This evening, Kathy O, Dana, Joyce and I had dinner with MAK and spent time comforting each other and talking about what we had seen since last weekend, when a pair of Peregrines came into Rochester, Beauty's territory. We know that Beauty did what any female falcon would do, she defended her territory and her nest site. The cameras showed us Beauty at the nest box, which was unusual for her at this time of year. Watchers did witness some aggression between Beauty and the female of the pair.
After Sunday, Beauty did not appear on camera and we started to worry. She was seen most mornings sitting on the Mercury statue. Where was she?
Starting on Monday, I stopped after work to check the downtown area. I saw nothing on Monday. Tuesday, I stayed until after dark and finally found a Peregrine sitting on the south side of the old Changing Scenes Restaurant. I got the scope out and tried to get a good look at this falcon. I do believe this was Beauty. After 10 minutes, she took off heading east, towards Midtown. I looked for her and could not find her. There was no vocalization and she flew strong.
Wednesday, I checked downtown and the surrounding area for close to two hours. I drove slowly with my windows down listening and checking as much ground area as I could. Brian H had done this the day before (Tuesday) on foot. Neither of us had any luck finding her.
Thursday, I arrived downtown on the Broad St Bridge around 3:50 pm. For two hours, I watched a female falcon hunt the pigeons over the river on either side of the bridge. She landed in places that Beauty either never landed on or seldom did. She seemed to be lighter than Beauty and my gut said, this was not Beauty, but I couldn't be sure. I was never able to get a good look to see if this bird was banded. I posted my picture album showing all the different places she landed.
Friday. Late afternoon, Beauty was positively ID'd as the injured falcon picked up and brought in to a local rehabber.
I just wanted to share what I saw during the week. Get well soon Beauty. We all miss you.