Falcon Update: Four Successful Fledglings!
As everyone who has been following the fledge watch reports knows, all four of this year’s juveniles fledged successfully! Through the Gallery at Imprints and the pictures posted by many of our watchers in their Fledge Watch Reports, we’ve watched them grow from their first tentative flights. Ananta, Linn, Sacajawea and Grace are now well on their way to becoming accomplished fliers. They’re still spending much of their time near the High Falls area, but they’re also beginning to explore areas farther away. Over the next several weeks we expect we’ll see the juveniles less and less downtown, though our watchers will be keeping an eye out for them through the rest of the summer.
The “official” four-week fledge watch has ended for 2007, but we’ll continue to bring you updates on the falcons throughout the summer, so be sure to check back often! On behalf of the Genesee Valley Audubon Society and the Rochester Falconcam, we want to thank each and every watcher– official and unofficial– who donated their time and effort to help ensure the safety of the fledglings and to document their activity. I’ve missed writing, but it was great to read all of the fledge watch reports that have been posted. We’re certainly very fortunate here in Rochester to have such a dedicated and talented group of volunteers.
In the weeks to come the young falcons will begin to strike out on their own. They may range far away, or stick close to home. Sometimes juveniles are reluctant to leave. Life isn’t easy for a first-year falcon. They need to hunt in order to survive, and that’s hard work. There are reports of juveniles begging food from non-parental adults along Peregrine migration routes. It’s much easier to have your food brought to you than to have to get it yourself. If any of the fledglings do try to stay around, the adults will eventually drive them out of the territory. Think of it as kicking the kids out of the house. They can’t stay around forever, after all.
Mariah and Kaver sometimes make it look easy, but the fact is that hunting is a difficult task. By some estimates, Peregrines are successful in only one out of every 5 or 6 hunting attempts. It takes a lot of energy to hunt, so a young falcon, lacking experience, can get into trouble if it has a bad run of luck. It’s an unfortunate fact that the highest mortality rate occurs among juveniles at this stage, often because they can’t catch enough food to survive. We’re hopeful that all four of this year’s Rochester fledglings will go on to lead successful lives, but experience teaches us that one or more of them probably won’t make it. We can take comfort in the knowledge that the strongest of them will likely survive, and perhaps in a few years we’ll hear that they’ve established territories of their own just as Freedom and Ranger have done.
Meanwhile, we’re still busy here at the Rochester Falconcam. Look for some exciting new features coming soon!
-Jess
July 18th, 2007 at 1:46 PM
You have made this event so thrilling that I am making plans to see it in person next year — I can’t wait. The narration and the pics were just out of this world and both of them did make it seem as if I was there. It is truly inspiring and it will be hard to wait til next year. Linn is my favorite of this year and that will be the only thing missing next year but I am sure there will be another winner.
Thanks again for making me feel a part of this Falcon Event.
Kathy O
July 18th, 2007 at 3:11 PM
I have enjoyed all the updates! While my son and I have occassionally checked out the falcons in past years, this is the first year we watched everyday and even made our first trip to the gorge. I am asusming there won’t be any further updates via Imprints? Will we still be able to keep up with their progress via other avenues?
July 18th, 2007 at 7:16 PM
I want to thank you so much for keeping us up to speed on the progress of the girls. I only hope and pray they all will make it. I’ve enjoyed coming on board everyday to see photos and here how they are doing. Thank you again, and I am looking forward to next year.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:07 PM
It has been great watching the falcons this year. I have been watching for the last 2 years and this year has been so exciting for me. The pictures and comments from “Imprints” have been AWESOME. Thanks so much to all the watchers. I am looking forward to next year. Hope you can keep us posted sometimes on how this year’s fledglings are doing.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:17 PM
Don’t go away yet, folks! We still have a few tricks up our sleeves for this year, and we’ll be posting updates on the falcons throughout the summer.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:46 PM
I just want to say a huge Thank You for all of you involved in caring for these beautiful birds. Having access to Imprints was awfully nice to get capsulized versions of the actions of the day or weekend. Fantastic photography for photos and videos made me wish I was there. Perhaps, next Spring, I’ll be able to come East to see the little ones for 2008. I really enjoyed the cameraderie between all of you folks in Rochester area. As a native Buffalonian, living in New Mexico, it was fun seeing the city of Rochester. Kinda made me homesick. But not really! You folks can keep the snow! 🙂 Again, thanks for maintaining this website and the nestbox. I look forward to next year with baited breath.
