  It was was very nice speaking to you Florida Donna!  I really hope that you will be able to visit some time soon!

Here are some pictures I took during Barb’s visit:

Barb From LA's Visit to RochesterBarb From LA's Visit to RochesterBarb From LA's Visit to Rochester

Barb's Visit

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Here are a few pics captured by Pancam aka Camera #1 thanks to Shaky!

Barb From LA's Visit to RochesterBarb From LA's Visit to RochesterBarb From LA's Visit to Rochester

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Beauty and Dot.ca were kind enough to be around for Barb’s visit.  lol 🙂

Beauty on TSBDot.ca on TSBBeauty at NB TSBBeauty at the NB TSB

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When Barb and her brother had to leave us, we all said our goodbyes.  I really do love when we get visitors and always get a little sad when they leave.

Safe trip home Barb!  Good luck watching your own Miracle Mile falcons.  Some day I’d love to visit and see them for myself!  It was also nice meeting you Rich.  I’ll make sure to say hi if  I see you when I’m over on the Andrews St Bridge near the federal building.

After everyone left, I decided to check on KPF again, for the 2nd time today.  No luck finding her either time.

Joyce went over to the BS location and had no luck finding Pigott there.

My next stop was Charlotte to see if I could spot the juvie falcon I had seen there last weekend.  I sat in the parking lot for about 45 mins and did not see any falcons.  Dana and Lou joined me for awhile.  While they were there, we saw a young Bald Eagle fly over the river towards the east side.  So that was exciting!  While I was there this Mockingbird serenaded me from a nearby pine tree.  Loved every minute of it!

Mockingbird at Charlotte

*******

Clouds were moving in, so I decided to call it a day.  On my way home it started to rain, I spotted a familiar shape on a tall antenna on Long Pond Rd, in Greece.  I quickly pulled into a store across the street and took a quick picture before taking a better look with my binoculars.  Yes!  I am pretty sure it was a small sized juvie Peregrine Falcon.  Before I could get any other pictures, the falcon took off heading SE!  Darn!  The one picture I snapped would have to do.  But I will definitely be keeping my eyes to the sky looking for this young falcon!  Here is the picture I took plus a cropped version.

Juvie Pefa in GreeceJuvie Pefa in Greece

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REMEMBER TO CLICK ON ANY OF THE PICTURES FOR A LARGER VERSION.

Morning/afternoon watch 10-13-12

October 13th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

I started my watch a bit later than I normally do today for a special guest watcher all the way from LA,California was going to join local watchers at 11:00am on the Broad St. bridge. Watchers that turned out to meet Barb from Los Angelos were LarryO,CarolP,Jeanne,Lisa McK,Joyce,Shakymon, Judy and a gentleman I didn’t get the name for(sorry),KathyO and yours truly me,MAK!

I was by myself for the first hour of the watch and our downtown Peregrine pair were present and accounted for as Beauty was at the nest box and Dot.Ca(DC) was under the northeast wing of the Times Square building(TSB) when I arrived on the Broad St. bridge(BSB).

img_0345-beauty img_0346-dc-watching-his-girl-down-below-well-one-of-his-girls-lol

For the next 45 minutes Beauty was on the move keeping me very busy going from the top of cam 4 to the base of Mercury, then next to the main cam and back to Mercury. Phew she gave me a workout there for a while.

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Beauty actually laughed at ole MAK at one point! If you don’t believe me just take a look!!! lol

img_0379-b-laughing-at-mak See,she likes to smile too! 🙂

And it didn’t end with Beauty for DC had ants in his pants too flying off that northeast wing ledge multiple times only to show up back under it again.

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Beauty eventually settled on the little ledge under the nest box at the northeast corner of the TSB opposite of Archers’ nook.

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LarryO joined me at Falcon Watcher Central(FWC) at this time followed by CarolP a few minutes later. At about 11:15 the guest of honor arrived with her brother Rich who works at the Federal Building on State St. at Andrews St. as a security guard. He told me about how often he sees falcons flying around near the Andrews St. bridge when he does an outside building check. I pointed out the different buildings and took Barb for a walk down on Exchange St. to see Beauty closer up and to point out He’s chinese restaurant and Tim Hortons at Main and State St.

img_0422-barb-from-california Barb-click pic for full version

You know-to give her a lay of the land so to speak. We all had a nice visit and fortunately for Barb, Beauty and DC stuck around so she could see them the entire time she was with us on watch. Our local watchers started leaving along with Barb who had a family function to attend. She is a very nice woman who will be returning to California on Tuesday.  When I ended my watch only Carol and Joyce remained. I departed downtown smiling for having had a really nice falcon watch with friends old and new as well as near and far!  🙂

To see more pics and videos click on the links below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrLBA

http://youtu.be/KAOA5uO-olU
http://youtu.be/0LjAlEwp2DA
http://youtu.be/P36nkSIMTh4
http://youtu.be/2zN4B7Vz62Q

Falcon Watch Report – Evening – 10/12/12 – Beauty, Dot.ca and Pigott, Yes Pigott Today!

