HARRISBURG, JANUARY-DECEMBER 2022

Jane · **Posted:** Mon May 23, 2022 9:02 pm

Yellow was WAY out on the stick several times today. He seemed quite comfy there. We think it was him that went around the column a bit after 7 tonight. He stayed over there a few minutes before coming back around the column to the nest ledge.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Fledge Watch has been underway since yesterday d/t their behaviors. From "Falcon Wire":

5/24/2022 :: Watch and Rescue Underway
Yesterday marked the beginning of the 2022 Falcon Watch and Rescue. Of the four chicks, Yellow (based on the tape color on the band) seemed the most likely to fledge. There is an increase in ledge activity, including winging. Another milestone was reached with Yellow exploring around the column and onto the end of the perching stick. This further indicates Yellow is close.

A highlight from yesterday occurred when an osprey strayed too close to the ledge. 48/AE, the dominant female, aggressively escorted the "fish hawk" from the area.

As of late afternoon Tuesday, no fledge attempts have occurred. There have been multiple food drops and fly-bys, trying to coax the young falcons off the ledge. Stay tuned to Falcon Cam to see if a first flight occurs this evening or tomorrow morning.

From "Falcon Chatter" showing these behaviors:

Currently Niecey is atop the front wall of the nest and the chicks are by the column. I can make out at least 3 of them.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Only 3 juvies are left on the ledge. One fledged at about 1:40 pm real time from the stick, possibly Yellow Boy! No official word on who as yet or the outcome. Hope he was able to land safely.

alnc · **Joined:** Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:08 pm **Posts:** 9

Thursday morning. I only see one bird on the cams. Guess 3 out of 4 have now fledged?

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

According to FB, Blue and Red went around the column to the "short ledge" out of cam view, but both were still there as of 10:00 am. I do not see Green right now, but wondering if that is the dark area I see that could be lying just outside the back door. Yikes, quite the sight when you open the 2nd cam and see that carcass lying there. I just checked back and that dark spot has moved some, so really wonder if this is Green taking a break. Successful fledge for Yellow yesterday. From the "Falcon Wire":

5/26/2022 :: First Fledge!
The first fledge of 2022 occurred yesterday at 1:41 pm when the young falcon banded Yellow took off from the 15th floor perch and flew directly to the roof of Harrisburg University. It was a solid first flight and coincided with its 38th day since hatching. Yellow's second flight was successful as well. Accompanied by the resident female (48/AE) and aided by a nice updraft, Yellow was able to land on the roof of the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB).

Ten minutes later he attempted another flight targeting the roof of 333 Market St. After making numerous unsuccessful attempts, he made it onto the roof.

It does appear this first flight energized the remaining three young falcons. The falcons were actively winging and further exploring the ledge. This includes going around a large column and out of view of the cameras, typical behavior of the falcons at this nest site as they get close to fledging. There may be another fledge today, stay tuned!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Now can see a juvie atop the front wall of the nest and 1 at the back door peeking in.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Can only see what looks to be 2 juvies lying in front of the column.

Jane · **Posted:** Thu May 26, 2022 9:37 pm

Yellow made several amazing flights today after his fledge yesterday afternoon. He was on top of the column above the nest ledge when I left tonight. His sibs haven't tried it yet. It is best to check the Falcon Wire for updates, as I am usually exhausted by the time I get home. I also am not an official spokesperson.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Can see 1 lying on the nest and hear the cries of another not in cam view.

Terka · **Posted:** Fri May 27, 2022 1:27 pm

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

85 transfers food to Yellow mid-air!! From the "Falcon Wire":

FALCONWIRE
5/27/2022 :: Falcon Watch and Rescue Continues
So far, no other initial flights have occurred since Yellow fledged on Wednesday. Blue appears to be the next to go. Green has spent the majority of today on the small ledge, out of view of the cameras. She is likely to follow Blue with their first flights. Red, the largest of the four, will likely be the last to fledge.
A highlight from Thursday was the adults driving a persistent pair of turkey vultures away from falcon airspace. Both adults continue to make fly-by demonstration flights attempting to provoke the youngsters into taking their first flights.
Today's best moment was a mid-air food transfer between Yellow and 85/AK (the resident male) that took place high above the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB). Yellow then proceeded to the top of 333 Market St. with his prize. When 48/AE (resident female) attempted to feed on this morsel Yellow mantled over the prey to protect "his" meal.
*To "mantle" or mantling refers to when a raptor spreads its wings and haunches over its prey after capturing and while eating it and is the way to prevent other raptors or animals from stealing their prey.

Jane · **Posted:** Fri May 27, 2022 8:53 pm

As far as i know, Yellow is spending the night on top of the column above the nest ledge. It gripes me that I missed seeing him grab the food from 85 this morning. Green was still over on the other side of the column when I left, but others were still there watching when I had to leave. Blue has been around the column several times today. Green seems to be nervous about trying to get back over to the big ledge. She is a big girl!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Two juvies near the orange post and 1 atop the front wall of the nest. As it has been reported that Yellow did return to the ledge today and left again, it is impossible to know who is who as we can not see the colored tape from these views. But, 3 in view for now.

Jane · **Posted:** Sat May 28, 2022 9:23 pm

Please check Falcon Wire. I am totally numb.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Blue

From the "Falcon Wire":

5/28/2022 :: Update from the ledge
"Today saw the fledging of the young falcon banded Blue at 10:47 am. A scant two hours later, Blue, while attempting to land on the 15th floor ledge of the Rachel Carson State Office Building (RCSOB), flew into the side of the RCSOB and perished. As unwanted as this outcome is, it is important to remember that the mortality rate for young falcons is about 60%. This means that approximately 6 out of every 10 falcons hatched will die in its first year of life. Due to the dedication of the Falcon Watch and Rescue Volunteers the actual first year mortality at the RCSOB is quite low which explains why this nest site is the most productive within the Commonwealth."

:15heartbeat:

So sorry Jane, the Falcon Watch and Rescue Volunteers and all others involved with these falcons. Tonight at this time, I do not see any falcons on cam.

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 3:18 pm **Posts:** 64757

bev. · **Posted:** Sun May 29, 2022 12:50 am

so sorry Jane and other fledge watchers from the ground. I know it is hard but you all make such a difference and please remember that. a big hug :15heartbeat:

Sally · **Posted:** Sun May 29, 2022 10:51 am

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

I see two juvies this morning. One on the point ledge near the building wailing as another by the orange post eats.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Thought I could make out 2 heads in front of the column, but not sure.

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