Observation date: 5 May 2018
For the past six weeks, we have been waiting through agonizing times with nothing happening. Then on April 10th, they started incubation. We were only seeing one bird at a time. So you can see, there was not much to write about. Then on the 13th of April we saw food go into the nest site. Now, we have some excitement. Now, I know the chicks have hatched. After twenty one more days, we saw prey items for the chicks go into the eyrie and still no sign of young chicks. Finally on the 1st of May, I saw just the head and wing flap of a young falcon.
A tourist and I saw it happen, but none of my cronies did. Of course, they said “B.S..”
I called Cleve Nash, renowned photographer, and said “Come to the rock, we’ve got young falcons.” The following day, Cleve shot the photos below of two young falcons and all my cronies were there. No more “B.S.!”
Flying out for more food Photo by Cleve Nash
May 4th we saw 7 mid-air kills and 2 mid-air food transfers … food for the chicks. They were small birds, mostly swifts and swallows and one Yellow-rumped Warbler. Today, one large bird with just the body, no wings or head was delivered to the nest site by the tiercel.
Feeding voracious chicks Photo by Cleve Nash
Just another bite… Photo by Cleve Nash
If you want to see falcon young and parents, now is the best time to see them. They will be feathering out quickly. Right now they are pure white. They should fly around the 27th of May or so. Don’t miss it.
Happy trails, Bob
Exciting update, Bob. Amazing photos, Cleve. I’m coming down to see!
Wonderful images of the parent Falcon and chicks. Glad to hear how well they are doing. Thanks.
Bob; thanks to you and Clive for the fantastic and heart warming photos! I’m really excited that this little family is thriving. Maybe “BS” stands for “best sighting” tee hee. Fondly, Janine