Astrid and Ares were first seen together in the Downtown Utica area in the Summer of 2012. They are unbanded falcons so their prior history is most likely unknowable. It’s possible that one or both fledged from the over 70 known Peregrine Falcon nest sites in New York State, but that’s not something we are likely to ever know for sure. All we do know is that both of these birds were in adult plumage when they were first observed in 2012. It’s likely that each are now from 4 to 6 years old.
Had this pair ever nested at a site outside of Utica? We don’t know for sure, but probably not. If they did it was unlikely to be anywhere near Utica. The city’s Downtown area is quite probably the only viable breeding territory in the greater Utica area. The closest known territories in Central New York are in Binghampton, Syracuse and Oswego. In fact most if not all of the best territories around the State already have resident pairs which vigorously defend them. In these territories, interlopers have little chance of breeding until settled pairs die or move on. All we know for sure is that Astrid and Ares didn’t nest last year, or if they did they were not successful. We know this much because they remained in the vicinity of Downtown Utica throughout the 2013 breeding season and were never seen with young during that time.
The local falcon watchers initially had some trouble telling the male and female apart with this pair. Usually female Peregrines are noticeably larger than males. This was certainly the case with their predecessors, Maya and Tor. That pair was unconventional in many ways, but in terms of size, Maya was could always be distinguished from Tor – even from a great distance. Though there is a subtle size difference between them, the safest way to tell Astrid and Ares apart is by their plumage details.
In late March, 2014, it was taken as sure sign of breeding intentions when both Astrid and Ares began making nest scrapes in the gravel lining the bottom of the nest box. By that point the pair had already been seen engaging in courtship flight displays around the nearby State Office Building. On April 10th, Astrid laid the first egg onto the nest scrape and by April 17th, a full clutch of 4 eggs had been laid. Incubation began in earnest between the laying of the 2nd and 3rd eggs. If everything proceeds as expected, the eggs should begin hatching between 14th-17th of May.
3/30/17 Is it just me or has one of the falcons disappeared?
Astrid was out of view for much of the afternoon but she finally did show up at 4:40 PM
Where is the nest box located? I can’t really tell from the view on which building it is situated.
It’s on the south face of the Adirondack bank Building
I’m curious though do the pair migrate in the winter or no?
Sorry for the delay, but I just saw your comment. Astrid and Ares do not migrate. They remain on site, holding the territory
No they do not, they stay in this area all year long
I love all this. It’s so cool! I want to volunteer next year for the Fledgewatch. I just read about the UPFP in the December 2019 issue of Mohawk Valley Living. Amazing!
Hi Patricia,
Keep an eye on this page or the facebook page for notices of fledge watch volunteering. We usually do one or two tours in the Spring to explain fledge watch and then ask for volunteers in early June. We need a lot of volunteers each year so I am thrilled that you would like to join us for the fun!!!
Deb
There is a pair in Little Falls. They may be nesting on the Adirondack Bank building.
Hi Rob – Yes we have located them. Do you live in Little Falls? Where have you seen them? Deb
Hi. I have been watching the falcons since late March and documenting them and didn’t know this site existed today, I though it was only a few people watching but there’s a whole page on it!
Since it seems that you know about the area of Utica, could you tell me what the most common birds that live in Utica or are eaten by the falcons. Usually by the time the bird is brought it can no longer be observed. Thank you and very thankful for your information!
Hi Stephen,
There is a large variety of birds in the Utica area. The Utica marsh brings in many varied species. The falcons rely mainly on pigeons during the winter but in the spring and summer they take many different species of song birds such as gold finch, cuckoo, starlings, sparrows etc. Our page includes daily updates during the nesting season. There is a 6 plus year history that you can review under latest news if you wish. If you are in the area we would encourage you to join us during fledge watch in June. There will be another page with more information on fledge soon.