06-12-2021 Fledgling Week Update
The third fledgling was the last male (band black/blue C/ 69). If peregrines ever did what they are supposed to do, they would fledge between 40 and 45 days of age. Our third bird waited until Day 40 on June 8. His flights were amazingly long and strong for his first time out of the nest. However, just like any airplane ride, it is just as import to know how to land as it is how to fly. There were many missed landings that first day, but he managed the recoveries and maintained elevation. He did end up on the parking deck and was pretty tired out. He was not able to jump up the ledge, which is much safer than the parking surface with traffic. However, he was pretty resourceful and hopped to the hood of a parked car when walked his way to the roof. Now he had a bit more elevation and stayed there most of the day. Thankfully, the car owner had a full day of work and our young friend flew from the car before the owner returned. (We checked the car and did not see any scratches)! He flew to a higher and safer area for the night and had strong flights and was got the landing sequence figured out the next day. He returned to the nest box the second night for dinner and stayed the whole next day coaching his sister to practice her wing flapping. There were many great names suggested for the youngsters this year and the name Vincent was chosen by the Peregrine Patrol. Vincent is derived from the Latin root vincere meaning to conquer. Hopefully he will continue to conquer the skies and thrive.
Inspired and encouraged by her brother, the female juvie (band black/blue 34/K) took her first flight late in the day on June 10. Her flights were not stellar. She did not maintain good altitude and ended up on the roof of the parking deck, pretty pooped out and hot. Often the juvies will use the parking ramp as a runway and get airborne again. We watched her for a couple hours as she ran back and forth and unsuccessfully attempt to jump to the ledge, but not attempt to fly. She was in a vulnerable location due to cars and activity on the deck and obviously too tired to get herself to a better location for the night. We made to decision to catch her for safe keeping overnight Although she was not happy with our decision and we were all pretty stressed after that, she was safe and was reunited with her family at the nest box the following morning. As of this writing (June 12) she has not yet flown again. Hopefully, she will take flight today and have a better experience.
The two juvies in rehab are doing well. One of them has a minor (we hope) swelling on his knee but his X-rays show no problems and he has been given some anti-inflammatory medication. They are eating well and will come home as soon as they are able.
