A tale of two tails…

The second juvenile with undeveloped feathers   Photo by Cleve Nash

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

Item:
Stay tuned for news of our new aviatrix yet to fly.

About Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch

The Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch is here to inform birders, students and all people who are eager to know about these handsome peregrines. We want you to enjoy and be able to use our on-site powerful spotting scopes. We are available to answer your questions about the pair of falcons that have been observed for many years.
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4 Responses to A tale of two tails…

  1. Linda Wedel says:

    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

  2. Sue says:

    Oh! The excitement. I am so happy to see the pictures!

  3. Jo Kennedy says:

    I’m enjoying your updates. So glad we stopped by that day while we were staying at the RV park.

    • Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch says:

      We love it when people from the campgrounds come out to learn about the peregrines!~Heather

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