I managed to make it all through the fall and winter without succumbing to this year’s virulent flu bugs, but it got me in the end. So, I’ve been propping myself up throughout the day to look out the window at MCC airspace. I’ve seen two birds active and one copulation. A fire is starting to burn in my belly, now — who is the new jail pair? All I can think about is leg bands. Can’t wait to get back out there. Hopefully, this flu bug will be over quick!
Evanston Update, 18-March
•March 18, 2013 • Comments Off on Evanston Update, 18-MarchLong time Evanston peregrine monitor Deborah has confirmed Nona’s leg bands. She rightly pointed out that my response, “Glad to see her back!” wasn’t quite appropriate since both Squawker and Nona over-wintered in Evanston. 🙂
That said, considering what happened this week to the MCC male, I’m always glad to see a pair back in the nest, safe and sound.
Max
•March 18, 2013 • Comments Off on Max
Sad news. Saturday, a territorial fight took place at the MCC. Max (b/g 5/*E) was recovered down on the ground. He is at a rehab place now with a bad eye wound and also a wound to his side. I saw two peregrines very active in the MCC airspace all day Sunday and witnessed two copulations. Hopefully, Max will recover and the new pair will be successful this year.
Edit: I kept this post short the first time around, but I feel like I really need to say something. I’ve spent too many hours to count watching this particular peregrine over many years. The MCC territory was the first one assigned to me by Mary and Matt. Max and his mate Hercules were massive, majestic and utterly breath-taking. I’m a biologist. I record what I see, get the data that we need and go on to the next site. But, I’d be lying if I said that this site and this pair didn’t hold a special place for me. So, I wanted to pay due respect to Max. I really hope he heals and finds a place to live out the rest of his days. Honestly, he’s one of the most expressive peregrines I’ve seen — the picture above I offer as evidence. Anyway, ’nuff said. Just wanted to give him some respect.
Evanston Update, 15-March
•March 15, 2013 • Comments Off on Evanston Update, 15-MarchSquawker, the adult male at the Evanston nest since 2007, has been positively identified by a photographer named Ted, who is part of the dedicated group of Evanston peregrine monitors. Squawker and his mate are currently displaying all the nesting behaviors that are appropriate for this time of year. If you want to see for yourself, the Evanston Peregrine Falcon Camera is up and running. No positive ID yet on Squawker’s mate, but I’m sure everyone would like to see the longtime Evanston female, Nona, make a return. Way to go, Ted!
MCC Updates, 13-March
•March 13, 2013 • Comments Off on MCC Updates, 13-MarchGood news for MCC peregrine watchers.
Most exciting news EVER. A Flickr photorapher named John (Flickr handle: Chicago Man) had a sighting that blew my mind. Check out this picture. The perfectly readable bands identify our missing long-time MCC adult male Max! He’s back and looks fantastic. John caught him landing on a light post to preen after chasing a flock of pigeons around the block a few times. This picture represents the clearest pictures of that bird’s bands I’ve ever seen — and I’ve been after those bands for years. Good job and thank you, John!
Dan Cozza reports on 11-March-13 that he’s been seeing two adults in the airspace above the MCC, at least a couple of times.
Kevin Swagel of the FMNH reports that he saw two adult peregrines fly into the old west side nesting ledge on the morning of 13-March-13.
2013 Peregrine Falcon Season
•March 12, 2013 • Comments Off on 2013 Peregrine Falcon SeasonI know it’s been a few years since I’ve made a post, but I assure you, those have been busy peregrine years, so no worries. We transferred the FMNH site over to a new home and all of the info is there and updated constantly by Mary Hennen, with help from me. So, that’s your main source of info! However, I am going to try to post short tidbits this year. Happy peregrine season!
Banding Cancelled and Deborah Press
•May 25, 2011 • Comments Off on Banding Cancelled and Deborah PressDarn it all, weather! [shakes fist at sky]
The Waukegan banding set for this morning has been called due to heavy storm activity. Poop. I had all my gear ziploced, triple garbage bagged and ready to go.
So, I’ll leave you with a really nice story about 2009 Evanston chick Deborah’s nest in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Make sure to check out her webcam!
Sloopy Nesting
•May 24, 2011 • Comments Off on Sloopy Nesting2009 Broadway female Sloopy — named in honor of the website Sloopin, who helped us get the word out to the area and track the south loop birds — is nesting! She and her mate are in Indiana at a lime plant. No word on the number of young, but I’ll keep you posted!
New Nest
•May 23, 2011 • Comments Off on New Nest
Our team had its first banding of the season today and it went spectacularly. Recently, we’ve been getting calls from people reporting a new nesting site between our river birds and our south loop pair on Michigan. Mary and Matt made an appointment for us to take a look at the site from the building next door. Unfortunately, I couldn’t leave work that day, but they came back pretty excited. Not only was it a new nesting site, but there were two chicks and they looked to be a bit older than any other chicks in the area.
Finally, news from the garage top
•May 21, 2011 • Comments Off on Finally, news from the garage top
The jailbirds have been so elusive and quiet this year, I was convinced that their nesting attempt had failed again. This morning, I spent two hours on the ‘el platform, watching the activity at the site. One of the birds was sitting on the NW niche edge when I arrived, but since I can’t use any equipment when I’m on the ‘el platform, I couldn’t try for leg bands. This is sad, because I could have had the bands easily from that vantage point.
Chicago Peregrine Falcon Blog 