Rfalconcam Forum

2 eggs so far for Ares and Astrid!   :2thumbsup:

 :star: :star:

(http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r32/djweeds/5-9%20hatch%20utica_zpsuwcb37ti.jpg) (http://s140.photobucket.com/user/djweeds/media/5-9%20hatch%20utica_zpsuwcb37ti.jpg.html)

1st hatch!!   :2thumbsup:

YAY!!!!   :clap:

Another hatch makes two for Utica!!  :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

And a third hatch overnight for Astrid and Ares!!!   :clap: :clap: :clap:

Wonderful news! :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:

Here's are two angles of a precious moment when one of the Utica eyasses tucked in the non-viable egg, just like Mommy and Daddy used to do.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4X838PCa6U (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4X838PCa6U)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK9Ivb6STvg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK9Ivb6STvg)

     Sweet!  Looks like a big pooh on the camera.   :laugh:

Our last falcon Orion fledged just before 6 am this morning.
However, we are all very saddened to learn that she apparently impacted the State Office building and was killed at around 9:30 this morning. Her body was recovered and is currently with the DEC. We are awaiting final comfirmation of her band number.
We are all very saddened by this loss but are trying to remain focused on the positive side and enjoy the two young fledglings who are doing very well.
Thank you to everyone for all their continued support of these amazing birds.
FLY HIGH ORION!!!

Fly Free Orion!    :crying:

Oh dear Lord, this has been a rough year!  Thanks for posting, Donna.   :(

Poor Orion.  She had been away from the nest at a rehab site for a week (I couldn't find the reason why..I thought it was because she had fledged and grounded) and I read on Saturday that she had been placed back in the box.  Sadly, her mother Astrid, never accepted her after her return.

Posted on Utica's website:

Orion Returns to a Mixed Welcome
June 28, 2015 by Matt Perry Leave a Comment

After being absent from the Downtown breeding site for just over a week, Saturday morning, Orion, the youngest of this season’s brood, was brought back and released at the nestbox. Things didn’t go smoothly. Putting Orion in through the back of the nestbox worked like a charm, but Astrid, who was already quite perturbed for some unknown reason, went ballistic. She dove at the box again and again, which served to get the entire family (minus Orion) agitated and flying in tight circles around the bank building. So it was a swooping swarm of frenzied raptors that greeting Orion’s return. Astrid’s alarm chatter was nearly incessant and it put everyone’s nerves on edge – birds and falcon watchers alike. Orion spent her first hour home backed up into the box and ducking each time Astrid swooped close. By an hour later the parents, Comet and Skye, were all back on the State Office Building and some semblance of peace and quiet returned to the canyon. Later on Ares landed on the nest box and got a close look at his daughter. He couldn’t stay long, but he was obviously not looking at her like an intruder. After that, Comet and Skye returned to the box together. This was the first time all 3 siblings had been together since Comet inadvertently fledged about 11 days before. The three birds seemed fine together and spent over an hour loafing on the box’s perches and side verandas. Soon Orion was causal enough to preen and practice flapping. She even started hopping up onto the roof of the nestbox.  Later on in the day after a successful midair food exchange from Ares to Comet, Comet brought the prey over to the nest box and Orion grabbed it. Was that an intended feeding? Unfortunately as the day wore on, Astrid didn’t lighten up at all. She resumed diving at Orion in a manner consistent with an attempt to drive away an intruder. Time will tell if Astrid will change her behavior toward Orion. In the end, the acceptance shown by the other members of the family will mean little if she continues to reject her. If the rejection continues the chances of a mishap will increase and the need to have Fledge Watch volunteers on hand will be greater.

                Fly free, Orion  :sorrow:

That's too sad-rejected by mom and then dies.  :kleenex:

Skye Has Mishap and is Brought to Rehabilitator

Sometime last night in the early evening – probably between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, Skye, the 2nd of this year’s Peregrine chicks to fledge, met with an accident. He was found standing in the parking lot of the State Office Building with his wing drooping. After capture he was brought to a local Wildlife Rehabilitator. A cursory examination revealed nothing obviously wrong with his wing, but he awaits x-rays and a more thorough examination. At this point we are hopeful that he will be able to be released back into the Downtown territory, but only time will tell. Though official Fledge Watch had ended only the day before, there were observers on the scene, but none of them saw the incident that brought Skye down.

Fledgling problems all over this year.   :(

An update on Skye from the site:

Skye to be Flight Tested

July 7, 2015

Skye is doing well at the rehabilitator. Jean expects to flight test him today! If all goes well, we will try to reunite him with his family this week. We will need volunteers to be on hand for the release and for a few days after the release. Please watch the Fledge Watch Page and Facebook for updates…

I hope Skye will make a full recovery. I am so sorry about the loss of Orion.

