Rfalconcam Forum

    
Recent News Title
1/27/2010  ::   Adult Male Sightings
Typically this pair of peregrines can be found spending much of their time together this time of year. The female has been seen frequently at the ledge, the male has not been spotted for some time. This male does tend to wander for long periods of time and possibly at great distances. If he is not with this female the first week in February we can speculate that something may have happened to him. In any case, web cam viewers are urged to email via the Contact DEP link to report peregrine sightings at the ledge. The male is one third smaller than the female and has been known to perch on top of one of the camera housings to the left of the orange column on the wide camera view of the ledge.

    
Recent News Title
2/4/2010  ::   Male Peregrine- Still No Sighting
This female has been in this situation before. The original male was injured six years ago and could not be returned to the wild. She spent a lot of time away from her usual perches and spent more time at places where he had habitually perched. Then, she was gone from the area for longer periods of time. A little more than six weeks after the original male was injured she pair bonded with the current male. We know that there are many ranging individual peregrines out there looking for nesting territories. These wandering peregrines will opportunistically displace breeding adults.


2/4/2010  ::   Male Peregrine Returns!
At 1:25 PM today, February 4, 2010 the Rachel Carson male peregrine was spotted on the southeast corner of the ledge. This ends his long absence from the ledge and renews expectations for another successful nesting season.   

 :clap: :thumbsup: I'm glad he's back.  This makes me wonder more about Kaver. Is he out there, is he alive, did he try and come back last year, did A & B chase him out? Unless he tries to come back this year, I'm afraid we'll never know. It's not getting any easier missing Kaver, it's getting worse. Now my concerns are on Mariah, what the heck will happen this season?

I am sorry to say I think something happened to him.  :( Remember right after he disappeared at the end of 2008, Mariah was hanging out in all the places Kaver usually did where she didn't usually go. Also they did no pair bonding (that we could see) before he vanished. I think she was looking for him. I really don't think he would have left her for another female. He didn't come back because he couldn't. I wish I was wrong but that is the way I feel. I miss him. He was the best.

Now I am conflicted. I want Mariah to come back but I am also afraid she will (and get hurt again). is there a smilie biting his nails all worried?

I really feel the same about Kaver, (just in denial) over it. It's heartbreaking, he was such a LOVE.
As far as Mariah goes....I shudder to think.   

I agree, Donna. I really miss Kaver -- he was the very best. I can only hope Mariah will find a new, supportive mate this year, and perhaps be provided with a nest far enough away from Beauty and Archer to be safe.

http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp)    bguitar

   Falcon there now calling

http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp) any time now

The misses is still pushing in Harrisburg

1st egg  :2thumbsup:

3/23/2010  ::   Second Egg!
Early this morning, March 23rd, the female Peregrine Falcon laid the second egg. As the clutch grows, the adults will begin brooding for longer periods of time. This progressive brooding behavior allows the eggs to hatch at close intervals. The male and female will share brooding duties; the male will sit 30 to 40 percent of the entire time it takes to hatch the full clutch

The Harrisburg female just laid her fifth egg.

I was watching for a few minutes this morning and saw an interesting scene played out.  One of the falcons got on the eggs, but left one out from underneath him (or her).  All of a sudden off camera, you hear the other falcon 'speaking' to the other and the one on the nest replies, gets up, changes direction, sits down again but this time incorporating all of the eggs.  Then all was silent again.


After seeing this, I was thinking that it was mama scolding the dad for not having all the eggs underneath, she b****ed at him, he said 'nag, nag, nag' and then fixed the problem.   :2funny:

It's kind of difficult to get all those eggs underneath properly!

  The first eyas has hatched.  :wub:

(http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/7580/29532558.th.jpg) (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/29532558.jpg/)  Another picture of first eyas.

 :thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :clap: Thanks Annette!

Feeding at Harrisburg

OH and I forgot...a pip in 2nd egg.  :clap:

I am happy about all.

The second eyas is hatching.

Second eyas is now out the egg.

3rd hatch in Harrisburg  I have so many cams open now...it's a matter of time before it crashes.

Pics from just now

   
Recent News Title
5/7/2010  ::   Status of Eggs
One of the two remaining eggs was broken sometime overnight. There is one unhatched egg remaining. Since there was yolk in the broken egg, it most likely was infertile, or at least, any embryo had little development. If the other egg is not viable, it will begin to decay, and will be vulnerable to breaking under the process of decomposition.

5/26/2010  ::   Banding Event
The annual banding event will take place at 1 PM tomorrow, May 27 here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building. The event will be live stream webcast. This is a highly valued educational opportunity as nearly 180 students and teachers will be in attendance. Visit the DEP Website at www.depweb.state.pa.us to view the banding event.

Thanks lil' piggy!    :gum:

No prob Piglet!   (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com/glittergraphics/winniethepooh/images/gwinniethepooh3.gif)  (http://www.graphicsgrotto.com)

I have created Banding day in Harrisburg 2010.

http://www.kodakgallery.de/ShareLanding.action?c=bozg71ut.z8skw0q9&x=0&y=rwgbaj&localeid=de_DE (http://www.kodakgallery.de/ShareLanding.action?c=bozg71ut.z8skw0q9&x=0&y=rwgbaj&localeid=de_DE)

Enjoy!

Thank you so much Annette.    :thumbsup:

 :clap: :thumbsup: Annette...nice pics.

 Recent News
• 6/7/2010 :: Fledgling Update The two males fledged yesterday from the ledge. From all accounts, the white banded male fledged first at around 9 AM. The red banded fledge took his first flight later in the afternoon. They ended up on the ground, were rescued and placed on the roof of the building. On their second attempt they landed on low rooftops near the Rachel Carson Building from which they will try again. The goal for the fledglings now will be to return to the ledge. There are two teams of watchers keeping an eye on them.