October 12th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Today after leaving work, I first checked out the KP area.  I could not find any falcons in the area, so I my nest stop was downtown, Rochester.  After checking KO, FCT and the north side of OCSR and finding no falcons, I headed towards the Broad St Bridge (BSB).  On the way, my phone tweeted!  It was Ei and she said the B&DC were on the top IBeam, south side of the OCSR.  Thanks Ei!

Beauty & Dot.ca on south side of OCSR

There was only parking on the south side of the BSB, and it was getting really crowded, so I ended up down on Aqueduct St aka the hole.  This area gives you a great view of the south side of OCSR, the Wilder Bldg, the Widows Walk, the Mercury Statue and the Times Square Bldg (TSB).  You lose the falcon really quickly when it flies away from the TSB. Both Beauty & Dot.ca took off from the OCSR.  She flew to the nest box and he flew to the base of the NE wing on the TSB.  Beauty left the nest box quickly and landed at the base of the SE wing on the TSB.  A closer look at DC showed that he had food and he was eating.  After finishing his meal, he walked in towards the bottom of the wing to cache the remainder.

Beauty Base of SE Wing TSBDot.ca at base of NE Wing of TSB with Food

B&DC on TSB

After preening a bit, Dot.ca took off and went back to the top IBeam of OCSR.  After awhile, Dot.ca sounded the alarm and kakked all the way up to the top of the NE wing on the TSB landing on what we call the “wing ring”.

DC on the Wing Ring on top of the NE Wing of the TSBDC Takes of from TSB

Dot.ca settled down and preened for awhile, although he remained vigilant.  I have no idea what upset him.  Maybe a hawk passing through?  During all of this, Beauty was not bothered at all.  In fact, she walked around the corner of the base of the wing and laid down for a nap.  All I could see was her tail feathers as she soaked in the last of the late day sun.  DC on the other hand, took off yet again.  This time heading SE.  Maybe towards the BS location?  After he left, I was approached by Amerks fans asking if I were watching the falcons.  They wondered what happened this year and I explained and they continued on their way.  It was the Amerks (Rochester’s hockey team) home opener.  I wished them luck.

Well, now that DC was gone and Beauty was snoozing, I decided it would be a good time to check out the BS location to see if DC headed that way.

At the BS location, I circled twice, finding nothing.  All was quiet.  One last time around.  I was on the south side when a bunch of Crows landed on the building and they were CAWING very loudly.  In the middle of all the CAWS, I heard a very loud answering EE-CHUP KAK KAK KAK.  It got louder and I kept looking around for the source of the sound of a very irate Peregrine Falcon.  Finally, I found one sitting on a window near where the Crows had landed.

Pigott at BS

Just as I was trying to get a good look at this falcon, another, smaller Peregrine flew in fast!  It was Dot.ca and we all know how much he dislikes Crows!  He was off like a shot!  Chasing Crows here and there and before long he had them cleared out of the area.  Pigott remained on the windowsill, until it was all done.  Then Dot.ca took off, but I didn’t see where he went.

Dot.ca at BS - Off like a flash after the Crows

100’s of Crows continued to stream in from the south, heading north towards the city and their nightly roosts.  Every now and then, some of them would come down to check things out, but they all eventually continued on their way.

Crows Heading Towards DT

Kathy O joined me earlier in the Watch and we settled in to watch as Pigott came off of the windowsill and and landed on the corner of the building above us.

Pigott at BS

We were losing light when Dot.ca returned.  He landed on the south side of the building and Pigott went to the cubby on the west side of the building.  She was vocalizing by ee-chupping softly.  Maybe calling Dot.ca.  Pigott is very grown up now.  No more whining continuously when DC was around.  She has turned into a very lovely adult.

Pigott left the cubby and ended up on the corner closest to where Dot.ca was located.  As it got darker, P took off and stooped to the west.  She returned empty taloned.

Dot.ca again took off.  He did not return as far as we know.  Maybe heading back to downtown Rochester?  It was getting dark, so Kathy and I decided to go home, leaving Pigott on the SW side of the building.

