Matings, Giftings, and a Ledge Display Marks the Day

The falcon’s morning began very early again today. Ares arrived at the nest box at 5 o’clock sharp. He let out several harsh screech calls and then sailed back into the darkness of the urban canyon. He was back at the box by 6:45 and that’s when Astrid joined him for a ledge display. It was an odd “dance” for these long-time partners. Ares spent most of the first ten minutes backed into the right corner of the box. Of course this was the first ledge display the pair held since two days before when a female intruder shared an unexpected dance with Ares. Interestingly, his behavior with Astrid was similar to the stand-offish and even defensive behavior that he showed with the stranger. However, the pair ended the display with some gentle beaking, which was good to see. That was in stark contrast to the almost sword-fight-like beaking he did with the stranger.

The pair partook in much flying around in the early to mid-morning time frame and they were difficult to keep track of. Deb thought they may have mated on the ADK Bank building at one point. At a little after 9 AM, Ares brought Astrid a food tribute, which she accepted and possibly ate on the State Building. Less than a half-hour later, she was seen with a larger piece of food that she may have caught herself or taken out of storage. The pair likely mated on the State Building at 11 AM. Ares spent most of the day coming and going from the box, and while he was there he was periodically giving long screeching calls. At 1:45 PM, Astrid was feeding on what seemed to be a fresh Pigeon on the hotel ledge. We don’t think Ares gifted it to her, so she probably caught it herself. Ares didn’t go over to join her or try to steal any, which was somewhat surprising. He seemed content to man the box while she pigged out. He did leave for a short while at around 2 o’clock. When he returned he seemed to have a partially full crop. Where he fed we haven’t the slightest clue; all we know is that he didn’t join Astrid.

Rain persisted through the afternoon and for the most part the falcons kept to their perches – her on the State Building and him at the box. At just before 5 PM, Astrid was on the County Building and appeared to be in hunting mode. That was surprising since she had eaten so much already. A few minutes later, Ares left his station at the box and mated with Astrid. Upon his return it was apparent he was still full of angst since he continued making his long screeching calls. Soon after that it was dark and both birds withdrew to their night perches.