RICHMOND, VA ~ 2009

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64406

Thanks for your report, Richmondmike!!! I'm just glad to know they've been spotted...and I really agree with you too, joanne...If I were a falcon, there would be no way I would go near that thing!!!

obxbarb · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:31 pm

Well, I couldn't stand it, so I went downtown a few hours after we got home from the beach. I was there from 6:00 to 7:00. I didn't hear or see anything from the bridge, so I walked up a few blocks to the Capitol. Took a picture so you could see what a lovely building it is. While I was up there, I saw a kid try and flush some pigeons. Followed him back down to peregrine square, and he landed on one of the bank buildings. It was Arnie, as I later saw him flying with the two girls. They started screeching and flying around between their home base (the riverfront towers), the Federal Reserve building, and the apartments behind the towers. There was no sign of the parents while I was there, and they were clearly getting hungry. Arnie flew over, thinking one of the parents was there, so I caught all three flying. Ethel lifted off after some white shore birds, but she is very slow carrying all that weight. I saw a little gliding today, but mostly a lot of flapping. They still have some practicing to do on their skills. Fortunately, they all made an appearance, so I feel much better now

catwoman · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:39 pm

Thanks for checking on the kids Barb & for the pictures and report. You really do have a beautiful capital building! Glad you saw all 3, so I think many of us will breathe easier! :thanku

Bonnie · **Posted:** Sat Aug 29, 2009 7:41 pm

Go, Team Barb!! I am so glad you got to see them. Now I know what everyone feels like when I report about Jersey City. I am giving a very big sigh of relief right now. Thanks.

:yip

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64406

Barb...I'm so glad you couldn't "stand it"!!! Beautiful Capital and Beautiful falcons!!! Thanks for going down and looking for the family....I am so glad you were rewarded...
:thumbup

Denise · **Joined:** Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:46 am **Posts:** 32

WONDERFUL NEWS!

Jane · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 11:50 am

Agreed with all above comments, Barb. Thanks so much for the update, and the great pictures.

Beth · **Posted:** Sun Aug 30, 2009 3:53 pm

Thanks for all the updates and hope you had a good vacation Barb...

Beth · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:47 am

I was checking the cam and they were moving it around this am...

Look at the D and the S ...

Beth · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 9:50 am

Sept 1st Update ...

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Many thanks to the local observers who have provided us with updates as to the activities and whereabouts of our three falcon fledglings. All three of the fledglings were reported in the vicinity of the nest area as recently as Saturday August 29th. Observers report that all three of the birds are flying well and perching on various buildings in the downtown area. Both adults remain in the area as well - and are sometimes seen hunting at a well known Purple Martin migratory roost in the Shockoe Bottom area of Richmond. At the time of this post, we can see two falcons with the falcon cam - although we are not able to focus closely enough to determine if they are adults or juveniles. It should be noted that many of the birds' favored perches are not within the camera's field of view.

Young falcons may remain close to their nest area for 5-10 weeks following their fledging. During this period of time they will continue to follow the parents in flight and beg for food - calling loudly (they can be heard clearly from the ground - even over the traffic noise of downtown Richmond). The young will continue to perfect both their flying and hunting skills until they become self-sufficient and eventually disperse away from the nest area.

posted by VDGIF Wildlife Biologist at 9:40 AM

catwoman · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:15 pm

Beth, nice catch of the falcons & thank you for posting that update. Good to hear that all is still well!

SusanE · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:27 pm

Wow, Beth, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were in Richmond today!

You sure tuned at the perfect time today.

obxbarb · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 4:40 pm

Wow Beth, that was good timing!! I am hoping to get down tomorrow and check on them.

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64406

WOW....way to go, Beth....great catch!!! thanks for posting the update!!!

Knorrie · **Posted:** Tue Sep 01, 2009 8:40 pm

So good to read all the good things here!!
They are flying and learning in the way it should be.
So happy :yip

Thanks Barb and Beth and others for all you do to keep us informed :thanku

Joanne · **Posted:** Wed Sep 02, 2009 6:36 am

Denise wrote:

WOW!

Arnold came home for a visit! He obviously has been doing really well with building muscle development during his flying lessons!!! WAY TO GO ARNIE!!

I accidentally missed this post...but knew who had posted it before I ck'd the name. You are just hilarious, Denise!

Thanks for all the reports & Pix of late everyone that is involved! :thanku

Denise · **Joined:** Wed Jul 29, 2009 10:46 am **Posts:** 32

HaHaHa Joanne!!!! I actually forgot about that till now. I'm glad you found it and got a laugh from it :-)

Ho Hum...still on page 37

It's a real shame no-one has been downtown more often to catch the Juvies in action (and of course give us reports

). I'm sure there are a lot of hunting lessons taking place right about now, which has to be just fascinating to see. Reenie and Jane were so fortunate to have been able to witness so many of the daily hunting lessons as they were happening in Harrisburg this year - not to mention the wonderful pictures Steve was able to capture.

Anyone planning on making their way downtown soon? I wish I could be there.

obxbarb · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 12:00 pm

I'm going to try and get down tonight Denise. I was planning on going last night, but ended up rescuing a red tail hawk instead. It appears she ran into a building right around where the falcons are hanging.

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64406

obxbarb wrote:

I'm going to try and get down tonight Denise. I was planning on going last night, but ended up rescuing a red tail hawk instead. It appears she ran into a building right around where the falcons are hanging.

Way to go, Barb!!! maybe the poor thing was being chased by mom or dad....is it ok?

Jane · **Posted:** Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:18 pm

From what has happened in Harrisburg in the past, I'd guess that Red-tail may have been chased off by the adult falcons. If I lived closer to Richmond I'd be down there checking things out. :-)

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RICHMOND, VA ~ 2009

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