It was nice seeing Pigott again.  and Beauty and Dot.ca too!  No sightings of KPF today though.  Hopefully the Watchers will see all of them this weekend.

Have a nice weekend everyone and keep your eyes to the sky and stay warm.  Temps down in the 20’s overnight here in Rochester.  Make sure to grab an extra blanket?  Goodnight!

Morning watch 10-12-12

October 12th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

Just a quickie report today since there wasn’t much action. And because of the dark,rainy conditions I have only one semi decent pic of Beauty to show.

I checked the Brighton site first before heading downtown with no luck finding  a falcon. As I parked on the Broad St. bridge I could clearly see the Beautyful one perched atop cam 4.  She flew over to OCSR and did some preening of her wet feathers during a break in the on and off rain showers.

img_0343-beauty

I was parked down in the hole and walking around in that area watching Beauty and looking at Times Square in case Dot.Ca decided to show up. She then went to the nest box which I managed to miss and only knew because Donna told me. I went back up on the bridge and caught a glimpse of DC under the northeast wing before he left for parts unknown. It was then that Donna let me know that he had been on cam 4 briefly and Beauty had bowed to him before he left for the wing where I saw him. Hmm, seems like maybe Donna had more of a watch than I did sitting in her home in New Jersey looking at the cams on her laptop! lol Thanks for your help D!

Beauty returned to the top ibeam south side of OCSR with her back to me not moving so I took a ride back over to Brighton thinking perhaps DC went there to meet or just look for Pigott but all was quiet with no falcons to be found. While I was on my way back to downtown Shaky tweeted that Beauty was on the money bag hand of Mercury which I was sorry to have missed and left before I got to the bridge. When I did return she was back on the top ibeam of OCSR again in pretty much the same spot as before I left. And that my friends is all she wrote for this day. I ended my watch a little over 3 hours after starting it looking at my favorite falcon Beauty who makes me smile whenever I see her! 🙂

Morning watch 10-11-12

October 11th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

After Carol and Kathy had a falcon at the Brighton site(BS) last nite that Dot.Ca(DC) chased out of there I thought I’d better go check that site first. The last 2 mornings I have started my watch at BS as well because of the juvie that Joyce and I saw Monday night and today bagged the same result-no falcons found. I left for downtown and as I parked Angel Car(AC) on the Broad St. bridge(BSB) I noticed Beauty and DC on the top ibeam of  OCSR southeast side just a few feet away from each other.

img_0263-beauty img_0265-dc

I left to park down in the hole to be closer to our downtown pair and while I was in transit DC moved down to the east corner by the elevator shaft. The sun was shining on them and I knew how warm it was making them as it was a very chilly fall morning with a busy breeze. The shade was too cold for me I’ll tell ya! I walked down to Aqueduct Park to enhance my viewing pleasure as it is right across the street from OCSR.

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Beauty looked very light colored with the bright sun shining on her. It always amazes me how different they look in  different lighting.

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While observing  DC he spread out his wings and got ready for take off, something his son Orion almost always did when he flew off.

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He passed below Beauty and then she took flight following him over to the Times Square building. I watched DC land under the northeast wing. When I got back up to the hole he was gone and Donna had texted that Beauty was in the nest box. I noticed some guys working on the Thomson Reuters roof so I figured that’s why our fabulous feathered friends flew to Times Square. It is their job to protect their nest site after all. DC flew back to the northeast wing after a quick bowing session with Beauty in the nest box as reported by Donna and he looked like he meant business!

img_0282-dc

So I think it’s safe to say that when they feel threatened they strengthen their bond by bowing in their nest. As I recall after DC  chased out her last gentleman caller they met at the scrape and did some bowing. They both left so I walked up to the BSB for a panoramic view of the area and found some pigeons hiding out on the river side of the Thomson Reuters building and a Great Blue Heron came in for a landing but I could find no falcons. I trekked back down to the hole and fired up AC to drive over to BS for another check. Nothing but a Blue Jay over there so I returned to downtown and had a look around. Parked on the Andrews St. bridge I could make out the dark back of a pefa on the north side of OCSR top ibeam. I then whipped over to Bragdon St. next to the Radisson Hotel parked AC and fed the meter this time as the last time I didn’t and got a parking ticket for my trouble(I do learn from my mistakes lol). I took a walk out on the pedestrian bridge that crosses the Genesee River linking the Radisson  and the OCSR building for some picture taking. I found the Beautyful one with her head tucked into her wing fast asleep.

