Where has he been… ?

Observation date: 9 August 2014

Our hopes were renewed last night at an Eel Grass Restoration Seminar put on by the Morro Bay National Estuary Program for volunteers which takes place this week in the Morro Bay Estuary. Heather will be part of it. She signed up to wrap bundles of eel grass, but ended up being a boat tender while the SCUBA divers planted  the bundles of eel grass. It gave her time to sketch Morro Rock from a different vantage point after handing off the eel grass.

At this meeting, we met Steve Schubert, biologist/counselor for Camp Keep, who had been leading young young people on sand spit excursions and had seen a falcon several times atop a bush on a high dune. The bird had broken feathers. This was, I believe, the first sighting of  “Homie,” who we haven’t seen in two weeks.

That day riding home on my trike, I see Heather in the midst of pulling weeds is pointing up over our house yelling, “It’s “Dangle Foot!” …aka “Homie” with still the left leg which won’t retract and broken primaries screaming like hell. We were both so thrilled we didn’t get out an iPhone or camera so Heather made a sketch which will suffice.

injured peregrine falcon

Injured peregrine falcon, “Homie”                                            Artwork by Heather O’Connor

I ran into the house and had to write this. Now I’m going back outside to see if he returns.

Happy, trails, Bob

Item:
For all you followers who have asked about “Homie.”
“He lives!”

injured peregrine in diving board hole

“Homie” in the “diving board” hole        Photo by Gordon Robb taken with a smartphone and spotting scope

Extra:
At post time the following day, I called Heather to say, “Homie” was on Morro Rock, the left leg now retracting about two thirds of the way and he was flying well.

 

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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8 Responses to Where has he been… ?

  1. Sharon says:

    Great news! Thanks for sharing this post today…….it was meant to be. Heather, your sketch of Bob’s friend, Homie is beautiful; you are so talented! Keep up the great work.
    Sharon

    • Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch says:

      Thanks, Sharon. Watching these falcons brings a great sense of drama and excitement always. Very inspiring ! ~Heather

  2. Steve Koeman says:

    Thanks for the update on “Homiie” and the drawing was beautiful !
    Steve

    • Pacific Coast Peregrine Watch says:

      We’re all glad to see “Homie” again. Thanks for your compliment on my artwork. It was done with watercolor and colored pencil. I enjoyed doing something that we couldn’t capture with our cameras. ~Heather

  3. Pam Hutchins says:

    Heather, what a beautiful drawing!

  4. janine says:

    I think your sketch is magnificent, Heather! Thank you so much for sharing it. Janine

    • Heather says:

      You are very welcome. We needed a sketch of our injured falcon because we didn’t have a photo. It gives me an opportunity to get back to doing a little artwork. There may be more chances in the future. ~Heather

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