News, video, and more about Utica's Peregrine Falcons
Tuesday, May 3rd at 7:18 PM, we determined one of the eggs had hatched! We had heard the chick calling from inside the egg for several hours. Astrid stayed on duty the entire time as the chick slowly hammered itself out of the shell – helped along by Astrid dragging the egg against the stones. After the hatch Astrid ate the egg shell. We only got the briefest looks at the chick, but hope to have much better views once light returns in the morning. Perhaps another hatch will come tomorrow!
Ares tries to get Astrid to come to the box to get this lovely dinner!! If you look closely you can see Astrid on the State Bldg. Top left row of visible windows. Also you can catch glimpses of Ares flying around the canyon and getting close to Astrid before returning to the box. His tactics worked!!
Early this morning a very anxious Ares tried his best to lure Astrid into the nestbox with food. He flew in and out again and again, calling and looking desperate. Finally near the end of this 6 minute clip, Astrid shows up and takes the meal. Success at last!
Today was a calmer and wetter day than yesterday. There were no exciting chase scenes – thankfully. For the most part the pair kept close to vicinity of the nest box. Ares caught prey for his mate at least 3 times. Later in the afternoon Astrid and Ares performed a courtship display at the box. Here’s the video:
