[FLICKER]

Hope it's not too late to add FLICKER to my Sunday bird count. We saw them often when I lived in Oswego NY but this is the first one I've ever seen in my yard here, enjoying a cool drink from the birdbath.

Dot in PA

This was a nice idea.  Most of these guys were in the bird baths: 

mourning doves
tufted titmouse
starlings - way too many all over the place
blue jays
chickadees
red-tail hawk - high overhead with sun hitting his red tail beautifully
robins
grey catbirds
crows - in the trees
tree swallows - large flock flying, probably headed to the coast for migration

Dot in PA

Yes, this is a sad story. I remember when S2 first appeared on the scene and everyone was appalled at her behavior until she finally figured out that she should feed the chick already in the nest instead of eating all the food brought in by the male. Possible euthanasia is certainly not an outcome I like. Perhaps those in charge think that would be kinder than confining her to a cage after she has known total freedom of the skies. Even if she heals enough to be released, that probably will set up a battle with PA's new female. And as Kris said, all because some jerk (insert cuss word of your choice) decided it would be fun to shoot her.

Dot in PA

[it is what it is]

I love this board. I have learned so much about falcons, bats, other birds, and many other creatures from all the many postings. I am a bit distressed by the lack of empathy for our newest falcons from so many members of this group, and I can understand that. Part of it is missing Mariah and Kaver, who gave us many wonderful years. Part of it is not having any chicks to watch. I think we gloss over the fact that falcons are part of the wild kingdom. All wild creatures have two main priorities - survival and procreation of the species. I have been an active bluebirder for years and closely followed the wild wolf pack in upstate NY when I lived there. I have seen bluebird chicks taken by predators.  I have seen both male and female bluebirds oust and maim another of their own sex in order to claim a mate and/or a better nesting site. I have seen wolves hunt in cooperatively in packs for efficiency but seen the same wolves maim or kill the alpha male or female when that animal is too old or weak to keep its place at the top. I have seen adult wolves kill the weakest of their cubs. I've had to learn how to balance out the good and the bad when I'm observing nature, and to remember that it is what it is.

Mariah could not match Beauty's youth and strength and would have been killed had Carol not stepped in. Archer, who was Mariah's mate at the time, joined Beauty in her effort to kill Mariah. Archer now has found two females willing to be his mate. Sooner or later there will probably be a lethal battle to determine whether Beauty or Unity rules the skies near Kodak.  Does this mean our falcons are horrible creatures? I don't think that's fair. Remember Beauty and Archer giving us so many glimpses of tenderness while raising their two daughters last year?  Peregrines incorporate both these extremes, like it or not.

We humans are animals too, and currently at the top of the heap. We have managed to overlay our animal instincts with concepts like "conscience" or "emotions". We tend to believe in love, goodness, faithfulness to one's mate, and all the rest of it. That's a very good thing for a cooperative stable society but it sure is a far cry from having to survive on one's own in a hostile environment. If we were back in caveman days, we too would no doubt be fighting viciously to ensure our survival and to attract the strongest possible mate. So Archer is a two-timing creep? No, he's a male who is lucky enough to have found two receptive females. The concept of "two-timing" is just not there for him, nor should it be.  Archer turned on Mariah and tried to help a new female kill her. So he's a murderer with no loyalty?  To our way of thinking, yes.  But what Archer recognized was his chance to mate with a newer stronger female who would produce stronger chicks.  Are Beauty and Unity jealous when they watch Archer go to another site? Do they sit sadly awaiting his return?  We don't know. Somehow I doubt it. These falcons are only doing what they have done for thousands of years. Do we really have the right to say that their actions are wrong or evil? Do we dare to judge a wild creature after the toxic wreck we humans have made of the land, sea, and air? Rochester Falcon Cam provides a wonderful opportunity to peek in on falcon lives. I think we should enjoy and learn, not condemn. I too miss Mariah and Kaver and have found the events of the last three years very difficult. I agree that it just isn't the same any more. But please, don't judge Beauty, Unity, and Archer by our often-flawed human standards and emotions. That only makes things harder for me to bear.

Dot in PA

I am not happy with the situation either- two females, one male, no young, potential fatal territorial battles. But all truly wild creatures carry on with their lives as they have been programmed to do for ages. My pleasure is to watch and learn the intricacies of their lives. Any sadness I feel, and I do indeed feel sadness, has to do with wanting an outcome that increases the number of peregrines. I love seeing how they interact with their mates and how they nurture their young and teach them how to survive. That is unfortunately not always possible. Beauty, Unity, Archer, and Mariah are living their own peregrine lives. Just because I don't always like the results doesn't mean the birds are evil or unhappy. It means they are wild peregrine falcons, nothing more and nothing less. There have been so many sad stories from this year's nesting season, and I wish it were not so. Still, I feel privileged to have the opportunity to look in on them. I give my most sincere thanks to all the watchers who keep me informed even though the news may not be good.

Dot in PA

[purrfect]

Shaky, hope you had a  purrfect    birthday!  Please note that I waited till you were out of the country. 

Dot in PA

Thanks, Dale, that was interesting, especially the ravenstone tidbit.  I liked the info in your crow link, too.

Dot in PA

According to the Wikipedia link under the video, the film was made in 1946 and the child playing the piano was Sugar Chile Robinson.  I didn't see the Today show - did they say it was Little Richard?

Dot in PA

  Kat for the first report and MAK for the fantastic series of photos.

Dot in PA

  Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes.  I had a fine day watching bluebirds and tending to my flowers plus an excellent dinner and a yummy birthday cake.  Who could ask for more!

Dot in PA

im really through hearing about "poor beauty"--its just 2 sad----she
is not a victim---yes she didnt have babies this year but she is a beautiful
strong falcon, just like her mother dorothy--and next year she will likely have a nest
full of hatchlings---we need to STOP the pity talk--that's not what beauty is about

I couldn't agree more. I don't like the situation with Archer, Beauty, and Unity either, but that's the way it is.  It's not right to saddle these falcons with our own human emotions.  Neither female is a victim. I joined this list many years ago to watch falcons carry on their lives, not to burden them with human expectations of what they should do or how they should feel.

Dot in PA

Shaky, that was wonderful! Thanks for putting together such a beautiful video tribute to Quest.

Dot in PA

Will, I'm no expert either but I agree with Carla that less water might be better. Perhaps you could poke your finger into the bark medium to determine when more water is needed, rather than follow a rigid watering schedule.  Sitting your plant on a tray of pebbles and water would help keep the air pleasantly humid around your plant without excess watering - just make sure the bottom of the pot isn't actually IN the water.   I would also give your orchid more light, either by pulling up those window blinds during the day and/or moving the plant closer to the window. Direct hot sunlight will burn the leaves, but otherwise most orchids like as much bright light as possible.  They also like good air circulation, so open that window, or another nearby, for a while on nice days.  Hope this helps.

Dot in PA

Nora, I hope your ankle heals fast and that time passes quickly till you're up and around again.

Dot in PA

Ei, I am so sorry.  We are all keeping you close in our hearts.

Dot in PA