Update for Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Astrid and Ares had a very active day in the canyon today. They guarded the nest most of the day. Ares arrived early, at 2 AM. They performed three ledge displays in the nestbox and mated many times. At one point during the day Ares seemed to get inspired by the sound of sirens going off in the Downtown canyon. He joined in with many long calls. I thought only dogs did that kind of thing? Ares did some practice egg shading Inside the box, which is one of the weirdest things that Peregrines do. Astrid appeared to be doing it too, but on the east veranda. We did not see any completed food exchanges, but we could have easily missed one since they happen so fast. We did see one attempted exchange, but Ares wouldn’t let go of the food. It was more like a scrap of something anyway.
I think many – at least a few – birds respond to loud noises. Wild turkeys gobble after hearing crow calls, owl hoots, thunder, and planes overhead. Perhaps they are responding to what they think are challenges.