Four years ago today, March 28, 2002, SW gained control of this nestsite from the female named Zenith, in a fierce battle that resulted in Zenith’s death. Zenith had nested at this site for the previous 9 years and had produced over 30 young, but there was one thing that led to Zenith’s downfall – she migrated during the winter instead of staying close to her nest and guarding it. In the winter of 2001-2002, while Zenith was away, a new female falcon, SW, arrived at the nest. She mated with Buckeye and laid 4 eggs before Zenith returned. Falcon fans were terribly worried because Zenith had fought off two females during the two previous nesting seasons, and killed one. However, in 2002, Zenith was getting older and SW was young and strong - and she had eggs to protect. On the morning of March 28, 2002, Zenith returned to her Cleveland home after spending the winter elsewhere.
Zenith returns...............
Mr. Tony Rinicella, who works in a nearby building, witnessed the attack in all its fury as the two fighting females landed on Public Square in the street and then fought on the skyscraper ledges. Buckeye, the male, remained on the eggs during the entire fight. The battle ended quickly and the new female, who we now know as SW, was the victor.
Mr. Scott Wright, who has been a peregrine falcon nest monitor for 14 years at this nestsite, wrote the following about Zenith’s death:
“How can I describe her?
She was a devoted mother and a vicious defender of her nest and nest mate.
Her passing touches me deeply, and words cannot describe the true sadness I feel touching me. Yes, she was a wild creature, and I say I do not form emotional attachments with them, but I spent several thousands of hours with her and her chicks/fledged young.
I have rescued many young from certain death after they have landed in the street and she has greeted me at the window upon the return of her wayward offspring. I bear the scars of her talons on my left arm from the time I helped remove a week old chick that had died in the nest.
Why do the females fight? Well, they protect the nest and fight for the male. Males will do the same and fight for the nest and the female. Nature's way.
I am saddened by the turn of events, and know that Falcon life will always go on, but somehow a part of the history of the Terminal Tower nest site will always carry the name Zenith.
Remember her well, and may her many offspring carry her name for many decades yet to come.”
R.I.P. Zenith
She found SW in her nest incubating 4 eggs…..
Since that day 4 years ago, SW has ruled at this site. Mr. Rinicella describes what happened that day after the battle: “On the way home (back across Public Square) I stopped to see if I could find SW. Finally, I did see her, 50 stories above the city buzzing the Key Tower building. She circled it a few times, wings stretched wide, hardly flapping. I saw her flap a few times and she came to a landing, nearly on the peak of the tallest building between New York and Chicago (Key Tower). It was almost as if she were saying...
"This is my town now............."
The FalconCams are sponsored by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Falcon’s website is getting a new look and new address. Bookmark the new address to watch the falcons live:
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams. The 2002 FalconCam still is courtesy of APK.net, sponsors of the cameras at that time.
The memorial photo of Zenith was taken in spring 2001, and was a favorite of Zenith’s many fans. Mr. Wright called it "Zenith Peek-a-boo". Mr. Wright ‘s photos may be used by children for school and/or personal projects, but please give him photo credit. All others must contact Mr. Wright directly for permission to use his photos.
