Falcons Back in the Swing of Things

It was another very cold day in the downtown canyon. By all appearances, Astrid and Ares weren’t as put out by it as they were on Saturday. In fact they mated on the State Building in the early morning when the temperature was still only in the single digits. Later in the day, Ares brought at least one if not two food tributes to Astrid (one she may have caught herself). She was seen feeding on the hotel ledge while he kept a close watch. After she was done, Ares had his share. The pair took part in a late day ledge display at the nest box. Lately their ledge displays have been very long and have involved much beaking, but not much dancing or bowing.

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Ares spent a lot of time in the nest box today – guarding it and encouraging Astrid to come over

 

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Astrid feeds on the hotel ledge while Ares keeps lookout
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A late day ledge display features much beaking behavior
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Ares prepares to dive out of the box after their display
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Astid surveys her downtown domain from the nest box

Very Cold and Windy Weather Today, But the Falcons are Still Thinking of Spring

Astrid and Ares had to put up with some nasty weather today. Low temperatures, high winds and dense snow squalls persisted throughout the day. Ares wasn’t seen giving his mate any food tributes today, nor were any matings observed, which represents a break in their recent pattern. However, the pair did share three long ledge displays at the nest box.

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Astrid and Ares share an early evening ledge display
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Astrid remains in the box after Ares leaves
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Ares waits for Astrid to arrive
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Astrid and Ares begin their display
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The pair touch bills during one of their three ledge displays
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Astrid arrives for an evening display