The blue banded male taken for treatment has recovered to the extent the rehabilitator would like to return him to the ledge soon. Thanks to the weekend watch and rescue crew for rescuing the fledglings on their first flight and briefing DEP staff on these happenings this morning.

• 6/1/2010 :: Blue-Banded Male Update This afternoon, officials from the Game Commission successfully retrieved the blue-banded male falcon that was taken by a wildlife rehabilitator for treatment. Upon recovery, the falcon will be returned to the ledge. The other two eyasses were treated as a precaution and returned to the ledge.

• 6/1/2010 :: Update about Blue-Banded Male At the time of banding, signs of the trichomoniasis (trich) infection were observed in the blue-banded male. The eyas was treated with the recommended dose of antibiotic by the Game Commission's Art McMorris. Trichomoniasis is a fairly widespread infection in young raptors. After careful observation, and in response to public notification that he is not responding well, the Game Commission has decided to retrieve the eyas so that it can be re-examined and, if necessary, treated more extensively off-site by a veterinarian until he is ready to be returned to the nest. The other two eyasses, which did not show signs of trich, will be re-examined as well. Infections, parasites and other maladies are a "fact of life" in wild animals, and we are fortunate that we can give this peregrine the benefit of medical attention.

    
Recent News Title
6/11/2010  ::   Fledgling Activity
From yesterday's after hours watch and rescue reports, white took two flights last evening. Today he is perched high on a nearby building. Red has visited the ledge often and continues to investigate rooftops throughout the city. These two fledges should begin their flight/hunting lessons soon.
6/10/2010  ::

  The Latest on Blue
Blue will not be released to the ledge this week. Yesterday, his weight was 510 grams. The wildlife rehabilitator would like to get his weight up to 600 grams before considering the release. In addition, his feather development is delayed. We'll keep viewers updated on his progress.

6/9/2010  ::   Fledgling Update
White has remained on the ledge since he was rescued from a boxed in low rooftop yesterday morning. The adults are withholding food from him at this point so that he'll take flight again. Then, many of the food transfers will take place in flight. Red is on top of a nearby building. He's been taking some good strong flights the past two days. Blue should return from wildlife rehab tomorrow or Friday to be released on the nest ledge.


6/8/2010  ::   The Latest News
Red had a good flight from the roof and is on the nest ledge now. The rehabilitator would like blue's feathering to develop a little more before release. We're planning to return blue to the ledge Thursday or Friday of this week.

Thanks for the update!  While in Syracuse this past weekend we were all talking about the status of blue.   Do they know why his feather development is delayed, or is that relatively common?
Suzanne

    
Recent News Title
6/16/2010  ::   Blue
Blue has gained a little more weight; he now weighs 540 grams. However, he is also being treated for parasites and a secondary protozoan infection. Because of these conditions it is best to keep him in wildlife rehabilitation. The more time that passes, the less likely it is he'll be released to the ledge. If later, he does recover fully, he may be released at another nest site where nestlings are fledging later. If he does not develop 100% strength and vitality he may remain in captivity for educational purposes.


 Poor baby.

 :sick: :pray:

    
Recent News Title
6/24/2010  ::   Update on Blue
The infections/parasites are gone. He's improving daily.

He will not be released here at the Rachel Carson Building-he's not ready. Feather development is still slow and weight is still down. He's not preening, so his flight feathers are slow to come in. Eventually, we would like to release him, but there is no guarantee he'll fully recover. If he does, the release may occur this Fall or Spring of 2011. He will get flying and hunting lessons while in rehabilitation. 

poor little guy....guess he'll be in rehab for a while.

Bummer. :pray:

Recent News Title
7/9/2010  ::   Live Streaming Video to End
On Friday, July 16th the streaming will end. The still image capture will continue to be available on the Falcon Page.
7/9/2010  ::   Falcon Cam Will Be Down
The Falcon Cam will be down on Tuesday, July 13th in the morning. Viewers should be able to watch the live Falcon Cam in the afternoon.
7/8/2010  ::   Update about the Fledges
Both of the adult falcons have not been seen for several days, which indicates that the fledges have dispersed from the area accompanied by the adults. Soon, the adults will return to the ledge, and Falcon Cam viewers will see them more frequently. Their return will indicate that the fledges are completely independent.

6/30/2010  ::   Fledgling Update
One of the fledges spent several hours resting on the ledge today. With a close camera angle we were able to get a good look at him and he looked fine. The adult male was perched above him on one of the camera housings. Now, they are out together, engaged in flight/hunting lessons. Earlier today, the adult female was spotted doing the same with the other fledge. Blue's condition continues to improve although not at the pace we would like to see. All in all Rachel's falcons are doing fine.

 goodnews: :yes: :mbanana:

7/21/2010  ::   Blue Band Loses Battle with Trichomoniasis
Due to the trichomoniasis infection, blue lost weight and became more susceptible to secondary infections. He had intestinal parasites, which cleared up with medication, and other secondary infections. He lost weight, and never returned to his weight at the age of banding. His feather development was retarded, and he was not preening himself properly. All of these are the consequences of the initial trich infection. It is indeed a nasty disease. As a result of these conditions, euthanizing became the necessary course of action.


He's been in rehab since June 1st. Poor baby. :(

 :(

Poor falcon baby. :crying:

Posted over at CMNH...so sad for mom.


"It's confirmed. There's a new, unbanded adult female falcon here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building. No info. about previous female.
about 5 hours ago via web from Penbrook, PA"

and

"A large, unbanded young falcon has been around the ledge last couple of days. May be female. Keep watching. www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon.

Harrisburg. No sign of Mom. Lil Dad and a new female were seen together (and photographed) by ground observers this afternoon at the nest box.

Just received this email:


• 9/14/2010 :: There's a New Female in Town! For the past two weeks there has been a lot of activity at and near the nest ledge. Recently, a new adult female falcon has been seen bonding with the male. The origin of this female is unknown as she is not banded. Email information from web viewers indicates that the resident female is no longer at the ledge. An employee at the Amtrak Station across the street reported seeing a dead falcon near the rail line. No carcass was found there.

