Cabin John (MD) Falcons, 2014

[Paul Hamilton]

Some of you may have wondered why there have been no pictures of my local falcons. That's because I've seen no signs of nesting at the site. Yesterday, my suspicions were confirmed -- I got an email from my friend Ricardo, stating that, when our local Fish and Wildlife Service raptor specialist, Craig Coppie, made his annual trip to the I-495 Bridge nestbox for banding, he found only scattered, cold eggs. This is the second test failure in a row for local pair. Perhaps the cold, wet spring is to blame. Maybe it's a fertility problem that has been getting worse -- two years ago two out of four eggs did not hatch. In any case, no fledge watch this year.

Paul

[Dumpsterkitty]

What a shame. I've always enjoyed following them through you.

We've seen quite a few nests minimally successful this year. I suspect some of the more established pairs are reaching the end of their breeding life, though they are still strong enough to hold their territories. Probably some change-overs on the horizon...

[MAK]

Bummer! 

[Bird Crazy]

What a shame. I've always enjoyed following them through you.

We've seen quite a few nests minimally successful this year. I suspect some of the more established pairs are reaching the end of their breeding life, though they are still strong enough to hold their territories. Probably some change-overs on the horizon...

or there is a new as of yet unidentified threat in the environment causing problems

[Kris G.]

Sorry to hear this news. Such a beautiful place for nesting...have wondered what was going on with your birds.

[Donna]

They are not alone, I read where many have failed due to the cold and wet. Could be that or like you said Paul, an infertility problem. Very sad indeed and thanks for posting!