Sorry for the late posting. The highlight of last night were all 4 fledglings made several flights during this time. At one point they all flew from the stacks onto a ledge of the Kodak building lining up for what became a perfect photo opportunity. For the most part the landings were smooth but they are still learning how to do it softly.

Around 8:30 pm it did get somewhat exciting. Two of the fledglings were sitting on the north stack when a falcon appeared overheard. At first, several watchers commented that it was Mariah, who had left some time before this headed towards the gorge, trying to get the fledglings to fly again. After several drives towards them it became apparent that, first it wasn’t friendly, and second it was smaller than the fledglings. It was determine it was a Kestrel not being very nice to the young falcons. Immediately, Kaver who was watching them from the Kodak building came to the rescue of his offspring. He drove the Kestrel off with an attach of his own and as a last act of defiance the Kestrel trailed Kaver back to the Kodak building.

From the writers perspective this just showed again what good parents Kaver and Mariah are, although allowing the fledglings to try things on their own they are still there to protect them. Although the are falcons, the are still a family unit.

A short time later 2 of the fledglings follow Kaver out on a trip but they return shortly to the Kodak building.

At 9 pm when we left the 4 fledging were all sitting on the smoke stacks. Kaver and Mariah were still out, possibly hunting for a final evening meal.

Ryan and Tom

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