FALCON FLASH Dateline: Cleveland, Ohio May 4, 2004
Have you noticed that the chicks have moved within the nest? They are able to "walk" a little bit on their tarsi now. Look for them to begin to walk on their toes soon, as adult birds do.
The Terminal Tower falcon chicks will be banded by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife on Tuesday, May 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Watch the FalconCam at http://www.falconcam.apk.net/
SW's bands
You may also have noticed that SW is having some trouble keeping her chicks under her, as they are growing stronger and starting to explore the world.
The parents stay very close to the nest at this point, with SW in the nest and Buckeye nearby watching over his family. In this picture Buckeye stands guard on the FalconCam and glares at peregrine nest monitor, Scott Wright, as he takes this picture from inside the building.
SW and Buckeye's bands tell us the following information: SW was hatched and fledged from the 37th floor of the Gulf Tower building in Pittsburgh, PA. Pennsylvania does not believe in naming wild creatures, so she goes by her band letters, SW (notice that the W is on its side). Buckeye was hatched on the Rhodes Tower in Columbus, Ohio. See if you can find these cities on a map of North America. Can you figure out how far SW and Buckeye had to fly to meet each other in Cleveland, Ohio?
To watch the falcons live go to: http://www.falconcam.apk.net/ Our thanks to EcoCity Cleveland for providing the FalconCams as a public service. The photos of chicks are stills captured from the FalconCam.
The photos of Buckeye watching over the nest and of SW's bands are courtesy of Scott Wright and may be used in any non-commercial publication, electronic or print, but please give him photo credit.
