Offspring Updates: Rhea Mae, Freedom & Ranger
Now that Mariah’s five eggs have all hatched successfully we thought you’d like to hear the latest news regarding some of Mariah’s other progeny…
Four for Rhea Mae
Photo by Linda Woods/Canadian Peregrine Foundation
Linda Woods of the Canadian Peregrine Foundation reports that Rhea Mae’s fourth egg hatched yesterday (May 12)! It was a few days behind the other3, which hatched before the weekend. There was some speculation that the fourth egg may not have been viable– a normal occurence with new Falcon mothers. We’re pleased to report that all four eyases appear healthy and active. Way to go Rhea Mae and Tiago! A group of Falconcam team members and fans are already planning a trip to Toronto in a few weeks for an in-person look at Mariah’s extended family.
Freedom & Millie Continue Brooding
Freedom and new mate Millie now have their own observation page on the CPF Website! It features pictures and nest site observations going back to 2005. From nest watcher Doug Garbutt comes word that a third juvenile Peregrine was recently spotted near the nest box before being driven away. Perhaps due to the additional stress from this encounter, Millie was observed eating one of her three eggs, possibly after it was damaged during the territory dispute. She and Freedom continue brooding the remaining two eggs. The estimated hatch dates for these eggs was May 10-12. They’re a little late, but it’s still possible hatching will occur.
UPDATE 14 May – One of Freedom and Millie’s eggs has hatched!
Second Clutch for Ranger & Hunter?
Recent news from Ranger’s nest monitor Harry Crawford at the Canadian Peregrine Foundation indicates that Hunter and Ranger may be starting a second clutch of eggs at their new nest site.
Hunter flew from the CIBC building in one great stoop and landed on the north-most balcony on the east side of the Four Seasons Hotel. He faced inwards and vocalized. Moments later, Ranger appeared from the floor of the balcony and Hunter took her place. NEST ANYONE!
This is behavior typical of birds that are having a brooding shift change, so it’s possible that Ranger has started a second clutch of eggs. She has done this in years past following the failure of her first clutch. Unfortunately, repeat clutches have failed to hatch as well. We’re all hoping for a change in Ranger and Hunter’s fortunes this year!
-Jess
May 13th, 2008 at 4:44 PM
This is fantastic!!!
Thank you so-o-o-o-o much for the Offspring Updates.
More families to watch – more fun and excitement.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:41 PM
Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on Mariah’s family. So cool !!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:17 PM
Congratulations To Rhea and Happy Mother’s day, Thank you for the update…Now I can watch 9 little Darlings grow up…I’m so happy..
May 13th, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Speaking of falcons in other cities, the Providence, RI, newspaper has some nice coverage of their local peregrines. Be sure to check the slideshows for some great pictures:
http://www.projo.com/outdoors/content/Peregrine_falcons_04-29-08_729S8M1_v31.357ecbb.html
http://www.projo.com/news/content/Peregrine_falcon_banding_05-10-08_5SA3EVO_v28.3732469.html
http://www.projo.com/slideshow/2008/0428_falcons/
http://www.projo.com/slideshow/2008/0509_falcons/pages/12.htm
May 13th, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Good for all of Mariah’s Babies! Now they are grown up and making their own family!! 🙂
May 13th, 2008 at 11:46 PM
Jess Ive notice A big pile of feathers in the nest box. Is there a reason for it and does anyone have a picture of Mariah or Kaver plucking them out.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:23 AM
Angela, I think the feathers are not theirs, but debris from their prey. They’re great parents, but not the best housekeepers.
May 14th, 2008 at 1:50 AM
Angela – They brought a blue jay for dinner, and for some reason the tail stayed around for a while.
May 14th, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Ohh I see! Thanks ezsha and Sarampa1! Its really nice that on this website people answer you questions. 😉
May 15th, 2008 at 6:27 PM
Just checked on Canadian site and found out that Millie’s Fist Egg has Hatched!!! Wonderful news considering the speculation that her clutch may have been defective. One more egg to go for them – cross your fingers and keep checking back!!!
May 15th, 2008 at 7:59 PM
@krystle – Thanks for the heads up! Let’s hope their other egg hatches too.
May 15th, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Another observation from Doug about Freedom and Millie’s recent hatch:
Against some odds (I am told), Freedom & Millie have had one of their remaining 2 eggs hatch! As you know, Millie ate 1 of her original 3 eggs about 3 wks. ago. We are real happy to know that she can in fact produce viable eggs even at her young age. I believe Freedom is responsible for this success as he has probably been on the eggs about 80% of the incubation process!!
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Looks like Kaver has passed on his SUPERDAD genes to Freedom! 🙂
Carol P.
May 18th, 2008 at 5:31 PM
Just checked the Toronto web site and saw that one of Rhea Mae’s young died sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. Does anyone know what happened?
May 19th, 2008 at 2:25 PM
I just found out about Rhea Mae’s baby as well Judy and it is reallt sad. Let’s wish her luck with the remaining babies