As the weeks proceed it is getting harder and harder for the falcon watchers to track Skye and Comet. They are both disappearing from the downtown canyon for increasingly longer periods – sometimes not even returning at nightfall. Most likely they are spending that time exploring and hunting. We know for a fact that Comet has been doing some of his own hunting for weeks now. Even though Skye may still be somewhat hampered by his injury, he too has been witnessed pursuing prey. Also, his appearing on high perches on a variety of buildings gives us confidence that he is getting around sufficiently. The independence of the immature falcons is in part prompted by their parents’ ceasing to provide as much food as they used to. Just a week ago, many ledges in the canyon held prey – most caught and cached by Ares. Now those cupboards are bare and the youngsters are forced by hunger to do more than just beg to their parents. Based on last year’s experience we expect that the immatures will leave the area by the end of August. It seems that Comet is skilled enough to leave at any time, but he may just choose to remain in the prey-rich environment of the city, at least for a little while longer. Skye will likely stay longer in order to properly hone his skills and increase his stamina. This is the time that our remaining Fledge Watch Volunteers will be experiencing serious falcon withdrawal. It’s hard to believe this breeding season is nearly wrapped!
MATT, YOUR PHOTOS ARE INCREDIBLE…THANKS FOR THE UPDATE. AND I ALREADY AM EXPERIENCING WITHDRAWAL…BUT GLAD THEY’RE DOING WELL.
Been following..can we announce with fan fare that 2 wonderful & healthy males falcons were successfully (introduced to mother nature) fledged due to the effort of the volunteers? Thank you very much for all your dedication.
There seems to be one falcon left. Will he be leaving soon or is there something wrong? Thank you.
Have the babies migrated yet? Are these the Mom and Pop that we still see in the nest? Do they migrate or will they stay here all winter? Love watching them on the cams.
CIndy – Yes the young have migrated and unless someone sees the bands on Skye to report his whereabouts we will probably never know anything more about this year’s surviving young. Astrid and Ares are year round residents. They have a good food supply – pigeons and starlings – and they need to stay in their territory to defend it from other peregrines who would like to set up residence. The great part about them staying year round is that we get to see them every day!! Ares will usually visit the box around 6:30 to 7:00 am. Lately they have been having a dance in the box nearly every day. Glad you enjoy watching them!!
The two siblings have fledged and we may never see them again 🙁 We still see Astrid & Ares. All in all a successful season, and we are all looking forward to 2016!