The falcon fledglings became active at 4:50 AM on Friday morning. For much of the day they practiced their flying and landings and even engaged in some sparing. At one point in the late morning, while trying to land on a window ledge of the State Building, Max miscalculated and tumbled a small distance down the side of the building before catching wind in his wings and recovering. Following that he managed to perch in a relatively high window sill on the State Building’s west side. There he remained for the rest of the day. Thanks to Kelly from the DOT office for noticing him and contacting us so promptly. Max is probably a little sore, but we think he is OK. Videos taken by folks in the DOT office show that he looks good and appears not to be drooping a wing or showing any outward signs of damage. Fledge Watch volunteers will continue to monitor him and his siblings in the coming days. Unfortunately, we only have sparse coverage for this weekend’s Watch so we encourage falcon fans who are able, to stop down sometime and help us out. Scheduling a time is not necessary.
Landing on and near the bank window was a good save from hitting the window. These nestling are flying more quickly then the past nestlings. The nestlings from previous years did more exploring on ledges and stayed put. I think having the verandas help them stretch and give them a sense of their locations, as well watching where and how the parents are landing. Well done – enjoying all the pictures but still don’t know who is who to put a name on them. The parents do a good job keeping track of them. As long as they are fed they won’t go back to the box – I think they first associated that location with food.
It makes me so happy to look at your top notch photos. So wonderful the family is doing well. Thanks for Matt’s incredible ability to write and describe all events!!