Over the last week, all four chicks have continued to lose their down. Here they are a week ago……
You probably have learned that the female peregrine falcon is larger than the male. The following information comes from the Canadian Peregrine Foundation website:
"A study conducted at Cornell University demonstrated that females are more efficient hunters, because they can catch larger prey species, and therefore need to make fewer hunting expeditions, and as a result conserves energy. However, during incubation and while the chicks are young, the female spends most of her time at the nest, and does little hunting. The male therefore ends up providing most of the food during this time. The result of this is that when the chicks are young, they are fed small birds such as sparrows and starlings, whereas when they are older and need more food, the female begins to hunt again and brings larger prey such as pigeons and ducks."
and here they are several days later with SW. Notice, they are almost as big as their parents.
You won't see much action on the FalconCam lately, because the chicks are out walking around the ledges and exercising (or napping) most of the time.
These big chicks require LOTS of food. Mr. Wright reports that the chicks scream very loudly and constantly at their parents for food. As the chicks become strong enough to feed themselves, the parents are able to spend more time away from the nest hunting, but one parent is always close by, no matter where a chick wanders.
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams.
The photos are courtesy of Scott Wright, volunteer peregrine nest monitor. They may be used by children for school and/or personal projects, but please give Mr. Wright photo credit. All others must contact Mr. Wright directly for permission to use his photos.
Buckeye departs to find more food for his family.
The chicks will be fledging soon, so watch for a lot of wingflapping as they practice for their first flight.
The only male, B/00 – Onyx, watches his sister flap.