The resident female has probably defended the nest ledge from challenging interlopers in the past. One could speculate that at 12 years old, she could no longer fend off younger, stronger females seeking out nesting territory. Any information that web viewers care to share would be appreciated. For now, we have set two close camera views at the nest box and perch for observation purposes.

2 falcons at Harrisburg now.

In case someone missed this news!  :(

 Recent News
• 9/14/2010 :: There's a New Female in Town! For the past two weeks there has been a lot of activity at and near the nest ledge. Recently, a new adult female falcon has been seen bonding with the male. The origin of this female is unknown as she is not banded. Email information from web viewers indicates that the resident female is no longer at the ledge. An employee at the Amtrak Station across the street reported seeing a dead falcon near the rail line. No carcass was found there.

The resident female has probably defended the nest ledge from challenging interlopers in the past. One could speculate that at 12 years old, she could no longer fend off younger, stronger females seeking out nesting territory. Any information that web viewers care to share would be appreciated. For now, we have set two close camera views at the nest box and perch for observation purposes.

2/7/2011  ::   Rachel's Falcons Begin 2011 Nesting Season
Falcon watchers have reportedly seen breeding activities at the nest ledge. DEP Environmental Education staff are preparing for another season of outreach and education on endangered species reintroduction with Rachel's falcons as the focal point. We're currently seeking approval to contract for the live streaming video (more on this later) and the annual teacher workshop is set for April 12th, here at the Rachel Carson State Office Building.

2/17/2011  ::   Video Streaming Begins
The live stream video web hosting has begun for the 2011 season. What's new for this nesting season? Most significantly, there is a new female in the nest. She arrived the first week in September of last year. The second week in September, an employee at the Amtrak Station across the street reported seeing a dead falcon near the rail line. No carcass was found there. The resident female has probably defended the nest ledge from challengers in the past. One could speculate that at 12 years old, she could no longer fend off younger, stronger females seeking out their own nesting territory. For more on the life and legacy of the original female, click on the Falcon Stories link on the DEP Falcon Page.

The new female is not banded so her age and geographic origin cannot be determined. However, when she arrived, she sported a bit of rusty brown coloring, an indication that she was emerging from juvenile plumage. In terms of predicting the date the first egg will arrive, all bets are off. In order to provide the best chance to view the laying of the first egg, the camera will be fixed on the nest box from now until the nestlings begin moving out of the box.

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/ (http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/)

http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp) LIVE Harrisburg

Seems hard to believe, but I just saw that the Harrisburg Peregrines have their first egg!

This was posted on the site:

3/11/2011  ::   First Egg!
This morning at 9:30 an egg was observed in the scrape. The new female was eight days earlier, on average than her predecessor, 4/4 in delivering the first egg of the season. The first and second egg should get only occasional incubation time. When the third egg arrives incubation time should increase. The full clutch will be warmed continuously until hatching begins. From all indications, this female is very young. As such, it will be difficult to say with any certainty that this year will be as productive as past nesting seasons but it will certainly be interesting to watch and find out.

Suzanne

Goodness! Wondering - why are we so far behind, so to speak?

A picture of the first egg

Maybe because we are further north and still have snow on the ground?  It seems early for there to be eggs in Harrisburg, though.
Suzanne

Back in the day, Harrisburg Mom & Mariah would lay at just about the same time every year-they were usually within a day of each other.  But they have a new female this year...and Beauty is still waiting for Archer...we're just not in synch any more...

You're right Ei!  I've followed them for years, and yes, Mariah and their female were generally in synch with each other.  I guess now it's new female, new routine for them.  Meanwhile, when it Archer going to show up for us?!
Suzanne   

If he sticks to his prior pattern, Archer isn't due for another week and a few days...

The second egg has arrived.

Oh wow...thanks Annette!
Suzanne

Nice!!!

The third egg has arrived.

 :2thumbsup: :hatch1: :hatch1: :hatch1: :thanx:

Today the female laid her fourth egg.

 :mbanana:

Beauty has some catching up to do!  :2thumbsup:

Harrisburg Offspring discovered at Nest!
The green-banded female from the 2009 nesting season has claimed her own nesting territory. This female was the largest of four females and one male banded on May 27th 2009. Her band codes were confirmed by falcon watchers on March 6th. She displaced an established female at a bridge scrape near Rocky River Metro Parks in Brookpark, Ohio, a few miles south of Cleveland. The site is close to Cleveland Hopkins Airport and the entranceway to NASA. No reports yet of eggs in the nest but there have been many sightings of breeding activity. The Harrisburg watch and rescue crews should be commended here because if not for their efforts in rescuing this female from the street several days after fledging, she may not have survived.

Happy for them but sad for us. Where are you Seneca?

Just saw a hatch alert on the CMNH forum...no picture yet...

http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp)

Oh yeah, there it is, the little one! YAY!!

Yippee!

 :thumbsup:  :hatch1:

 goodnews:  :2thumbsup:

Feed delivery

4/26/2011  ::   Hatch Update
The remaining eggs in the scrape have had little incubation so it's likely we'll have only one nestling this season. We think this new female is very young and as such it's not unusual for her to lay infertile eggs. This may actually be good in the sense that she'll have less pressure in giving flight and hunting lessons to this nestling when it fledges than if the full clutch had hatched. Looking back to the 2000 season, mortality of the fledglings was high (75%) perhaps due to the inexperience of 4/4, the original Rachel Carson female in training the fledges to attain the skills necessary to reach independence.

Ahh poor eggs. 1 is better than none.

Cute little loner! If she's a new mom, 1 is plenty.  :heart:

 :yes:

Teachers, students invited to falcon banding event on May 17

The Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania Game Commission will conduct the annual peregrine falcon banding event from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17, in the auditorium of the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg.

