Rfalconcam Forum

It appears that Durand's mate, Spark, may be missing.

From the blog:

Monday, October 17, 2016

Spark MIA? New Male?

Fans have reported the possibility of a new male in the downtown Columbus territory and concern over the lack of sightings of the resident male, Spark. The lack of observations of Spark are not necessarily cause for concern at this time of the year. Courtship and nesting occur in late winter into spring and outside of this time frame some peregrines do migrate (remember that the Latin name for peregrine means “wanderer”).

So it is possible that Spark has migrated out of the area and in his absence another male is investigating the territory. There are any number of falcons out there (called “floaters”) that do investigate territories as they can, especially during migration. These floaters can be unmated falcons or falcons with a territory that just happen to be migrating (perhaps Spark is investigating another territory wherever he may be?).

It is also possible that the other male came into the territory and battled Spark for it. In that case, the lack of sightings of Spark would indicate that the new male was the victor.  However, most territorial battles occur between females and the lack of this other male’s assertiveness in accessing the ledge (and lack of witnesses downtown of such an altercation) would imply that a territorial battle did not occur.

Peregrines maintain the same mate from year to year but quickly find a replacement when/if something happens to one of the pair.  Therefore, the current situation may just be a case of when the cat’s away (Spark), the mice (Durand and the new male) will play-so to speak!!  The birds have no loyalty to a mate if the mate is not present.  Having the cameras running even in the “off season” definitely helps us see more of what goes on. But don’t forget, the downtown territory is large and the cameras only show about 25 feet of ledge space.  Therefore, a lot of the daily action and interactions of the peregrines can and does go on outside of our view.

Our role is to watch and learn and note what players we have when nesting season comes around again early 2017.  Any photos confirming leg bands on a peregrine that is not Durand (or a peregrine lacking leg bands) will be helpful in tracking which male(s) are confirmed in the territory.

To review, Durand's leg bands are:  right:  silver USGS band; left:  black/black 32/X
Spark's leg bands are:  right:  purple USGS band; left:  black/red 32/B

Only time will tell if Spark or the mysterious visitor--or another male altogether--will be the resident male next year.  As information becomes available, it will be shared here.

I think it is very unlikely that Spark has migrated, since he has never done so before. He has always stayed around during the winter.

I hope that he has not been in a territorial battle with another male. Unfortunately, battles between males are not uncommon; I have seen a number of those take place on cam.

I hope that Spark, son of SW and Boomer, is okay. He has been a wonderful mate for Durand and a great father to their chicks.

From where I am, the Columbus cams have not been working for several months. Either an error message states that the whole site is down, or when the site is working, only black rectangles are visible where the live stream should be, so I have been unable to keep up to date with this site.

I don't follow this site too often but have followed the latest news on BCAW. It's sad to read that Spark isn't there anymore..that there might be a new male.  There's several daily posts and pics on BCAW about what's going on, if you want to check it out, Alison.

Thank you for that information, Kris. I just hope that Spark is found safe somewhere.

Alison, the new male is banded Black over Red, 30/Z.  I looked up his info, he was banded as a 'she' in 2014 at Bowling Green.

Mother is daughter of Scout and Orville, Aerial.  So he is cousin to Spark and Grandson of Scout and Orville as well.

Bitter sweet as always in the falcon world.

I've been reading the saga over on BCAW.  Kind of sad about Spark....

First hatch and looks like it didn't survive.  Following posts on BCAW, this cam blocked at work  :(

 :(

Apparently the chick is still alive ...!  I'm asking now if she's pulled it under her yet!

That's good!  Who's Durand's mate now?

A cousin of Spark's actually, they named him Aries. 

Baby is alive and under mom now.  Happy to hear that news!

Any idea what happened to Spark?

No one knows.  Likely displaced.

Well baby alive but she's left it out several times since the whole morning thing- including once for 28 minutes....then again for 10 minutes..so not sure what the motive is but the kid is alive in spite of her.

That's one tough little eyas!  :heart:

According to the Chicago Peregrine Program, one of the 2015 juvies from the Columbus nest has been seen spending time in the Montrose area, just north of Chicago.

He is Bolt, banded black/red N/34, son of Durand and Spark.

(https://picload.org/image/rwiaiccl/columbus-peregrine-in-chicago-.jpg)

Bolt in 2015:

(https://picload.org/image/rwiaicca/columbus-2015-bolt-1a.jpg)

From the Columbus blog:

My Time to Fly

It is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from state service, on Sept 1.  While I have done many interesting and fulfilling things throughout my career, the peregrine project remains at the top of my list for the most impact.  I'm definitely honored to have had a role in the conservation of such a powerful and magnificent species…but equally powerful and magnificent has been the impact this project has had on so many people over the years, all over the world.  I am humbled to have increased the awareness of, informed, and educated people of all ages not only in Ohio, but also from many, many locations all over the world.

My beginnings were simple – in 1990, the Ohio Division of Wildlife was hacking peregrines in downtown Columbus as the first step in the Midwest population restoration efforts, and I was a wildlife management student at The Ohio State University.   I volunteered to be part of the “Peregrine Patrol” – the ground crew that kept an eye on the released falcons as they were taking their first flights.  Later, after I was hired full-time with the Division, I became the site manager for the Columbus nest.  From there, the cams were developed and even though I was the main person up front from the public’s perspective, there was always a team of folks making it happen.

As I look forward to the next chapter in my personal life, I admit that I do have reservation about no longer being part of the project, especially with the new and exciting challenges that face the team as the work at the Rhodes Tower commences.  But I have made my contributions and am confident that as I pass the baton, the team has a solid foundation to continue to have a positive impact on the species and all who follow them.

To read the rest of the post:

http://ohioperegrinefalcons.blogspot.ca/ (http://ohioperegrinefalcons.blogspot.ca/)

I am very sorry to see Donna Schwab leave the peregrine project. She has always been a great supporter of the peregrines, and has worked tirelessly on their behalf. I have always enjoyed her blog entries, which have been a great source of useful information. The project will not be the same without her.