The chicks are spending most of their time sleeping or eating. They are growing very fast. You may have noticed that SW is having some trouble keeping her chicks under her, as they are growing stronger and starting to explore the world.
An interesting falcon nesting fact comes from The Canadian Peregrine Foundation: "Historically, Peregrines were renowned for having remarkably stable populations. Records are best documented for Great Britain, where the breeding population remained steady around 800 pairs from the time of Queen Elizabeth I to the Second World War nearly 400 years later. Even more amazingly, some particular nest sites were almost continuously occupied throughout this period." As humans began to build skyscrapers in the 20th century, peregrines adapted to the cliff-like buildings and found cities to their liking. Humans have helped nesting peregrines in cities by building nestboxes. Peregrines also like to nest on large bridges because they like to be close to water.
The following picture shows the location of SW and Buckeye's nestbox on the 12th floor ledge of their skyscraper home in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
You may also have noticed that ever since the eggs were hatching, when you could see eggshells everywhere, the nestbox is a mess!
Wildlife biologist Marcel Gahbauer tells us: "Peregrines are admired for many reasons, but housekeeping is generally not one of them! Like with most aspects of their behaviour, there is considerable variation among individuals, but generally they let things lie where they land - whether feathers, bones, etc. By the end of the season, the nest area can be VERY messy! The best one can hope for is a good wind to clean off the ledge a bit from time to time."
Have you noticed that the chicks are beginning to move around the nest? They are able to "walk" on their tarsi (heel bones) now. Look for them to begin to walk on their toes soon, as adult birds do.
Harvey Webster, Director of Wildlife Resources with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, built the nestbox that SW and Buckeye call home and which has been the home of falcon families since 1991. It is one of the most successful nestsites in the United States with more than 40 chicks hatched and fledged. Mr. Webster and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History have played an important role in helping the peregrines while they were on the List of Endangered Species, and the Museum sponsors the FalconCams. Visit the Museum’s website at: http://www.cmnh.org/
Our thanks to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for sponsoring the FalconCams and for the FalconCam stills. The photo of the Tower City skyscraper is courtesy of Tony Rinicella, who works in a nearby building.