DEP invites teachers, non-formal educators and students to attend the event, where biologists will weigh and band the newly-hatched nestlings, called eyases. The event will also be streamed live on the DEP’s website.

On May 17, biologists will retrieve the young peregrines from the nest located on the 15th Floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building and place a metal band with a falcon-specific code around the left leg of each of the eyases. The band code will be used by wildlife officials and bird enthusiasts to monitor the birds once they leave the nest. In addition, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife band will be placed on the eyases’ right leg, registering each on a federal banding database.

This event offers a unique opportunity to witness wildlife management techniques used to reintroduce and monitor endangered species.

Since 1997, a pair of peregrine falcons has made their home on the 15th Floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. While their numbers are increasing, peregrine falcons remain an endangered species in Pennsylvania. Through reintroduction programs, peregrines have adapted to life in urban environments like Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Williamsport. Each year, DEP and the Game Commission track the activities of these birds and share their findings on the web.

The Rachel Carson nest site has been active and reproducing young peregrine falcons for the past eleven years. This year, there is a new female in the nest who arrived in September and has laid a clutch of four eggs.

Look how big??? Of course....it gets all the food!!!  :scaredblue:

The crop is as big as its head!   ;D

5/16/2011  ::   Banding Event Tomorrow
The banding event for 2011 will take place tomorrow, May 17th at 1 PM. The nestling appears to be in good health though it will get a thorough physical examination at the event. More than 170 students, teachers and volunteers will view the event live at the Rachel Carson State Office Building, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event will also be live webcast through streaming video. Web users can view the streaming video by visiting the DEP Home Page at www.depweb.state.pa.us (http://www.depweb.state.pa.us) and click on the falcon link.

I have created Banding day in Harrisburg.
Sign in not required.

http://tinyurl.com/679fkev (http://tinyurl.com/679fkev)

Enjoy!

Girl or boy Annette?

Great album, Annette!  Thanks for posting!!

I not know it.

 :thumbsup: I like pics 11 and 15 the best! Thanks Annette!  ;D

IT'S A BOY for Harrisburg  :baby:



5/19/2011  ::   Banding Results
This year, for the first time, there is only one nestling at the ledge. Based on weight(660 grams)and the diameter of the legs the nestling was determined to be a male. The banding team placed an alphanumeric band on the nestling with characters large enough to read with binoculars and another US Fish and Wildlife band with a code that can be read with the bird in hand. The nestling was in good health. Watch and rescue teams are now forming in anticipation of the first flight this young bird will take. He should fledge in about two weeks.

He's got the whole floor to himself and is he ever exploring.

5/26/2011  ::   Nestling Update
The eyas has been really active at the nest ledge. He's exhibiting behavior that suggests he may fledge prematurely. Watch and rescue crews are watching him closely in case he does fly and would have to be rescued from the street. The camera views, although not very appealing, provide the best view of the edges of the ledge where the eyas would take flight from. Our first priority is to have this view on streaming video so we can react if and when he does fledge.

Stay put little boy!

5/27/2011: The Fledge!
The little male ran the length of the ledge and took flight at 9:15 AM. He landed on nearby building. Within 15 minutes he was on top of the Rachel Carson State Office Building, his home building. Soon after, he returned to the nest ledge where he was rewarded with a meal. This fledgling now holds the record for earliest fledge and quickest return to the ledge. Watch and rescue crews will continue to track his whereabouts and ensure that if he gets into trouble they can respond and keep him out of harms way.

He's still white! OMG....what a daredevil!  :devil:

Be safe little one.  Stay put for just a bit more.  Still, it's good to read some happy news!   Fly safe!

Just amazing!  ;D

kids will make you crazy---especially the precoius ones

5/31/2011  ::   Fledgling Update
The fledgling has been seen flying with both of the adults, seemingly getting flying lessons. He's getting stronger each day. Soon, he should get hunting lessons. This involves the adults transferring food in-flight and then assisting the fledgling in pursuit of prey. He seems to be on a fast track to independence. We expect him to gain full independence within five weeks. Then, he will likely leave the area traveling to unknown destinations. To learn more about this behavior, click on the Falcon Telemetry link on the DEP Falcon Page to view telemetry points and dates posted from the 2002 study.  :clap:

6/6/2011: Fledge/Watch and Rescue Summary
The 2011 Falcon Watch and Rescue Program for the one fledgling Peregrine Falcon nesting on the 15th Floor of Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was extremely exciting and successful. The Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) official volunteer Falcon Watch and Rescue Program was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 31st, with more than 15 individuals volunteering to observe the fledglings who worked in two-hour shifts from approximately 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

However, our one-and-only fledgling decided to take his first flight a little earlier than expected, fledging around 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27th. DEP called off the Falcon Watch and Rescue that was scheduled for May 31st - June 3rd, but the weekend and afterhours volunteer coordinators arranged volunteers to watch throughout the Memorial Holiday Weekend.

This year no falcon rescues took place! Throughout the week, the adult falcons encouraged the fledgling to take flight by enticing him with food while performing "fly-bys". In order to prepare for flight, the juvenile falcon would strengthen his wings by flapping and running from one end of the ledge to the other. He also had some practice take-offs by running, jumping and flapping his wings at the same time.

On Friday, May 27th, the silver-banded male fledged at approximately 9:00 a.m. and landed on top of the Strawberry Square Building. He relaxed there for about 10 minutes then attempted his next flight towards the 333 Market Street. He wasn't strong enough, however, to gain the height to the top, so the adult female guided him to the top of the Rachel Carson Building. Within an hour of this first take off from the ledge, he was back on the ledge again to rest.

After his first flight, he continued to hone his flying skills by making short flights to buildings surrounding the Rachel Carson Building. Some of the most frequently visited locations included the Pennsylvania Department of Education building located at 333 Market Street, Strawberry Square, and the Forum Place Building.

Great news for an early fledger!!  :clap: 1 is easier to handle.

