San Jose Peregrines

[AlisonL]

Late on Friday night, when I was searching for an update on an unrelated subject, I came across a short article by Joan Morris which stated that a peregrine had been found dead in San Jose. The person who found the bird was asking where to report this, since the bird was banded.

From The Mercury News:

Peregrine falcon’s death should be reported

The bird’s death should be reported to officials who banded it

DEAR JOAN: On my walk the other day I came across two dead birds. One of them appears to be a peregrine falcon with bands.

The falcon appeared to be ready for lunch as it had feathers in its talons, and may have flown into the power lines or the telephone pole. Both birds were at the base of the pole.

I reported this to San Jose Animal Control with their online form and let them know I had pictures of the bands, but I have heard nothing from them.

I’m sure whomever banded this bird would like to be aware of its outcome. Can you help me let the proper people know?

Tim Toschi, San Jose

DEAR TIM:  How very sad to see such a magnificent bird lying so still. You should report the bird’s death to the United State Geological Survey’s North American Bird Banding Program at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland. You can file a report online or call 800-327-BAND.

http://www.mercurynews.com/2016/10/27/peregrine-falcons-death-should-be-reported/

[AlisonL]

I could find no other information, so I emailed Glenn Stewart to see if he was aware of this. He replied, and said he would try to find out.

In the meantime, I had also emailed the author of the article, Joan Morris, in case she had any further information. I had the impression that she might either have, or have seen, photos. I included some information on this year's two juvies, Zephyr, banded U/75, and his sister Haley, banded 72/Z. I did not know if the bird which had been found was an adult or a juvie.

She got back to me, and sent me the photos she had. Very sadly, the bands showed that this was little Zephyr. I sent the information and photos on to Glenn Stewart, who banded Zephyr back in June of this year.

I had no way to contact the man who found Zephyr, and who was concerned enough to ask what he should do, so I asked Joan if she could pass on the information to him.

Poor little Zephyr. He had been doing so well until now. These beautiful birds are so strong in some ways, and yet so fragile.  

[MAK]

 

[Donna]

I'm surprised to hear this and shocked. Just shows anything can happen at any time in the life of a Peregrine. Very sad news! 

Fly Free Zephyr! 

[Dumpsterkitty]

How sad! Thanks for going the extra mile, Alison, to figure out who the unfortunate bird is.

Fly free Zephyr!

[patsy6]

Poor Zephyr!  And yes, thank you, Alison.  No doubt the San Jose falcon banders would want to know. 

[Carol P.]

So sad.  Fly Free Zephyr.   

[carly]

 

[AlisonL]

Clara and Fernando el Cohete have been spending more time around the nest recently.

Beautiful Clara at the nest today:











The 2017 season has begun.

[MAK]

 

[AlisonL]

First egg of the 2017 season!

Congratulations to Clara and Fernando el Cohete!

[AlisonL]

Clara with her brand new egg:

[MAK]

 

[AlisonL]

Clara laid her second egg on February 24:



The third egg was laid on February 27:



The eggs are almost always covered:



So although the fourth egg was laid before daylight this morning, I'm still waiting to see all four eggs together.

[Donna]

Wow, we are way behind on this site! 1st egg hatched today!!

http://youtu.be/qMtYwzWJV-s Video of the first eyas and Fernando with refused duck, OH MY another Duck Falcon!!!