Location of abandoned and current nest sites Photo by Heather O’Connor
Our readers have been asking about the south side falcons and what’s going on. I have yet to write about them for the last two weeks because of all the curve balls that I have been thrown by this pair. I see patterns that continue for three or four days, then a complete change.
I can’t tell you what I don’t know, but here is what I do know. For weeks in May, we saw incubation exchanges take place in the second nesting site. This is after the abandonment of the first nest site, the “diving board” eyrie. In June we saw food exchanges and prey items taken into the second eyrie. Also, at this time a few photographers and observers could hear what they thought to be young chicks cacking in the eyrie. Since the first of July, I have not seen any prey go into the eyrie or heard sounds.
Full soar…………………. Photo by Cleve Nash
The female is molting and sits in a very small hole for hours at a time. She only flies to chase a hawk or errant young falcon from the north side. She came to the rock as a sub-adult in the summer of 2001. She is about 13 years old. Last year, she had the largest clutch consisting of four chicks out of the 25 that she fledged since she’s been here.
The tiercel visits the nest site frequently and this is what keeps me going, going, going…..
Happy trails, Bob
Item: I spend four to six hours a day observing, so I might miss some things that happen.
great photo; keep up the observation post notes!
just finished an article on peregrines in the magazine called Africa Birds and Birding.
It was called A Passion for Peregrines. More great stories and shots of our favorite bullet birds…
Thanks for your comments. We love to hear from our readers and will answer any questions. We, also, appreciate hearing that you are reading about peregrines around the world. They can be found on all continents except Antarctica. ~Heather
You are doing a very good informative study to share with us all and makes me and others realize there is much more to the rock than what meets the naked eye. Thanks so much
I know you are one of the more dedicated readers. You name comes up very frequently as soon as we post a story. If you feel there is something you might like to know about, please let me know. ~ Happy trails, Bob
Yes, baffled, befuddled and let’s add bewildered! I agree with your candid observations. You’re doing a good job. Stay watchful.
Thanks, Teddy, I just need something to happen! The suspense is killing me. ~Happy trails, Bob
I read your writings and enjoy them very much as they are very informative. The images are great too. Thank you for all the time you spend watching and learning about the Falcons around Morro Rock and other places. I visited California last February and saw the Falcons. That is the only place I’ve ever seen them in person. All one has to do is sit for awhile, look around at nature and the birds. We miss so much by not doing that more often.
Thank you for your kind words. I will keep on top of the situation here. It may have been frustrating for the falcons since they had to re-clutch in a new nest site and, also, it was for me wondering what would happen next and what to write. ~ Happy trails, Bob