 :ditto:

7/14/2011  ::   Fledgling and Video Streaming Update
The fledgling is reportedly still visiting the ledge regularly. We can assume that he is also getting advanced hunting lessons and is hunting on his own as well. Soon, he should become completely independent and begin his first year journey to places unknown.

(Live stream has ended)

   
Recent News Title
12/28/2011  ::   News From the Nest Ledge
A new male peregrine has been visiting the nest ledge since the first week in November. This bird is not banded and appears to be somewhat larger and younger than the resident male. The resident male peregrine was last seen in conflict with the new male on November 30th. The new male has since made food offerings to the female and they appear to be pair-bonding. It is likely that the new male was successful in his challenge for the nest site and resident female. The resident male may have been driven away or possibly killed. Any information falcon cam viewers provide regarding falcon sightings and interactions would be of great value in determining what we can expect for the 2012 nesting season.

I hate those territorial battles :( He could have come up here and taken up with Unity!

I wish somebody would!  :gum:

 :ditto:

Update: Resident male is back!!

1/19/2012  ::   Breaking News on the Resident Male!
The resident male, band code W/V, has reclaimed his territory! He was spotted at the ledge this afternoon in the company of the adult female. No sightings today of the unbanded male. It remains to be determined whether or not there was a territorial battle between the males or if this just sets the stage for a battle. Males at this nest site have had the habit of leaving the area for a week or two and then returning. Breeding activity typically takes place at this time of year so if the battle has not happened, it will likely happen soon. Any information that falcon watchers can provide about the behavior of these birds is of great value to DEP education staff monitoring the site. Information can be reported to the falcon email account by clicking on the Contact DEP link below the web image window on the DEP falcon page.

Oh, boy.  Hope the other male has just gone on his way and there will be no territorial battle.   :pray:

Me too Carol. Makes me wonder more about Mr T!!!!

Since Mr. T hasn't returned this winter I choose to believe he found himself a mate!  :heart:

1/24/2012  ::   Improved Camera Coverage
A third camera has put into the scan sequence to better cover activity at the nest ledge. As far as we know at this point there are still two males competing for breeding male dominance. Any activity observed from this point on is critical in determining how this nesting season will play out. The adult female is not banded. The new male is not banded. The resident male is banded and is somewhat smaller than the new male. DEP staff are observing the birds, as time allows, in order to identify subtle differences in plumage and markings among the three peregrine falcons.

http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/08/4248540/pennsylvania-dep-falcon-cam-returns.html (http://www.sacbee.com/2012/02/08/4248540/pennsylvania-dep-falcon-cam-returns.html)

Cam is LIVE now

2/27/2012  ::   Nesting Season Well Underway
The resident male and female appear to be on track for another successful nesting season. The male has been observed bringing food offerings to the female and breeding activity appears to be normal. There have been reports of conflicts in the sky, possibly the unbanded male returning to challenge the resident male. At this point, it is likely that the resident male and female will drive off any interlopers. Their bond is strong and their territory is mutually valued and defended.

Interlopers everywhere!!  :o

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/Tune-in-to-DEP-falcon-cam-for-nature-in-action.html (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/pets/Tune-in-to-DEP-falcon-cam-for-nature-in-action.html)  Tune in for Nature in action

1st EGG!!!

5/11/2012  ::   Banding Results
This year we have two male eyases- one weighs 560g, the other 590g. They're both in good health. The banding event seems to awaken the eyases to the fact that they can get out of the scrape and explore the nest ledge. This is critical to their physical development. They will begin building the strength and agility that will be necessary for them to attempt their first flight, which should happen in a few short weeks.

It's reported on BCAW today that NG (mom) is in bad shape-was noticed yesterday that she wasn't acting right.  They posted a video of her that's tough to watch and last time she was seen was this AM. Lil Dad continues to take care of their boys.  :(

I will not watch it but MAK did and said it was bad. Poor girl, not liking what MAK told me!  :(

I was chatting with Big Frank about this and it looks like it could be a respiratory illness called Frounce, where they can't swallow and eventually succumb to it without treatment. If that's what it is then the eyases are susceptible for it is contagious. Too darn sad!  :(

I was thinking the same thing.  This is sad.  If I remember right, I think it was New Jersey a few years back where they had big problems with it and started giving medicated quail to the chicks early.

BF said he didn't think there is a preventative but they could medicate when and if they come down with it.  :(

Hope they can find NG and help her. This is awful if it is Frounce.

5/17/2012  ::   Falcon Sightings
The adult resident female has sustained an injury or disease that has rendered her unable to effectively hunt, feed herself and the eyases. The male has redoubled his hunting activities and is providing for the eyases. DEP staff has been trying to locate the female in hopes of live capturing her for treatment at a nearby wildlife rehabilitation center. Any information on her whereabouts would be appreciated. The female is one third larger than the male and is not banded. The male is banded. Falcon watchers can report information via the falcon page email account or call DEP's Environmental Education Center at 717 772-1828.   :(

5/22/2012  ::   Update on Rachel's Falcons
Despite daily search efforts, the adult female has not been located. The male has been providing food for the eyases. He is also a very good teacher. After the eyases make their first attempt at flight, he'll provide the fledges with flight and hunting lessons. We'll be observing the progress of the fledges and rescue them if they make any bad landings.

So sad, wish they could locate her. Probably days too late now.  :(  Dad's doing a good job.