A second update on Skye. She has now been transferred to another facility.

Comet Adjusts to Being an Only Child & Skye on the Road to Recovery

July 7, 2015

Life goes on for the Utica Peregrine Falcon family. Comet seems to have adjusted to being an only child. For a few days after Skye’s accident he seemed to become more sedentary – recalling for us what he was like for the five days after he fledged. This time it was just that he was lacking a brother to lure him into flying games. Soon enough though he was back to careening around the canyon and regularly displacing both his father and mother from their perches. With one fledgling certainly easier to provide for than three, Astrid and Ares’ jobs have become a bit easier. There is now typically a surplus of prey in the pantries and often enough the birds have full crops. Meanwhile Skye was transferred from Woodhaven Wildlife Center in Chadwicks to Kindred Kingdoms Wildlife Center in Pennellville. At the latter facility there is a flight cage where Skye’s flying ability can be accessed. With luck he will be able to be released to his family by the end of the week. Fledge Watch Volunteers, please stand by!

What a beauty she is. Photo from the Utica site.

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/July%202015/utica-skye-july-8-1_zpszuvzd7nb.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/July%202015/utica-skye-july-8-1_zpszuvzd7nb.jpg.html)

She is gorgeous!! Hoping for the best!

Skye released from rehab! 

http://www.uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/11/skye-returns-to-the-canyon/ (http://www.uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/11/skye-returns-to-the-canyon/)

Hoping for the best here!

 :2thumbsup:

I hope that everything will go well for Skye, and that Astrid will accept him better than she did at first.

A new update on Skye:

Skye Takes it Slow & Comet Shines Bright!

July 13, 2015 by Matt Perry

Since his release on Friday evening, Skye has been taking it slow and easy in the Downtown canyon. He does a limited amount of flying and plenty of resting, which is pretty much what the doctor ordered. Sometimes when he flies his wing beats are shallow and he seems to tire quickly. Obviously his wing muscles need some more time to completely recover from the injuries sustained over 10 days ago.  Initially Astrid seemed to be rejecting Skye, but has now largely relaxed her objections to his presence. However, she is still not above diving at him from time to time. Ares has been only marginally protective of Skye, which is in stark contrast to the  degree of protection he afforded Orion when she came back to the fold. It’s really been Comet who has been Skye’s lifeline. Brother Comet has taken on the role of protector – not hesitating to chase Astrid away when she gets too rambunctious. Comet has also been seen bringing food to Skye. On Monday morning, Skye needed to abort a landing on the roof of the State Office Building. Visibly tired, he retreated to the top of the County Building. And then from the other side of the canyon, Comet came in with prey (it’s not clear if it was something he caught himself or found) and brought it to Skye who flapped his wings in anticipation. That is one good brother!

Skye is so lucky to have a brother like Comet. The photos with the update include a great sequence of Comet bringing food and leaving it for Skye. I wish Astrid and Ares would be more accepting of Skye.

http://uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/13/skye-takes-it-slow-comet-shines-bright/ (http://uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/13/skye-takes-it-slow-comet-shines-bright/)

What a great brother!!!  :2thumbsup:

Wow- good thing for Comet!  :clap:

What a sweetie Comet is!

Reminds me of Nurse Nettie and Nor'easter, although Nettie didn't have to bring food.

Usually one of the fledglings will be very protective of his/her siblings.  For some reason, it's usually a male, but not always.  So happy to hear that Comet has taken that role with his brother.   :happy:

Falcon Watch Utica
Calling all Watchers and Utica area fans!!!
Skye is missing - we need everyone's help to try to find him!
He was last seen heading toward the South side of the State Office Building on Wednesday morning.
If you see a falcon with a green leg band on a building or the ground in the downtown Utica area please contact us.
Falconwatch185@gmail.com
315-717-2042 (Deb)

Oh No!!!

I hope mom didn't do something to him!  :confused:

I was very worried about Skye when I read your post. I could only hope for the best.

I was so happy to read on the site today that Skye has been found!

Skye – Lost and Found!!

July 17, 2015 by Matt Perry

Skye was absent from the usual part of the Downtown canyon for about 35 hours beginning Wednesday morning. That morning he’d initially been seen feeding on something on the Courthouse roof. After that he made a direct and somewhat labored flight over to the State Office Building where he put down on a high window ledge. Astrid, who apparently still hasn’t decided if she wants him around, hazed him with some swooping. After some close passes, Skye flew off to the south and out of view. Thankfully, Astrid didn’t persist and go after him. However, following that incident, and despite great effort on the part of our fledge watch volunteers, no one could locate him for a day and a half! Since Skye has not yet fully recovered from the accident that grounded him over 2 weeks ago, he has been depending on his brother and father to bring him food. That makes him very vulnerable, and it’s crucial that he stays in the canyon where he can be seen and tended by his family. He continues to fly, but very sparingly. When he does he usually  follows a very direct course between high building perches. It is believed that the bruising of his wing muscles will heal and his flying should gradually improve. He certainly has been getting a lot of rest!