img_0291-sleeping-beauty

After a few minutes she suddenly started echupping as DC came flying in and landed at the north corner of the top ibeam. I consider echupping their love call.

img_0304-hi-dc DC

I had a homeless man by the name of Glen stop and chat with me for 20 minutes or so. He really liked how the lens on my camera went in and out and said this was the most interesting conversation he’s had since he returned to Rochester. We talked about the falcons of course, among other things. I like talking to peeps but sometimes I am relieved when they move on and this was one of those times! Beauty and DC seemed settled so I told them goodbye  and left for home smiling as I always do after spending time with them! 🙂

Pics and videos can be seen by clicking the links below

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrK-g

http://youtu.be/CflW3dPS8wY
http://youtu.be/h2YXfGQrQWE
http://youtu.be/rnj3Gy06kB8

Falcon Watch Wednesday Evening – 10/10/12 – Beauty, Dot.ca and Pigott??? or a Mystery Falcon at BS

October 10th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher Carol P.

Earlier today, I saw KPF(alcon) flying towards the stacks at KP at a high rate of speed.  Could not tell if she was hunting or not.  Good to see her.

After work, I first checked the KP area.  Nothing.

Dot.ca and Beauty on OCSRNext stop downtown, where I found Beauty and Dot.ca on the top IBeam of OCSR, south side.  I stayed and watched them for awhile from the Broad St. Bridge.  I was joined by Aaron, our photographer/watcher friend for a short while.  He was there to get some pictures of the ducks in the river.  After he left, I decided to head over to the BS location to see if I could find Pigott.

At the BS location it took me awhile, but after a couple loops around the building I found a falcon on the east side on the tree ledge. at approximately 5:40 pm.  At first I thought this must be Pigott, but this bird seemed to have different markings and was whiter.

Adult Female at BSAdult Female at BSAdult Female at BSAdult Female at BS

Joyce texted that from the live streaming video, it looked like Dot.ca took off heading SE from the OCSR downtown.  A couple moments later, Dot.ca flew in, sort of buzzed the large female, who by the way had a very large crop, and landed on the back of the building.  Well, that was a little strange.  At first I thought he might have been trying to mate with her.

Dot.ca at BS

Kathy O joined me and we settled in to Watch.  Kathy pointed out that Dot.ca was gone, but he soon returned with a Kestrel (we believe) hot on his tail.  They flew around to the front of the building and back.  Dot.ca landed on the same place he had just vacated.  The Kestrel took one last dive on him and then flew off to the south.  The female Pefa never moved or made a sound during this.

At 6:10 pm, Dot.ca took off again, this time heading towards the female’s position.  He looked like he was either going to land on her or the top of the building above her.  He did neither.  DC again swooped on her and this time she took off.   He chased her to the front of the building.  They soon came back and he was diving on her, causing her to defend herself.  This time she did vocalize with a kind “yelp”.  New sound to both Kathy and I.  He was very aggressively trying to get her to leave.  She was reluctant, and she was much larger than DC.  Finally he “convinced” her it was better that she go.  He chased her off to the SE, until we lost sight of them.  This was so reminiscent of how he treated Beauty after he lost Unity.  I knew that Beauty was safely downtown during all of this on the OCSR.

Dot.ca soon returned and landed on the same east tree ledge the female had been on.  He stayed on guard there til around 6:45 pm when he took off heading north towards downtown.

Dot.ca at BSDot.ca at BSDot.ca at BS

So, another interesting Watch from the BS location. Due to behavior, I do not believe this was Pigott, and the coloring and markings were wrong.  Dot.ca was definitely aggressive against this other falcon.

There was no kakking, whining or ee-chupping by either falcon.  Just that strange vocalization made by the female when under attack.

We’ll definitely keep Watching and letting you know what we see.  There is always something new to learn!  Although I do wish things would be more calm.

I’ll leave you with a picture of the now totally wrapped High Falls Stack.

Wrapped High Falls Stack

REMEMBER TO CLICK ON ANY PICTURE TO SEE THE FULL VERSION.

Morning watch 10-10-12

October 10th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

Starting at the Brighton site this morning with no pefa sightings. Got a tweet from Shaky that there was a falcon on the Frontier Communications Tower(FCT) so off I went to City Hall. Thankfully she stayed until I got there as I found Beauty on the northeast cube of FCT.

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Less than 5 minutes later she took off flying south toward the Times Square building (TSB).

