Oh boy!!

Alrighty folks, this is going to be a bit confusing but I'll try to keep it short and simple.
The eyas (Phoenix) at Westinghouse probably fledged last Tuesday, June 11. He was found by a work crew from Abate Irwin who are constructing a connecting ramp from Turtle Creek to North Versailles. They took pictures that I am still waiting for the foreman to email to me. What happened to the eyas depends on who you talk to. Every worker we talked to had a different story. We sort of deduced that they picked it up and took it up to the ramp and released it on a beam and that parents did find him. I'm hoping that the foreman can also clarify this.
We have yet to see Phoenix. We have seen his parents, but can't seem to find him or to hear begging calls. The “official� fledge watch may be over, but we still need eyes on the bridge to locate this little fellow. We got rained out today and I can't make it back there until Tuesday.

  Hope they find him!!

I hope they have a few wee ones in there! Thanks Paul, I like your pics!!

HAMILTON 6-15-13 ...

I never saw anything like this! So cute Biggie/smalls!!

I think Biggie is like a surrogate to Tiny-some of the pics on BCAW show Tiny cuddling up to Biggie like a child to its mother.  Really cute!

That just amazes me!

HAMILTON 6-15-13 ...

I never saw anything like this! So cute Biggie/smalls!!

(movie) he took her spot quick!

Zoom Update
THANK YOU to the dozens and dozens of notes sent in about Zoom's fledge last Friday.  I regret because of the volume I won't be able to respond to each one individually, but I will take this opportunity to express my appreciation for every one's enthusiasm and assistance!  We truly support your interest and support in the Division of Wildlife's peregrine falcon project, specifically in watching the Columbus nest!!! 

Here's a recap of fledging events:
Friday, 6/7 about 6:25 a.m. Zoom fledged. 
Friday, 6/7 mid-afternoon she was spied sitting on the Rhodes Tower on the ledge directly to the east of the nest ledge.
Friday, 6/7 by 4:30 Zoom flew back to the nest ledge and remained there the rest of the evening (Note:  I did receive several reports of her being in the nestbox mid afternoon however, that was actually Durand in the nestbox, not Zoom.)
Saturday, 6/8 about 6:25 a.m. Zoom took flight again
Sunday, 6/9 about 3 p.m. Zoom was spotted on the roof of the Rhodes Tower:

As of this morning, Zoom's whereabouts are unknown.  I'm surprised that she has shown herself as much as she has.  Usually when the young fledge, finding them downtown is like looking for a needle in a haystack.  Zoom has shown tremendous flight ability already so I won't be surprised if we see her again.  In the coming days she will be honing her flight skills and learning to hunt for herself.  Durand and Spark will still provide her food to a point but I have a feeling she will be totally independent of them sooner than later.  She will likely remain in the downtown area for several weeks but by later in the summer, will migrate out of the area to hopefully survive and establish a nesting territory of her own.

Meanwhile, Durand and Spark will likely stay in the downtown area all year.  We can expect to see them checking in at the nestbox and even scraping in the gravel.  This behavior is normal and is part of the way they continue their bond with each other and with the nesting site.  The nestbox will be cleaned out in the off season.

Zoom seems to be doing great and we hope this trend continues.  Further updates as information becomes available.  And if we get no further information, remember that no news is good news!!!
POSTED BY DONNA DANIEL AT 6/10/2013 11:25:00 AM


Zoom

(movie) Soon as the fireworks started, Beauty flew into the nest.

  I like the one in the back!!

I was reading all about them on C & C's page. I'm surprised Mystic didn't let MO back in. She went after him a few times and he was seen peeking in on the wing. Felt bad for him and the poor little one that died!! Fly free!  Falcons sure do surprise us every day. I don't think anyone really knew their behavior and new books need to be written! I believe they feel!

Family photo, DC on Main

B on main cam
Then DC
They know
DC leaving
DC back

What a nice write up on Dorothy and her life at Cathedral. Thanks jeanne.

[Blizzard Babe and welcome!]

Blizzard Babe and welcome!

Big news to report.  The female we named Athena has been 99 percent verified as being 18 years old.  My friend Mike got enough band numbers to put with the other numbers we have to get enough of the band to get her banding place and year. 

She was hacked outside Maiden Creek, PA in 1995.  She has been in Jersey City since 2001 or so.

Oh my 18?? She's living a great life. Thanks for the info Bonnie!!