Harrisburg, PA Falcons

[chlosmom]

kids will make you crazy---especially the precoius ones

[Donna]

5/31/2011  ::   Fledgling Update
The fledgling has been seen flying with both of the adults, seemingly getting flying lessons. He's getting stronger each day. Soon, he should get hunting lessons. This involves the adults transferring food in-flight and then assisting the fledgling in pursuit of prey. He seems to be on a fast track to independence. We expect him to gain full independence within five weeks. Then, he will likely leave the area traveling to unknown destinations. To learn more about this behavior, click on the Falcon Telemetry link on the DEP Falcon Page to view telemetry points and dates posted from the 2002 study. 

[Annette]

6/6/2011: Fledge/Watch and Rescue Summary
The 2011 Falcon Watch and Rescue Program for the one fledgling Peregrine Falcon nesting on the 15th Floor of Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was extremely exciting and successful. The Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) official volunteer Falcon Watch and Rescue Program was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, May 31st, with more than 15 individuals volunteering to observe the fledglings who worked in two-hour shifts from approximately 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

However, our one-and-only fledgling decided to take his first flight a little earlier than expected, fledging around 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 27th. DEP called off the Falcon Watch and Rescue that was scheduled for May 31st - June 3rd, but the weekend and afterhours volunteer coordinators arranged volunteers to watch throughout the Memorial Holiday Weekend.

This year no falcon rescues took place! Throughout the week, the adult falcons encouraged the fledgling to take flight by enticing him with food while performing "fly-bys". In order to prepare for flight, the juvenile falcon would strengthen his wings by flapping and running from one end of the ledge to the other. He also had some practice take-offs by running, jumping and flapping his wings at the same time.

On Friday, May 27th, the silver-banded male fledged at approximately 9:00 a.m. and landed on top of the Strawberry Square Building. He relaxed there for about 10 minutes then attempted his next flight towards the 333 Market Street. He wasn't strong enough, however, to gain the height to the top, so the adult female guided him to the top of the Rachel Carson Building. Within an hour of this first take off from the ledge, he was back on the ledge again to rest.

After his first flight, he continued to hone his flying skills by making short flights to buildings surrounding the Rachel Carson Building. Some of the most frequently visited locations included the Pennsylvania Department of Education building located at 333 Market Street, Strawberry Square, and the Forum Place Building.

[Donna]

Great news for an early fledger!!  1 is easier to handle.

[MAK]

Great news for an early fledger!!  1 is easier to handle.

 

[Donna]

7/14/2011  ::   Fledgling and Video Streaming Update
The fledgling is reportedly still visiting the ledge regularly. We can assume that he is also getting advanced hunting lessons and is hunting on his own as well. Soon, he should become completely independent and begin his first year journey to places unknown.

(Live stream has ended)

[Donna]

   
Recent News Title
12/28/2011  ::   News From the Nest Ledge
A new male peregrine has been visiting the nest ledge since the first week in November. This bird is not banded and appears to be somewhat larger and younger than the resident male. The resident male peregrine was last seen in conflict with the new male on November 30th. The new male has since made food offerings to the female and they appear to be pair-bonding. It is likely that the new male was successful in his challenge for the nest site and resident female. The resident male may have been driven away or possibly killed. Any information falcon cam viewers provide regarding falcon sightings and interactions would be of great value in determining what we can expect for the 2012 nesting season.

[jeanne]

I hate those territorial battles He could have come up here and taken up with Unity!

[MAK]

I hate those territorial battles He could have come up here and taken up with Unity!

I wish somebody would! 

[Carol P.]

I hate those territorial battles He could have come up here and taken up with Unity!

 

[Donna]

Update: Resident male is back!!

1/19/2012  ::   Breaking News on the Resident Male!
The resident male, band code W/V, has reclaimed his territory! He was spotted at the ledge this afternoon in the company of the adult female. No sightings today of the unbanded male. It remains to be determined whether or not there was a territorial battle between the males or if this just sets the stage for a battle. Males at this nest site have had the habit of leaving the area for a week or two and then returning. Breeding activity typically takes place at this time of year so if the battle has not happened, it will likely happen soon. Any information that falcon watchers can provide about the behavior of these birds is of great value to DEP education staff monitoring the site. Information can be reported to the falcon email account by clicking on the Contact DEP link below the web image window on the DEP falcon page.

[Carol P.]

Oh, boy.  Hope the other male has just gone on his way and there will be no territorial battle.   

[Donna]

Oh, boy.  Hope the other male has just gone on his way and there will be no territorial battle.   

Me too Carol. Makes me wonder more about Mr T!!!!

[MAK]

Since Mr. T hasn't returned this winter I choose to believe he found himself a mate! 

[Donna]

1/24/2012  ::   Improved Camera Coverage
A third camera has put into the scan sequence to better cover activity at the nest ledge. As far as we know at this point there are still two males competing for breeding male dominance. Any activity observed from this point on is critical in determining how this nesting season will play out. The adult female is not banded. The new male is not banded. The resident male is banded and is somewhat smaller than the new male. DEP staff are observing the birds, as time allows, in order to identify subtle differences in plumage and markings among the three peregrine falcons.