News, video, and more about Utica's Peregrine Falcons
Astrid and Ares spent a lot of time bonding in the box and around the canyon today. Ares brought food to Astrid at least three times. Mating was only verified once today but with all the other activities their behavior is very much in sync with normal mating habits.
Astrid and Ares have surprised us by mating once again this morning. It is looking like Spring has come early for our falcons this year. Only time will tell but it sure seems like they have begun the mating process in earnest.
Here’s a close up view but without audio
SPRING IS HERE!!!! Well at least Astrid and Ares think it has arrived. This is the first mating of the year that we have seen. Last year the first verified mating took place on March 13th. This seems quite early compared with the past two years. However, it’s possible that they did mate this early last year but jut not at the nest box. We will have to keep watching to see if this earlier mating leads to earlier egg laying or not…..
And then there was a second mating later in the afternoon!
Skye is doing well at the rehabilitator. Jean expects to flight test him today! If all goes well, we will try to reunite him with his family this week. We will need volunteers to be on hand for the release and for a few days after the release. Please watch the Fledge Watch Page and Facebook for updates…
In case you were watching the live feed – Orion miscalculated her return to the box from the west veranda. She eventually glided her way to the parking lot where we rescued her. She is on her way to a local rehabilitator to be checked out. We will update everyone as soon as we have more information. We believe she is fine.
