June 2011
7 posts
Young Richmond falcon does not survive collision...
The story of the young Richmond peregrine falcon has unfortunately come to a premature end as the bird died from injuries resulting from a collision with a downtown building.
The young falcon was last seen on the Falcon Cam this morning at around 7:40. At 10:20, a DGIF biologist spotted the bird on a window ledge directly below the nest box on the Riverfront Plaza West Tower, approximately 15 ft...
Waiting and watching
Throughout the day yesterday a variety of monitors, including DGIF staff and volunteers kept watch waiting for the young falcon’s first flight. At one point the young bird did perform a short “hop-flight” above the ledge, becoming airborne for a few feet. Despite this tantalizing display - her first flight did not occur yesterday.
The adults did their best to encourage her,...
Stll No Flight
DGIF biologists were on hand at daybreak today, hoping to catch the young falcons first flight. A couple of hours later additional DGIF staff were joined by a dedicated volunteer. Throughout the day we watched several bouts of vigorous wing flapping and the chick spent most of the day perched on the ledge.
The adults attempted to coax her off the ledge, swooping low towards her and circling...
Photos from the release
Both of the adult falcons were very aggresive in defending their nest territory today.
All photos by Lee Walker/DGIF
Below see the female sitting atop the pen as DGIF biologists approached to attach the release trigger.
The female on the ledge keeping a close eye on DGIF staff
The female in flight defending her territory
No Flight Today
The door trigger device (which uses melting ice to release a weight which opens the door) was installed this morning at approximately 8:30 am by DGIF biologists. DGIF personnel and volunteers took up positions around downtown Richmond to watch for the young bird’s first flight once the pen was opened.
At 11:12 am the ice melted and the door swung open. The adult female immediately...
Richmond Falcon Fledge Date Set
The falcon chick in downtown Richmond will be released from its pen on June 16th. A remote trigger will be attached to the pen door in the morning. This trigger uses melting ice to release the door with no humans close by to affect the behavior of the birds.
VDGIF staff along with volunteers will be located at strategic points in downtown Richmond to monitor the bird’s progress and...
Richmond sub-adult falcon found dead in...
We have received the unfortunate news that one of the falcons that fledged from the Richmond Riverfront Plaza nest in 2010 has been found dead. The bird was found by an Amtrak employee along the railroad tracks near Market Street in downtown Harrisburg, PA and reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission on the evening of May 25th. Based on the bird’s condition, it was thought to have been dead...