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As I left for the Broad St. bridge BSB) I got a text from Donna that Beauty was at the nest box. Thanks for your help this morning Donna and Shaky!  I saw Dot.Ca (DC) under the northeast wing as I approached the TSB but couldn’t see Beauty so I went to the BSB so that I could.

img_0183-dc img_0194-sleepy-girl

I parked AC in the hole and kept walking back and forth between the there and the BSB for the best angles. It was quite chilly this morning and the wind was brisk getting gustier as time went on. Breezes fluffing up our Peregrine friends’ feathers is a good thing. Beauty and DC preened and napped.

img_0194-sleepy-girl1 img_0202-sleepy-boy

After better than an hour Beauty was the first one to fly off and I missed it while I was taping DC. Then, as I was looking for Beauty DC disappeared. The trials of falcon watching! lol I wouldn’t have even know  the Beautyful one left if it hadn’t been for Donna informing me. We surely do have good teamwork here in Rochester whether it be the local watchers in the field or the long distance watchers on the cams. We all play a part and it works like a well oiled machine. So a few minutes later I spotted Beauty on the base of Mercury with a prey item and DC was now visible under the northeast wing again. Beauty appeared to kiss the base of Mercury at one point.

img_0230-beauty-kissing-mercury img_0203-dc

10 minutes later Beauty flew back to the deck and came to rest next to the main cam. DC disappeared again and from down next to the Wilder building and He’s Chinese joint I found him way at the back of the ledge under the northeast wing by the gridwork. Trying to hide from me no doubt! lol

img_0235-and-shes-off img_0248-hey-there-girl img_0242-dc

Beauty left to return to pick at her cached food on the base of Mercury, which she really didn’t seem too interested in.  It was at this time I ended my watch as Beauty and DC sent me on my way smiling! 🙂

Click the links below if you would like to see more pics and some videos

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrK2A

http://youtu.be/RzY44E7MoLs
http://youtu.be/SH9wPLz51pU
http://youtu.be/RO9BxHHr9G4
http://youtu.be/fOJg1aoyeJ8
http://youtu.be/1j2Hf_5rE-4

Morning watch 10-9-12

October 9th, 2012

By Rochester Falcon Watcher MAK

I thought after last nite at BS I would check there first today but I didn’t get there before sun up and so I could find no falcons present when I arrived at 7:15am. I then shot right over to the Broad St. Bridge and like yesterday morning could see a pefa bump on the KO launchpad. I scurried down to Mill St. for closer viewing. Now at the time I only noticed 1 falcon on the northeast corner. When I looked at my video I saw that both Beauty and Dot.Ca were up there! He was on the northeast corner and she was near the southeast corner blending into the steel gray color of the building with her own gray color.

img_0109-bdc click the pic for full version

I also found that they both flew off the tower- DC first and then Beauty flying north initially and then I saw them come thru flying south. Wow they sure had old MAK fooled this morning! lol

As I drove back down State St. when the Times Square building(TSB) came into view I could see the Beautyful one big as life perched on the main cam. When I went down to the hole and parked AC I noticed DC up under the northeast wing of the TSB.

img_0124-beauty img_0139-dc

15 minutes later I’m looking under the wing but don’t see Mr. DC. I believe he tucked back near the building out of my view because every once in a while Beauty would look up and vocalize. I watched Beauty for 30 minutes or so and in that time she tried to hack up a pellet on 2 separate occasions but I never saw anything come up and out of that Beautyful mouth of hers. She also did some preening and wing stretching besides just being the Beauty that she is.

img_0127-beauty img_0128-beauty img_0143-b

DC suddenly appeared back under the northeast wing again and so I watched this pair for another half hour until Beauty flew down to the deck and then shot out flying east over the river and out of sight. DC took off soon after that flying west behind Widows Walk and out of my view.

img_0155-dc

He returned a few minutes later with prey and started plucking feathers sending them into the atmosphere around him.

img_0163-dc img_0164-dc

He worked on that meal for about 20 minutes before disappearing without me seeing his departure. It looked like he had leftovers hanging over the edge up there that he left behind. A few minutes later a hawk flew in and landed on the southeast ledge below the southeast wing. It left after a minute or so-probably knew a Peregrine would be showing up soon! lol

img_0167-hawk

And that’s my watch in a nutshell, I had to leave to go to a doctors appointment. One thing that made me smile this morning was the sun shining bright on a crisp fall day and of course our resident downtown Rochester Peregrine Falcon pair! 🙂

Click the links below for more of what I saw on my watch

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AaN3DFm0ZMWrKvg

http://youtu.be/iepNO_sae2A
http://youtu.be/vSkzyQviqXY
http://youtu.be/_d7XO3RN9pQ
http://youtu.be/R7hPoNm2IKM


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