South Bend Peregrine Cam Indiana

[Donna]

http://southbendin.gov/falcam/  4 eggs Nice Cam

The male is called Zephyr!!

[MAK]

   Cool!   

[Annette]

Another falcon cam! 

[Donna]

SOUTH BEND -- The pair of peregrine falcons that live downtown have four eggs in their nest atop County-City Building.

Whether they will be able to support any chicks this year remains to be seen.

The male falcon, Zephyr, lost his right foot earlier this spring in an apparent trap injury, so his hunting ability is diminished. It might be difficult for him to catch enough food to support himself as well as the female falcon, Guinevere, and any chicks that hatch.

Carol Riewe, a local naturalist and raptor rehabilitator who follows the birds, said she was hoping, because of Zephyr's condition, that Guinevere would lay fewer than four eggs this year.

"I think fewer would be easier to forage for than a full clutch," Riewe said, "but we'll just have to wait and see how it plays out."

Both male and female peregrine falcons hunt and take turns incubating eggs until chicks hatch, usually in the middle of May, Riewe said. Then the female stays in the nest with the chicks and the male is responsible for hunting.

Guinevere and Zephyr have nested in a box on top of the 14-story County-City Building since 2007. The nesting box was on Tower Building for four years before that.

[Donna]

After 3 days of monitoring this cam just to get a view of Zephyr, he finally showed up. I watched him on the perch for a while to see how he manages on 1 foot. Well, he did just fine. He sorta hopped to turn around and was preening like there was no problem. Amazing peregrines Zephyr and Dundas. 

2 pics, 1 is just Zephyr on the perch, standing on 1 foot. Zephyr, I believe is 11 yrs old.
2nd pic is both at nest. Gwen on eggs.

[Donna]

Does anyone here watch this cam? Just wondering if the female ever leaves the nest. I have been monitoring this nest because I find it fascinating. The male has 1 foot, he seems to get around OK with it but does he catch prey, does he relieve the female. I have not seen him in the nest since I posted this on the 2nd. Maybe I'm just missing it all but it worries me as all I see is Gwen on the eggs. If anyone knows anything, please post it. Thanks.

http://southbendin.gov/falcam/

[Donna]

Someone needs to throw that girl a quail or something. I have never seen her leave the nest or the male bring her food. Hope they are monitoring this nest. 

[Donna]

I feel so bad for this girl. She needs to eat, to take a break. Have not seen the male at all today. He doesn't even stop by. I know he's injured and maybe he needs help too.

[carly]

He might be in trouble then ...I know I've seen photos on other falcon sites of him incubating and coming in with food.  I don't watch this site but I've read about it and from what I read, he seemed to be pulling his weight.

[chlosmom]

perhap a mothers' day brunch--no chanpagne necessary

[Donna]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fL4tI7lprRA&feature=player_embedded#at=37 Found this video on one of the forums. Not bad for 1 foot. I just haven't seen him lately but I'm not watching 24/7, so he must relieve her sometimes.

[Donna]

Waiting for Zephyr!

[Donna]

The female has been panting all day too and is up off eggs a lot. Her eggs are due to hatch the same time as Beauty's.

[Donna]

Congrats to Gwen and Zephyr, they just had their 1st hatch. Hopefully, A & B's soon also.

[MAK]

  Now comes the hard part for one-footed Zephyr catching enough to feed his babies. I suppose Gwen would help take over with those duties if need be.