Observation date: 24 August 2014
This years single offspring who we have referred to as “Homie,” in previous postings, has been given early notice to vacate the premises. The adult female arrived at Morro Rock, early in the afternoon, landing on the “diving board” of the old eyrie. She soon walked into the back to retire after a day of whatever they do. A half hour later, the tiercel returns with “Homie” in tow. The juvenile bird thinking there might be an easy meal around, is following him screaming.
Gordon and I think this is great because we had not seen the young one for a week. Not so for the mother falcon.
“Son, it is time you got out on your own.”
The adult female exploded out of the “diving board” eyrie. She overtook the young one in seconds, delivering a punch in the butt. After two or three of these, “Homie” is squealing like a stuck hog! He turned out over the bay, both parents diving and striking at him. Between the two adults, they struck him no less than twenty times. We knew then this was for real. They weren’t going to wait for late September to run him off.
Time to go solo! Photo by Cleve Nash
As we watched him clear the sand spit in the distance, you could still hear his cries. It is tough love, but it’s the way it has to be. If he comes back in a day or a week, he will get the same. Some folks were upset at seeing this, but it has to happen.
Happy trails, Bob
Item: “Homie’s” leg has healed completely and his broken feathers will be replaced.
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Very interesting and sad. Why can’t families just get along?
Hi Linda, Thanks for your comments.
Soon he will have a family of his own and he will have to do this to his young, also. This is how new territories become established. Can you picture all of your kids, their spouses, their kids living with you the rest of your life? No, we raise our children to become independent. It just happens more quickly in birds. They have to protect their own territory which supplies their food source, too. ~Bob and Heather