 :(

Posted on BCAW

Just got home. What an exciting morning! I woke up at 5:30 and immediately tuned in the cam on the Kindle Fire. Both boys were on the ledge, then the internet connection went away and I had to reload. When I got back on, Lil Dad was on the ledge, downscreen from the stick, and both boys were jammed side by side facing him. It looked like he was giving them food. I thought, "good, they're both still home" and turned it off and laid back down. Only a minute or two later, the phone rang. When I saw it was Reenie, I knew what it was going to be. I had my pants half on before she was finished saying "There's a baby on the sidewalk!" Less than two minutes later, I was backing the car out of the parking space and on my way. When I got there, Reenie and a man were standing at the corner of Market and Aberdeen. I got my cat carrier out of the trunk and walked to the corner, where I could see Red crouched against the Carson Building wall. Once we got him netted, I picked him up, took a good look at his head, eyes and mouth, took a deep sniff of his breath and checked his legs. He is fully alert and seems in perfect health. But since at that point we thought we heard Blue screaming from the top of the Fifth Street Garage, I just put him in the crate without checking the wings. I had called Ann from the Ed Center while I was on my way downtown, and she said keep him in the Ed Center til she got there, so we put Red in the office and went to the Garage to look for Blue. Turned out he was still on the ledge - his voice must have been echoing off the garage walls. So we went back inside to wait for Ann. In the meantime Jane arrived and we all waited together. I expect it will possibly be several hours before he is released, so don't be worried if the day is passing and you don't see him back yet. He is fine and oh, so beautiful!

What a cutie Red is. Glad he's OK.

He's OK and back on the ledge with Blue!  :clap:

Red is so small and as cute as the day is long!!!  ;D

5/25/2012  ::   Update From the Ledge
Yesterday, just after 6AM, the red-banded eyas was swept off the ledge by a gust of wind as he flapped his wings. He was rescued from a nearby ally and returned to the ledge. At this age the eyases aren't quite ready to fly but they have the ability to make clumsy, relatively light landings. Volunteers are watching the young birds all day long from this point until they fledge and successfully return to the ledge. The adult male is doing a great job providing for the eyases on his own as there is still no sign of the adult female.

The eyases are very mobile on the ledge now and are sometimes completely out of camera view. They're spending time on a small ledge opposite the radius column behind the scrape.

5/29/2012  ::   Significant Happenings!
There is much to report on activities at the nest ledge over the holiday weekend. On Saturday, May 26th at 6:48 AM, the blue-banded eyas became a fledgling. His first attempt at flight resulted in a rescue from a low roof where a skylight prevented him from taking another attempt at flight. He was placed on the roof of the Rachel Carson Building and has been flying well since. At 7:25 AM on Memorial Day, the red-banded eyas flew and returned to the ledge. Today, the red-banded fledgling was rescued from the street after a precarious flight from a nearby treetop. The fledgling was returned to the nest ledge.

Thursday and Friday of last week the adult male seemed to be exhibiting attraction behavior, that is, he was sending notice to any passing female that he's available. Friday at 6:25 PM, a female arrived at the nest ledge and flew away. She has been spotted sporadically since the original sighting. Whether or not she is banded remains to be determined.

Just read that on my ph and was going to post! LOL Ei! Poor mom but hope the new girl stays and decides to help. Fledging isn't fun on your own. Good daddy.

 :2thumbsup: Sounds like  goodnews: to me!  ;D

6/4/2012  ::   Fledgling Update
Both of the fledglings have been observed in flight, at times with the adult male, getting advance lessons. They are being fed at the ledge occasionally. They have reached to the point now where they are capable of receiving in-flight food exchanges. They're developing their skills rapidly.

There have been no reported sightings of any other adult peregrine appearing at or near the ledge.

Seems the new female left. Guess she didn't want a man with baggage!

"This afternoon, an adult female peregrine was observed on the ledge. The female is banded. Based upon her alphanumeric band codes, she is from the PA/NJ Turnpike Delaware River Bridge in Bucks County, PA. She was banded on May 21, 2009, by the PA Game Commission."

Cool!  Found on FB

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/newgirl003.png)  A nice tribute to mom, (NG: New girl), who we believe has passed.  :heart: Fly Free NG

 :crying:

6/13/2012  ::   News from the Nest Ledge!
The new adult female falcon has been in the scrape with the male apparently pair-bonding.

She is a large falcon from the PA/NJ Turnpike Delaware River Bridge in Bucks County, PA, and was banded on May 21, 2009, by the PA Game Commission.

6/22/2012  ::   Fledgling Update
The fledglings have been sighted at various locations away from the nest ledge and occasionally visit the ledge briefly. They seem to have no interest in returning to the ledge. It is likely that the adult male is still flying with them and giving them advance hunting lessons. By the end of June, they should set out on their first long journey.   :wave:

11/28/2012  ::   Camera Upgrades
The cameras at the ledge will be replaced with new, state-of-the-art cameras to improve the image we provide for the 2013 nesting season. By Monday, December 3rd, the still image should be back on line.

8/8/2012  ::   Update from the Ledge
The live stream video has ended for the season. The still image capture is available year-round. The adult pair has been spending time together at the ledge and throughout the city. This is good news in that it indicates their pair bond is strong and the outlook for the next breeding season is good.

7/17/2012  ::   Update From the Ledge
Both of the adults have been at the ledge. This is a firm indication that the fledglings have dispersed from the area. The new female has been laying and rotating in the scrape. This behavior seems to be practice for the next nesting season which will get underway early in February of 2013.

 :thumbsup:

Still waiting for the new cams at Harrisburg, but there is a temporary fix. If you go to the site and click on the black pic, it will provide streaming video (although I have found it to be frozen, or down, most of the time so far).

      

      

http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/default.htm (http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/falcon/default.htm)

Territorial fight here about 1.5 hours ago, still waiting on someone to come back.  Boots on the ground have headed there.  

Lil Dad had gone away for his annual vacation and was due back any day and today might have been the day - a new tiercel had moved in while he was gone.  Hopefully no one is hurt here.  Sure is a lot of trouble starting earlier this year.  :(

Wow, this is early, all the males are coming home already? Crazy start to what we hoped would be a good year. Thanks Carly!

Lil Dad doesn't migrate, he usually takes a month sabbatical starting in December and is home by mid January.  He was late they suspect due to the weather this week.  That's assuming it was him, it happened so fast and all I saw was 3 falcons on the ledge and two of them fighting - the third one jumped in to help and they all flew off one after the other! 

