Amazing behavior display!  Beauty dropped the small bird (dead) into the nest box.  First Jemison grabbed it and mantled it in the back corner.  Callidora was clueless for all of a minute.  She figured out what Jemison was doing and a tug-of-war started between the two sisters, with Beauty watching from outside the nest box.

Finally Callidora was able to grab the prey, minus a small piece that Jemison kept.  The above picture is Callidora mantling the remainder of the prey in the back corner.

After a few moments, Beauty made her way into the back corner and grabbed the prey from Callidora and fed it to her.  Jemison was still munching on her small piece.

Very small bird, sparrow sized.  Only lasted a moment.  The girls are not satisfied.  

Mantling in Peregrine Falcon sign language = MINE!   

Main Camera Down Starting 11:39 am

Carol, it makes me sad when I think of Kaver.  Definitely, the top Peregrine dad role model!!

Okay, I know most people don't like the American Crow, but...

Role model: a 12-14 year old American Crow known as Droop-wing Noba

Reason: Last fall when the breeding female, mom, went down and one of the "kids" was "shot in the wing and unable to fly.  The dad, aka breeding male, took care of him.  The kid could not fly, so dad stayed near him and brought food for him.  This went on for almost a month until we were able to capture him.

I really like Crows!  So intelligent and wonderful family units.  They are quite incredible!

and I've learned so much from Suzanne and Don about Crows.   

Callidora & Jemison looking out on their kingdom.

Seems to me most have been OK if they caught a gust of wind and went off before their time, except for our Barbie in JC.  They think she hit something on her way to the 37th floor terrace last week.  There were some light poles where she could have caught her wing.  But she is healing nicely and should be back next week.

I am so happy to hear that Barbie is doing well.  Great news!   

That's why I made Kaver the Peregrine dad role model.   

Hope you have a wonderful Birthday Brobetta!

  At this point are there wings strong enough that if they did take the plunge they could at least glide with them?    

Interesting question.   I was reading an article about 2 of 3 eyases being taken from their nest ledge (in Detroit) by high winds.  Both "lofted" (their word) down 11 stories to the street below.  The eyases were unharmed and taken to rehab for a check-up and hopeful return to the nest ledge.

They weren't strong enough to fly yet, but at least they didn't drop like a rock.  It actually made me feel a little better with our situation.

Role Model: Kaver, Tiercel, male Peregrine Falcon

Reason:  While female (Mariah) incubates the eggs, Kaver hunts to feed both he and Mariah.  When Mariah is not incubating, Kaver takes over.  Sometimes he doesn't want to stop.  Mariah stares at him and eventually he gets the idea...........

OK.  Who's next to continue the "Reason".   

Wonderful news!  June checked with Mary Beth and the male at this site is our very own Valiant (originally known as Sabrina)!  WooHoo!

I'm really not sure exactly where it is.  June said something about going past the dessert place.  I'll see if I can get better directions.

They have desserts in a library?? 

Does this mean you'll be there Donna?   

Very nice of you Joyce.  Thanks!

I'm really not sure exactly where it is.  June said something about going past the dessert place.  I'll see if I can get better directions.

Jemison's a big girl now!

Me.. and.. my.. shadow!