mystery falcon at columbus site

[jeanne]

We see such bravery on the part of these birds.  Scout, so much smaller than a human, but still protecting her baby.  Buckeye, sitting in the snow and wind to guard the eggs.  They are truly such magnificent beings.

That trash guy cannot compare to them.  I am heartsick when I think of what happened to that sweet girl

[falconsforever129]

These birds put the "human" race to shame...they are loyal to their mates until death takes one of them, so protective of their little ones, they are brave birds of prey yet possess such an inner sweetness.  That inner sweetness shows in the eyes of our dear little Jemison. Even when he must have been in pain he suffered so sweetly.
When I looked at the pictures of Scout again on this post feeding her little ones I am appalled that anyone could have done such a thing to that beautiful little mother. 
 Fly with the angels now sweet girl

[Bird Crazy]

OK maybe I am a tad violent in my mind. Because I have a fantasy of hitting that bas+ard with a broom and knocking his sorry a$$ off the roof of a really tall building and see how he likes it then.
 
I apologize to all the gentle readers that fantasy may offend.
 

[MAK]

  I know that inner sweetness that you speak of in Jemisons' eyes.  I looked into them at less than an arms length away. This encounter changed me forever!  

[falconsforever129]

OK maybe I am a tad violent in my mind. Because I have a fantasy of hitting that bas+ard with a broom and knocking his sorry a$$ off the roof of a really tall building and see how he likes it then.
 
I apologize to all the gentle readers that fantasy may offend.
 

Trust me when I tell you the thought crossed my mind too...Only a real coward hurts an innocent creature.  

[falconsforever129]

I know that inner sweetness that you speak of in Jemisons' eyes.  I looked into them at less than an arms length away. This encounter changed me forever!  

What a wonderful experience that must have been!!  I love that little one, he is so special.

[MAK]

I know that inner sweetness that you speak of in Jemisons' eyes.  I looked into them at less than an arms length away. This encounter changed me forever!  

What a wonderful experience that must have been!!  I love that little one, he is so special.

      It affected me in a very big way. I will love Peregrine Falcons forever!   

[falconsforever129]

I know that inner sweetness that you speak of in Jemisons' eyes.  I looked into them at less than an arms length away. This encounter changed me forever!  

What a wonderful experience that must have been!!  I love that little one, he is so special.

      It affected me in a very big way. I will love Peregrine Falcons forever!   

He is such a little special one for sure. I hope he has a beautiful long life filled with happiness in the open skies.  I will love Peregrine Falcons forever too because that little one showed me how wonderful they are and what true bravery is.   

[jeanne]

My Asian office mate, years ago, said that there is a saying that when a wild animal and a human's paths crossed they share a magical and mystical moment.  I thought of that with your post, MAK. 


Bird Crazy, I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[MAK]

   It kind of felt magical and mystical Jeanne. Truly a touching moment!   

[Bird Crazy]

I am green with jealousy to have been that close to the little guy must have been wonderful. He does have a beautiful face. I hope he goes on to have a large family that we can follow when we get old and gray. I hope he settles somewhere there are watchers to let us know.

[falconsforever129]

I am green with jealousy to have been that close to the little guy must have been wonderful. He does have a beautiful face. I hope he goes on to have a large family that we can follow when we get old and gray. I hope he settles somewhere there are watchers to let us know.

I hope so too...I would love to see him and a wonderful mate raise many sweet little ones who look just like him...He has the most beautiful face ever...filled with an inner peace and love. 

[Donna]

State Office Tower in Columbus, Ohio.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Interloper into the Territory!
Well, all has been pretty quiet so far this fall. Durand and Trooper have been seen almost on a daily basis checking in at the ledge, scraping in the gravel and otherwise maintaining their bond with each other and to the site. I have been continuing to work on adjusting camera settings to fine tune the exposure hoping for the end result of a better view of the nestbox on bright, sunny afternoons when that corner of the ledge is usually in shadow. More work is needed but I am confident I should be able to find a happy medium. Later this month we will be updating computers which should help keep the streaming from going down so often. Keep your fingers crossed and think positively for us that the updates and adjustments result in the improvements we anticipate!
Yesterday afternoon there was excitement on and around the ledge--a third falcon appeared and caused quite a stir with Durand and Trooper. Thanks to Mick in Seattle for capturing video of altercations on the ledge as well as dramatic fly-bys.



If you missed it (like I did!), below are links to 3 videos on YouTube that highlight the action. I believe the intruder was an unbanded adult female and is the bird closest to the camera in the second clip and in the photo above. Overall, it appears as though Durand and Trooper successfully defended their territory although we will continue to closely monitor all sightings of falcons via the cams to determine any changeover in individuals. I've said it before and will say it again: this is one instance where having these birds banded really, really assists in knowing who is who. Without leg bands it is so much more of a guessing game!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xjSZJYzMh4 1st

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b50g7bdVvNk part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUrP3d8FG-I part3

This went on for over 2 hours

[MAK]

Wow, now that was intense! For over 2 hrs.?! They must be exhausted. Thanks for sharing Donna!

[falconsforever129]

They must be exhausted....that's a long time to fight 
Seriously though I hope all will be well with Durand and Trooper...that ledge has seen it's share of sadness the past few months with Scout and Swoop's sad passing....