Yes Jeanne.  It was the same year.  2006 is a year that is hard to forget.

Carol, was this the same year the mourning dove had its unfortunate experience?  I seem to recall that when Lucky was in the tree, we immediately thought of you and birds.

Lucky’s Tail
It was near the end of the2006 Falcon Season.  Rhea Mae was the last of M&K’s young left in the area that year.  Let’s just say she was very spoiled by this time, getting all the food brought in by both her parents.  Just the day before, she had 4 meals, including her first witnessed successful hunt.  This turned out to be lucky for a wayward Cockatiel that flew into the gorge one summer morning.

As I pulled up at the east end of the pedestrian bridge, I spotted a few of my fellow Watchers gathered.  All binoculars were up and pointed in the direction of the observation deck on the east side of the High Falls.

I arrived at the same time as Dana and Lou.  Brian ran over and asked if I had any bird food with me.  Well, of course I did!  Never leave home without it.  

Brian then explained that a white Cockatiel had just flown under the pedestrian bridge, heading towards the High Falls.  Rhea Mae had been dozing on the rocks near the observation deck, sleeping off her multiple meals from the day before.

When the Cockatiel approached Rhea Mae, she took off to investigate.  What was this strange white creature that had entered a Falcon’s Territory?  Rhea Mae gave chase.  The Cockatiel dove into a nearby grouping of trees near the railroad track.  That’s where we headed, a handful of sunflower seeds and rescue box in hand.

As we got closer to the trees, Rhea Mae floated just above us, grabbing at leaves.  Dana, Brian and I walked into the small wooded area, searching for the Cockatiel.  Finally, I spotted a small white bird, head tucked under his wing, sound asleep.  There was no way we could reach him and I was afraid that he would be scared into flight.

I stuck out my hand and said three magic words, “Are you hungry?�

Immediately a little white head popped up and he looked down at us.  It only took a moment for him to decide that, yes, he was VERY hungry.  He spread his wings and flew down to us, landing on Dana, who had been standing behind me.  I quickly turned around and grabbed him, gently placing him in the box that Brian and Dana held open.

We carried him back to the pedestrian bridge and everyone was able to see a little orange cheeked face peaking out through the holes in the box.  I decided this little one needed a name and a new home.   That’s how Lucky came to live with me.

Our Vet said he was very lucky.  In fact, he was probably within a day or so of starving.  We attempted to find his owners, but couldn’t.

So now Lucky lives with me and his sister Justice.  Every time I look at Lucky, I remember that day.

Or if you have a request for a story, let us know.

We'd like to hear your favorite M&K, A&B memories and stories.  There are so many, I don't know where to begin.  I will always be grateful to Rhea Mae for sending Lucky to me.  Everytime I look at him, I think about that day.   


So get your thinking caps on and post away.   

We'd like to hear your favorite M&K, A&B memories and stories.  There are so many, I don't know where to begin.  I will always be grateful to Rhea Mae for sending Lucky to me.  Everytime I look at him, I think about that day.   


So get your thinking caps on and post away.   

[My mother her Shakymon Calendar...she laughed at every month...Thanks guys...was a well done Calendar.]

Thanks Donna!  Glad your mom liked her Shaky M&K calendar.  I told Shaky it would be a hit!   

So, did anyone get any Rochester Falcon goodies for Christmas?  We'd like to hear from you if you did.   

My mother  her Shakymon Calendar...she laughed at every month...Thanks guys...was a well done Calendar.

So, did anyone get any Rochester Falcon goodies for Christmas?  We'd like to hear from you if you did.   

Just a quick report from yesterday.  I had no luck finding any Falcons at Kodak Park or Irondequoit, just lots of Red-tailed Hawks out and about.

I headed downtown and found Beauty (at least I believe it was her), sitting up on top of the Times Square building, at the base of the NE "wing".  According to Dana and Lou, who had been there earlier, Beauty had been eating up there.  This is directly above the nest box.  The main camera has been recently pointing at a ledge between the nest box and the wings.

Larry and Curro joined me for awhile and then Dana and Dan.

Dana, Dan and I had a very nice Watch.  Beauty was in hunt-mode over the river and south of the Times Square Bldg.  She landed on Mercury's upraised hand, watching the 100's of Pigeons swirling over the river.  She will definitely have no problem feeding herself this Winter.

When we all left around 3:00 pm., Beauty had returned to the Times Square Bldg, tucked in under the SE wing. 

Yesterday it was a beautiful, sunny day.  Today is a different story.  Snowy, cold and cloudy.

Enjoy your day everyone and keep warm!

[Where is M~A~R~I~A~H ??? I hope she's still around!]

I'm sure that Mariah is ok.  She was always scarce this time of year.  We always looked forward to our Winter visiting Peregrines.  Don't think Beauty will allow any into Rochester this year.  She is quite possessive of her nest site.

Where is M~A~R~I~A~H  ???  I hope she's still around!

It's really bad out there.  Roads covered in snow.  Very slippery.  Be careful driving if you have to go out.    (This is the only snowy smiley I could find.  LOL) 

Oh, and tomorrow is going to be even worse!

It's really bad out there.  Roads covered in snow.  Very slippery.  Be careful driving if you have to go out.    (This is the only snowy smiley I could find.  LOL) 

It sure looks like you caught Beauty at the nest box this morning Donna.  I was downtown after that and Beauty was up on the Times Square Bldg. at the base of the NE wing.  Dana and I actually saw the camera, which was pointed straight up, bring itself back to the lower ledge, just above the nest box. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGdwbzrPHos 

What a great Christmas gift.

Ginha!  So happy to hear that you're doing better.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Dave.   

That squirrel was NUTS!  Get it?  Nuts?