This is a slow time of year and not too much excitement, but it gives us the chance to catch up on our house-keeping and buying a new Epson Projector EX5220 for school presentations. Now, Heather will have to create with my guidance a slide show on Apple Keynote.
Meanwhile at the rock, the days are getting shorter and the birds and mammals sense it. The ground squirrels don’t seem to linger when someone is feeding them. They run off with cheeks bulging to a near by larder in the jumble of rocks and brush at the foot of Morro Rock.
Female on the twig Photo by Heather O’Connor with Cleve Nash’s 400mm lens
The south side tiercel continues to show courtship flights at least once a day including, at least, two amorous advances while the female is perched on the “twig” for which she has done for the last month. It has been her favorite spot to perch. The proximity of the “twig” to the sheer face behind it makes it nearly impossible for him to mount her. Although, he has tried twice in the last few weeks, he has only managed to get one of his feet to touch her. I believe she enjoys this interaction because she doesn’t seem to flinch or fly off. However, she does not go into her normal submissive pose like she does when breeding is in full swing.
Tiercel, cliff racing at speed Photo by Cleve Nash
I guess I am just as anxious to see something happen as he is. For me, so I will have something to write about; for him, it has been a long dry nine months since his last encounter with her even though he’s with her every day.
I tried to tell him, “Slow down, take it easy, in a few more weeks, she will be demanding of you.”
Happy trails, Bob
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Heather and I had a great weekend with Geography Professor Maureen Smith and the many students of Saddleback College, Orange County, California. We introduced them to the peregrines and geology of Morro Rock with a small sample of elephant seal information which will be part of her next field trip.
And my thanks to Cleve Nash for the loan of his magnificent lens. ~Heather
It must feel like spring, I hear you had a very warm day in Morro today.
Yes, it was quite warm. Didn’t note the temperature, but could you call it another Indian Summer?
Hi Bob and Heather. It sure makes me feel good to know that the next generation is being introduced to the natural world by people like you two. Hopefully, your enthusiasm will ignite an awareness of, and protectiveness for our dear little planet, her rhythms and sacred ways. Thank you. Janine