Edit to add:  Just watched a video over on BCAW of it posted and it looks like two were bowing to each other at first and then one attacked the other...and then the third jumped in so all the more confusing.  For sure they weren't all happy to see each other.

One there now!

The stills are stuck on yesterday.    You can watch here:

http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp)

Duh, no wonder, thanks Carly!!

Reenie just posted from Downtown - she and Jane are there and they see Niecey and they see the male and think he it's lil dad.  They see red/black bands and the other guy was unbanded!

Someone just came to box quickly and flew off!  and Back!!!

Thank you for the updates, Carly! I hope all three birds are okay, and I so much hope that Lil Dad is back!

Fingers crossed for their safety.  :pray:

http://youtu.be/PDKoewRNPIg (http://youtu.be/PDKoewRNPIg)  Looks like the male from last year prevailed. Lil dad and Niecey!

I'm glad Lil Dad is back and bonding with Niecey but hope No Bands is OK. Niecey's been with Lil Dad for quite a while, since NG got sick last year and disappeared.

I hope the other male is OK too. Not into Falcon fights!   :(

Looks like NB back with Niecey this morning and canoodling just observed...not sure what happened as Lil Dad was definitely there yesterday.  Story still unfolding with some confusion.

Oh no, what the heck is going on over there? Confusing, yes! Hope all are OK.  :(

http://youtu.be/CHbSJmgM7xQ (http://youtu.be/CHbSJmgM7xQ) Here's the fast Canoodle with Niecy and the new male.

From fb

  Looks like Lil Dad is back     :2thumbsup:  He's so cute!   (pic by Reenie on BCAW)

Hope the NB guy is OK.

NB was seen a few days after Lil Dad's return from his mini vacation.

Whoa, so he's still around!

He was seen but maybe not in the last week or so. The conversation on BCAW is confusing-sometimes they think they see no bands then they do or "it sounds like NB" so who knows!

Regardless, that is a VERY cute Peregrine!

Harrisburg bonding!

BCAW

Donna, they think NB is back today and not Lil Dad...very confusing as yesterday it was Lil Dad and today I check the posts and it's NB.  So looks like this isn't settled at all.

OH my word!! Very confusing Carly, yikes!!

Looks like all three there at various times.  Lil Dad is back, he keeps calling for her but niecey seems partial to NB  *sigh* 

Seems like Lil Dad wasn't gone that long for her to bond with NB so fast.  Beauty would have a winter BF but as soon as Archer was back, she went right to him and bonded and BF would disappear. Hmmm..

I wondered the same thing Kris, she's from 2009 so where was she for 3 years...perhaps she tried to nest elsewhere?  Maybe she was traveling with this guy or he was her mate and when Lil Dad left, this guy moved in.  They are far too' bonded' for knowing each other such a short time and for this time of year, in March I could understnad it and she seems more comfortable with him so I echo your hmmmm.  

Always learning something new with these guys that's for sure.

OMG..serious territorial fight on ledge!  God, my hans are shaking, all three gone now....

So glad I wasn't watching! I assume both males! Not good!

Yes Lil Dad and NB, ljames just posted 2 shots.  It was horrible Donna, I'm at work but had headphones on..I know it often sounds worse than it is but gees...Niecey was there too.

I knew this was bound to happen.  Hope no one's hurt and things settle out.  Lil Dad is 10 yrs old, if I remember right, and NB could be young so.... Hope Lil Dad prevails-he shouldn't take those short vacations.

posted by ljames on BCAW

Reenie has confirmed Lil Dad is there and looks okay!  I think he was the aggressor, the smaller but mightier one on top in the photos.

I think the female here is the problem..she seems to keep encouraging the other male.  I hope NB is okay and decides to move on but we'll see, given he didn't after last fight. 

lil dad  posted by ljames BCAW 

http://youtu.be/woXzz8NQ0Kk (http://youtu.be/woXzz8NQ0Kk)  My heart is pounding watching this!

By Skybluegirl

 :scaredblue:  :scaredblue: :scaredblue:

Lil Dad on the point today:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2818a_zpsd11396d1.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2822a_zps31cd3d7b.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2826a_zps11b0b8fd.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2827a_zps1c7792dd.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2828a_zpsed266320.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2831a_zpsc56a7e32.jpg)

Niecey spent time on the point later in the afternoon:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2838a_zpsac766005.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2839a_zps29b2bb30.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2841a_zps4139f344.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2843a_zps583c0e88.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2844a_zpsa7d8adf5.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/February%202013/harrisburgfeb2847a_zps83bc7e05.jpg)

Seems to be the spot for one stop shopping! Food rest, Canoodle! Thanks Alison   :-[

1st egg!!!  :2thumbsup:

YAY! :clap:

 :thumbsup:

Egg #2 freshly laid just a few minutes ago!  :2thumbsup:

Congratulations to Niecey and Lil Dad!

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgmarch1517a_zpsfd421779.jpg)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgmarch1518b_zps379afa66.jpg)

Four eggs now for Niecey and Lil Dad! Saved this pic at 5:18 p.m. EST.

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgmarch2010a_zpsfe3753be.jpg)

They're gonna be busy!  :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:

Be fun if they all hatch!! Don't like the fledging though! Scary!

Come on Donna...we often get to handle 4 fledges at a site, often until recently it was alone. I can recall time Bruce, Tracy and myself were all on different watches and 3 of 4 or 4 of 4 would take flight within moments of each other!! Them were fun fledge watches.

Fun, yes, of course BF but heart wrenching at the same time. You know we all take a deep breath and exhale when they land safely!  :scaredblue: It's those windows!

Banding to take place from 1-2pm on 5/21 (eastern time) over live broadcast.

1st hatch Harrisburg, just a minute or two ago.  Lil Dad on eggs and baby and he helped the baby out of the shell!!  :yahoo:

Dads are cool!! Thanks!!