July 19th, 2007 at 11:42 AM
A hugh thank you to all of the volunteers. “Imprints” has truly been a wonderful site. I have watched the falcons for many years and always felt bad when they were no longer visible at the tower. “Imprints” has extended the season and the pictures have been absolutely fantastic. Some wonderful photography and very talented photographers have made it seem like I was there watching in person. I shall continue to follow this site and look forward to your “tricks” for the remainder of the season.
July 19th, 2007 at 1:50 PM
I would like to thank everyone involved with this wonderful project. I have remained fascinated since the very beginning. This site and information was a wonderful tool in teaching science to my 5th graders. i have turned 60 “cool” kids into avid bird watchers. I am too hoping that in the next year or so to try to make ot to Rochester. I live in East Texas, Lufkin, and would love to take a trip to see these beautiful birds. How thrilling it must be to be able to watch the babies fly!! I can’t wait until next year to see what surprises await us. Again, a million thanks to everyone that has been involved in this project. Lia Minshew, Lufkin, Texas.
July 19th, 2007 at 4:59 PM
I would like to add my thanks to everyone involve in this site and to the bird watchers. I have enjoyed watching M & K and the girls this year. The descriptions, pictures and videos have been amazing. You have turned me into an avid bird watcher. Next year I hope to volunteer. Again thanks to everyone for their dedication to this program. All of you are absoultely BRILLANT! Erin
July 19th, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Adding my thanks to the chorus of very grateful falcon aficionados who have shared the joy of this terrifically successful nesting/fledging season. Following the progress of the girl as they progress from eggs to helpless hatches to finally become the terrors of High Falls Gorge and the canyons of downtown Rochester has been a genuine delight. My thanks to Jess and all the talented contributers to this site.
July 20th, 2007 at 9:36 AM
This was the first year that I watched the entire process from downey puff balls to Linn’s lunch on the limb. The other day I saw a falcon near Blossom and Browncroft, and imagined one of our youngsters taking up residence near by. Thanks for all the information, the pictures, and the dedication. It pays off in the pleasure people like me got from following the progress over the last few months. I’ve had a real education along the way. Kudos to all of you!
July 21st, 2007 at 11:52 AM
My son and I watch the falcons every year both online and while downtown at a baseball game. This year was absolutely extraordinary. This new site is interactive and educational to both children and adults. My son feels a new connection to the falcons and even spotted one, about a week ago, flying over the Kodak area on West Ridge Road where the buildings were torn down. My guess is along with the flocks of seagulls, they are finding some type of food source there. The band was too far away to see the color but what a thrill. Thank you for such an enlightening year.
July 21st, 2007 at 9:48 PM
Thanks to each and everyone of you. I was “led” here this year by a friend. What a wonderful experience this has been. The pictures have been and still are amazing. You and the birds have given much pleasure, and I thank you for doing what you do. May the gods and goddesses take the wings of these creatures, and protect them upon their many journeys.
July 21st, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Thanks to all who kept us informed on the falcons. It was so fascinating. I learned so much. I will certainly be back here next year for the next falcon watch. Thanks again.
July 22nd, 2007 at 10:25 PM
I had so much fun this year keeping an eye on our falcons. What a wonderful group of helpers! Thanks to all who gave us such an exciting time. Will be back next year …..Caye
March 31st, 2008 at 11:48 PM
I have loved falcons ever since I started studying them in 3rd grade! I like the Kodak Falcons the best. I even daydream about them!
Falcons = hunt power! They are a to be falconers dream. Thats why I like them so much!