Meanwhile Comet has been doing his flying stunts by himself or with his parents. On Tuesday night he made an incredible dive straight down from the top of the State Office Building. As he plummeted he twisted and turned and managed to up his mother from her low perch. Since the recovery from the dive took place out of view, the watchers were relieved to see Comet moments later chasing his mother through the canyon.

Photo of Skye from the site.

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/July%202015/utica-skye-july-17-1a_zpstokekqxp.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/July%202015/utica-skye-july-17-1a_zpstokekqxp.jpg.html)

I hope Skye will continue to recover from his previous injuries and stay safe. Also that Astrid will stop harassing him.

 :clap: :2thumbsup: :yahoo:

http://www.uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/20/recent-happenings-with-comet-and-skye/ (http://www.uticaperegrinefalcons.com/2015/07/20/recent-happenings-with-comet-and-skye/)

Skye still being bombed by mom!! Not making it easy for him!!

I can relate to watching the swooping- man, I can't tell ya how unsettling it was to watch DC swoop on Beauty at the nest box-talons down!!!  :scaredblue:

I keep hoping Astrid will settle down; she doesn't want to accept her own son, and yet in Montreal, Spirit and Arthurin were willing to accept a juvie they did not know into their family.

I have not seen either juvie at the nest, but one of the parents was there a few minutes ago:

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/July%202015/utica-july-23-1a_zpsgbw8es5c.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/July%202015/utica-july-23-1a_zpsgbw8es5c.jpg.html)

(http://i1195.photobucket.com/albums/aa393/falcoperegrinus1/July%202015/utica-july-23-2a_zpsyahvtpsv.jpg) (http://s1195.photobucket.com/user/falcoperegrinus1/media/July%202015/utica-july-23-2a_zpsyahvtpsv.jpg.html)

Astrid, Ares and Comet have all been seen this morning but so far Skye has not been located. If any of you come to the downtown area and see Skye please post here so that we will know. Of course you can always text or call me at 717-2042 (Deb). 22 hours ago

It took until dark to be sure but all 4 falcons are confirmed!!
Good Night Everyone and thanks for all the help tonight!!!  Posted last night!!   :clap:

 :2thumbsup:

 :phew:

All 4 Falcons were verified by Watchers today. It was so nice to see Skye fly 3 times tonight! His flights were perfect as were his landings. Astrid watched him fly twice possibly all 3 times and never hazed him once!
Thanks Pam and Sandy for watching with me tonight. And thanks to Matt for spotting Comet earlier today and Astrid tonight. Great teamwork!

This news is very troubling.  Around 20 pigeons and other birds have been found dead in downtown Utica over the past weekend.  I'm hoping for the best for Astrid and Ares. 

http://www.uticaod.com/article/20151123/NEWS/151129807 (http://www.uticaod.com/article/20151123/NEWS/151129807)

Not good at all!  :o

Apparently Astrid and Ares have been seen as recently as this morning, so that's good news.

From Facebook today:

Hi Everyone,
We received another report today of corn in the downtown area. Please continue to alert us of any corn you find, any pigeons that appear to be injured or unable to fly and any dead pigeons.
We need to protect our falcons from this assumed poison. The falcons are still an endangered species and protected by law. Our falcons are year round residents and survive the winter months mostly on pigeons - please help protect them!!
If you have any information that may be related to this issue please contact us - you can e-mail - falconwatch185@gmail.com or call or text my cell 315-717-2042. We will keep all information confidential.
Please do not attempt to collect any corn or pigeons - we do not want anyone exposed to the potential poison.
Thank you all for your help!!!
Deb

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to let you all know that both Astrid and Ares were around this morning and appear to be healthy.
If you see any injured or dead pigeons in the Utica area please alert us so that we may check them out. We are still awaiting test results from the DEC and are still recovering dead pigeons.
You can reach us by e-mail falconwatch185@gmail.com or call my cell - 315-717-2042
Thanks so much for all of your efforts to keep our falcons safe!!
Deb

Good news! Hate poisons!! :(

 goodnews:

UPDATE - We received information that some of the pigeons we collected and turned over to the DEC had in fact ingested poison. The DEC is investigating and will update us once they have completed their investigation.
We do know that the poison is metabolized very quickly and the likelihood of the Peregrines or other animals becoming poisoned from the affected pigeons is slim. However we will continue to monitor the falcons and the downtown area.
Please feel free to notify us of any dead or injured pigeons, especially if they are found with corn. Please do NOT touch or handle the pigeons or corn with bare hands. We will be happy to recover them as we have gloves and bags on hand.
You can alert us via e-mail at falconwatch185@gmail.com or text or call my cell 315-717-2042 (Deb).
Thank you all for your help and concern for both the falcons and the pigeons!