Yeah dads seem to have a special bond with the eggs.  :wub:

Lil Dad is such a great little tiercel!

From a few minutes ago:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril201a_zpsf93bbf7b.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril201a_zpsf93bbf7b.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril204a_zps8eaa838d.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril204a_zps8eaa838d.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril206a_zps9d6c48a9.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril206a_zps9d6c48a9.jpg.html)

Yay for Lil Dad!  :2thumbsup:

Lil Dad checks his brand new chick, 4:07 p.m.

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2016a_zps9b28d761.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2016a_zps9b28d761.jpg.html)

The following pic:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2017a_zpsa38a81d6.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2017a_zpsa38a81d6.jpg.html)

The tiny chick:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2029a_zpsc075a958.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2029a_zpsc075a958.jpg.html)

Today a second chick hatched, and now it looks as if a third egg is attempting to hatch.

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2122a_zpse59a22ff.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2122a_zpse59a22ff.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2127b_zps8182b667.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2127b_zps8182b667.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2128b_zps02e5a8ce.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2128b_zps02e5a8ce.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2129b_zpsf1e74b71.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2129b_zpsf1e74b71.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2130b_zpsbd04676a.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2130b_zpsbd04676a.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2131a_zpsb0bfe174.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2131a_zpsb0bfe174.jpg.html)

 :clap: :hatch1: :hatch1:

 Make that  :hatch1: :hatch1: :hatch1: now!   :clap:

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

As of yesterday, Lil Dad and Niecey have four chicks!

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2312a_zps1fee287b.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2312a_zps1fee287b.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2319a_zps2720acac.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2319a_zps2720acac.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2323a_zps80b9270e.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2323a_zps80b9270e.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2327a_zps9b751d60.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2327a_zps9b751d60.jpg.html)

Lil Dad with his four chicks, looking very proud:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2328b_zpsdebd4d5f.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2328b_zpsdebd4d5f.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2329b_zpsf2f2b555.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2329b_zpsf2f2b555.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2330a_zpsb35c50fc.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2330a_zpsb35c50fc.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2331a_zps04fc3c22.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2331a_zps04fc3c22.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril2333a_zps8e69ac7e.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril2333a_zps8e69ac7e.jpg.html)

How wonderful!   :hatch1:

Love newly hatched falcons!  :baby:  So cute!!

Lil Dad and Niecey are taking great care of the chicks:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril251b_zpsc9064a1d.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril251b_zpsc9064a1d.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril253b_zpsb29ba065.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril253b_zpsb29ba065.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril254b_zpsf7f9011b.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril254b_zpsf7f9011b.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril256b_zpsf2097423.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril256b_zpsf2097423.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril257b_zpsdcc46ed5.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril257b_zpsdcc46ed5.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/March%202013/harrisburgapril258b_zps812af93c.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/March%202013/harrisburgapril258b_zps812af93c.jpg.html)

Male Cardinal for breakfast!  :(

And a Blue Jay at some point

  :( Don't they eat pigeons in Harrisburg?  Red-bellied, earlier it was a red-headed.

Variety is the spice of life!  :whistle:

   :2thumbsup:

The Harrisburg eyases are so busy ledging & growing their pin feathers and flapping.
http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp (http://www.pacast.com/players/falcon.asp)

At a distance it looks like eyases in the nestbox, but upon closer look it is magnificent poopart!

When do they get banded? Can they catch them??

5/13/2013: Banding Event
The annual Peregrine Falcon banding event will be held Tuesday, May 21 at 1:00 PM in the Rachel Carson State Office Building Auditorium in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The event will be produced and live webcast by Commonwealth Media Services from the DEP Falcon Page. DEP is inviting teachers, with their students and non-formal educators to attend, through a pre-registration process. Biologists will weigh, examine and band the soon to be nearly four week old eyases.

I thought it was next week some time.  They are roaming!!  Thanks Annette

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/Harriscomet_zps32a74ef7.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/Harriscomet_zps32a74ef7.jpg.html) Comet, a falconer's bird, he's 3 years old
(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/Harriscomet2_zps63c4d7ee.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/Harriscomet2_zps63c4d7ee.jpg.html)

3 girls and 1 boy!

Yellow Boy
Blue girl
Red Girl
White Girl

White girl
Blue girl
 Yellow boy

The one in the nest, 1st one banded was Red Girl.


Hope I got this all right, RED WHITE BLUE YELLOW? Couldn't hear that well.

Wow that went fast!

6/3/2013  ::   All falcons fledged
On the morning of Friday, May 31st, the yellow-banded male was the first fledge. After a few short flights, he landed inside a balcony on the 16th floor of the Rachel Carson State Office Building. He was later rescued and released onto the roof.

Over the weekend, the blue-banded female was rescued and taken to the Red Creek Wildlife Center because of exhaustion and dehydration. She has recovered and will be released onto the building later today.

The other falcons--white-band and red-band are making short flights around the building. DEP Environmental Education staff, interns and volunteers are coordinating the Falcon Watch and Rescue Program.

Ya blink, they're gone! Time is flying by!!

It goes by so fast!  There's an awesome picture of Niecey doing flight training with yellow boy on FB this AM.

All four fledglings return to the nesting ledge as an adult sits watching...

Recent News Title
7/22/2013  ::   Video Streaming Ends/What's Next for the Juveniles?
The live stream video has ended for the 2013 season. The still image capture will be available year-round.



The juveniles have become confident in their flying and hunting abilities and will soon leave the area.

In the past, Rachel's young falcons have traveled hundreds of miles in all directions. They'll likely spend the fall near a migration corridor, often along the Eastern Seaboard, where the food supply is abundant. To learn more about this behavior, visit the Peregrine Falcon page and click on the Satellite Telemetry button. These pages chronicle the movements of two juveniles affixed with satellite transmitters before dispersing from the Rachel Carson nest in 2002.