Today was a very special day for our Rochester Falcons. It was time for our eyases to get their bling! Our friends from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) arrived to give each eyas two bands, the US Fish and Wildlife band (which usually gets covered in colored tape to help the watchers during the fledge watch) and the NYS band. We are very thankful that our eyases get banded, because it helps us to learn if they successfully nest in the future. Because of banding, we know where many of our past eyases have gone, and that many are now raising young of their own.

Today Nova and Corazon’s three young eyases were safely removed from the nest box and brought inside the building. This whole process takes a very short time. They were quickly returned to their nest box and reunited with their parents.

Introducing the 2026 Rochester Falcon eyases!

KODAK (Female) – NYS Band Black 41 Over Green AD, No Tape over the USFW Band

Our only female. Her name was chosen by Haley Casler’s 3rd Graders at Richard Mann Elementary School in Gananda, NY. We were inspired by the building the falcons nested on in the past, as well as the history of the Eastman Kodak Co, which was founded in Rochester and has been an influential company in our area for many years.

CASEY (Male) – NYS Band Black 30 Over Green R, Red Tape Over the USFW Band

Casey was the winning name that received the most votes in our online naming contest. This name was chosen Vicky MacCollum of Brockport, NY.

Etymologists interpret the name Casey to have several meanings such as vigilant and watchful. It is characterized by a sharp, observant nature and alertness. It also means brave in battle, with strength, and a protective spirit. These describe impressive qualities of the magnificent Peregrine Falcon.

Tsavorite (Male) – NYS Band Black 31 Over Green R, Blue Tape over USFW Band

The Rochester Falcon Watchers (the local group) lost a very good friend last year, Brian Herne. Brian was asked multiple times over the years to name an eyas, but he always declined. He finally suggested the name, Tsavorite, for one of the 25th Anniversary eyases, but the name was not chosen.

To remember our good friend and fellow watcher, we choose to name one of the 2026 eyases, Tsavorite.

The Tsavorite gemstone, a vibrant green garnet, represents hope, faith and wisdom cultivated over 25 years. It symbolizes growth, which we all know our eyases do a lot of before taking their first flights.