Concerns me a bit with MAK's reports of cracked corn and bread that's been left at Medley Center for the pigeons & gulls

That's what I thought after I read that !!!!

Is there security at the medley center?

You might want to report it to the DEC just as a precaution.  They might be able to investigate and test the food to see if any harm is intended and maybe catch whomever is doing it if it is poison.  Better to be safe than sorry. 

I haven't seen any dead pigeons or gulls so I'm pretty confident that poison is NOT involved. My concern is if it's used for baiting to draw Big Frankie to the gulls and pigeons. My hope is that it's just someone that wants to feed the birds. I would love to see whoever is dropping the bread and/or corn off and speak to them about it. As far as I can tell there is no security on the premises-there are cameras on the roof but I have no way of knowing if they're working.  :rolleyes:

Thanks MAK. I feel a bit better...

 :thumbsup:

And this is just another of the many reasons why we need our team of Watchers! Well done, MAK! That "suspicious gene" is always there... because it has to be.

http://youtu.be/jfPHsizuDAA (http://youtu.be/jfPHsizuDAA) The male calling


LOVE!!!

From FB

Utica dead pigeon mystery gets some answers
Submitted photo
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said late Tuesday that the department's Wildlife Health Unit in Delmar examined dead pigeons found in the Utica area in late November and determined the likely cause of death to be Avitrol, a pesticide used for nuisance pigeons and spread on whole corn.
By S. Alexander Gerould
Posted Jan 13, 2016 at 10:55 AM
Updated at 11:31 AM

Those searching for the reasons why multiple pigeons and other birds have been found dead in the downtown-Utica area have gotten some answers.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said late Tuesday that the department's Wildlife Health Unit in Delmar examined dead pigeons found in the Utica area in late November and determined the likely cause of death to be Avitrol, a pesticide used for nuisance pigeons and spread on whole corn.
The pesticide was detected in corn eaten by the pigeons, according to the department, whose Bureau of Pesticides is conducting a further investigation into the matter.
Questions about was killing birds in the area were first raised after Matthew Perry, a Utica Peregrine Falcon Project founder, and others found more than 20 dead pigeons and other birds last fall in the Hopper Street area and other downtown locations. Several of the birds had corn in their throats and bills and around their bodies, Perry said at the time.
Perry said Wednesday that, of the roughly 10 birds tested, two tested positive for Avitrol. The other birds tested for an unspecified poison that isn't known yet, he said.
About 40 deceased birds were found altogether, Perry said. While they were concerned for the dead birds, Perry said the group's “main concern” was how the city's pair of peregrine falcons, who rely on pigeons and other birds as a main source of food, could be impacted.
“The best pigeon control that Utica has is currently a family of peregrine falcons,” Perry said. “They can take over 300 pigeons per year. As long as you have them in town and you're not threatening them, then they can do a good job at controlling pigeon populations.”

Thank you for the update, Kris. This is really bad. I don't want to see any birds poisoned, and of course I am especially concerned for Ares and Astrid. I know some people don't like pigeons, but there is no excuse for poisoning any bird or animal. And perhaps two different poisons here?

Is there an ongoing investigation into who might be doing this? It is very concerning.  :(

http://www.uticaod.com/article/20160113/NEWS/st_refDomain=www.facebook.com&st_refQuery=/ (http://www.uticaod.com/article/20160113/NEWS/st_refDomain=www.facebook.com&st_refQuery=/) Article

Utica dead pigeon mystery gets some answers
The state Department of Environmental Conservation said late Tuesday that the department's Wildlife Health Unit in Delmar examined dead pigeons found in the Utica area in late November and determined the likely cause of death to be Avitrol, a pesticide used for nuisance pigeons and spread on whole corn.


 :(

Now they need to find out who's doing it!  :rolleyes:

Someone posted on FB today

Our watchers collected over 40 pigeons in multiple canvassing efforts. We submitted the first collection of over 20 pigeons to the DEC. They are investigating and will hopefully get to the source. Luckily we have not had any new reports of down or dead pigeons in the past two weeks.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/t82kir.jpg) 1st egg 4:24 am  :2thumbsup:

Utica now has three eggs!!!  :clap: :clap:

Suzanne, in Ithaca

 :2thumbsup:

 :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: