The second juvenile with undeveloped feathers Photo by Cleve Nash
Today, Memorial Day, we have two airborne falcons and one still grounded in the eyrie. However, “Flyboy” has returned to the nest site at least twice today. Seems he’s a little ticked at late meals or, at least, food going into the eyrie and not to him. The second chick to fly is a male, also. We believe the third that has not flown is a female.
After looking at yesterday’s photos, Cleve and Heather decided a photo of a chick flying was actually the second one to fledge. Cleve had noticed in the photo that the two lateral tail feathers on either side were not fully developed, creating the appearance of half feather half shaft. The photo above clearly shows the undeveloped feathers of the second bird. Previous photos of “Flyboy” do not show this, but instead fully developed feathers. “Good job, Cleve!”
With all the excitement of the young fledging, we have had quite a gathering of long time peregrine observers. Steve Schubert of Camp Keep, Judy Sullivan and more. Last Friday, we had conducted peregrine programs for Mrs. Washer’s and Miss Ward’s second grade classes from Bishop Peak Elementary School, San Luis Obispo, CA. Some of those students with their families were out to see the peregrines today.
I hope your holiday was as good as ours.
Happy trails, Bob
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Stay tuned for news of our new aviatrix yet to fly.
What a great picture of the Peregrine, you must have him trained to pose for this shot. Good going we all appreciate it, Linda Wedel
Oh! The excitement. I am so happy to see the pictures!
I’m enjoying your updates. So glad we stopped by that day while we were staying at the RV park.
We love it when people from the campgrounds come out to learn about the peregrines!~Heather