06-24-2021 Fledgling Update

The Peregrine juvies have been doing well and staying out of trouble, as far as we know.  They are flying well and often staying a high altitude and at a far enough distance that it is hard to track them.  They  are not consistently at home base, although one of them did put in a guest appearance in the window well of the nest box a few days ago.  We have heard about some unsuccessful attempts to hunt.  Hunting is a skill that takes some practice.  First, they have to learn to only choose one target and not a whole flock.  But, under the tutelage of their parents, they will get there.  Rebeca and Kewpee keep pretty close tabs on them, even if they are hidden from our view.  We hear them calling for food when the adults get anywhere close to them.  We never did have another sighting of Vincent.  It is sad to know that he is gone, most likely from a collision in a location where he has not been found.  RIP little friend.

I want to recognize the stoic folks of the Peregrine Patrol who spent 10 LONG days and more watching these rookie flyers take their first flights.  Three of the four fledglings ended up in precarious situations this year and human intervention was needed.  If not for the attention and time these volunteers spent, the lives of these three birds might have had different outcomes.  Although we thankfully did not encounter civil unrest this year, we did have downpours, high winds, blazing sun with no shade, and many hours of patient watching interspersed with bouts of adrenaline and sprinting.  Andrea, Becky, Jan, Kathy, Walter, Nick, and Karen: Thank you so much!! We also owe a big thank you to the staff at City Centre Market and Deli for graciously letting us borrow the key to the bathroom dozens of times.  https://citycentremarket.com/

We want to acknowledge all the helpful viewers who have supported the Peregrine cam with donations. The Audubon Society of Kalamazoo is a 501(c)3 organization and these donations fund the continuation of the website and streaming services.  We appreciate each and every donation. And we want to acknowledge the care that two of the birds received at Wildside Rehabilitation and Education Center.  One of them was even transported to a distant veterinarian for radiographs and treatment. Wildside is also a 501(c)3 non-profit and if you have discretionary dollars to spend, please consider them, as they exist solely on donations. They treat many raptors, including eagles with lead poisoning, as well as mammals, turtles, and other wildlife.  https://www.facebook.com/wildsiderehab