Uncategorized – Page 19 – Utica Peregrine Falcons

Ares Lobbies for Increasingly Early Changeover Times – The Guy Just Loves to Sit on Eggs

Update for Monday, April 15, 2024

Ares preens his tail at 3:00 AM – waiting to get his first turn incubating on the nest

Lately, Ares has been increasingly eager to take his first turn on the nest. His anticipation drives him to arrive exceptionally early in the morning, though he doesn’t head directly to the nest. Instead, he pauses nearby – on a window ledge or atop a pillar. Ares is keenly aware that Astrid isn’t usually inclined to an early changeover. Upon his arrival, he emits a call that differs from his usual screech – it’s more intricate, drawn-out, and carries a sense of impatience and desperation. This morning, Astrid displayed greater flexibility, allowing Ares to assume his duties at the nest at 4:25.

Midway Through Incubation

Update for Sunday, April 14, 2024

After a switch, Ares watches Astrid fly into the canyon before getting onto the eggs

Astrid and Ares are about midway through the incubation period. We anticipate the initial hatch occurring around the 33rd day of incubation, placing it in the early days of May.

Astrid insists on taking her turn at incubation

Astrid watches the nest from the Grace Church steeple

Cold and Bluster Return & The Falcons’ Hinting System

Update for Saturday, April 13, 2024

Astrid takes over incubation from Ares – he had no complaints

Saturday was cold and blustery, with icy rain intermingling with wet snowflakes. The wind was relentless. As usual, the falcons reveled in the gusts, effortlessly soaring into the canyon after their incubation shifts, with no need for wing flapping.

Just like the day preceding it, Ares graciously provided Astrid with a meal. Delivering what appeared to be a blackbird to the long perch, she accepted it gracefully from the crossperch. With her prize in tow, she glided effortlessly to the hotel, where she had her brunch.

Typically, when one falcon remained at the nest, their partner kept a vigilant watch from the State Building, surveying both the nest site and the surrounding territory. Without fail, whenever one falcon departed from their watchful post, the other would emit a brief series of squeaking vocalizations. These calls served as cues for us to promptly check the cameras for any activity unfolding.

Astrid eats her brunch on the hotel ledge

Calm and Rainy Day in the Canyon

Update for Friday, April 12, 2024

Ares vocalizing at 5:00 AM – Asking Astrid from a distance if she wants to switch yet

There is not much to report. It was a mostly rainy day in the downtown canyon, and the falcons spent the day taking turns incubating the eggs and guarding the territory. We did not see any intruder action, nor did we see any food tributes.

Quick Switches on the Nest & Stepping up Guard Duty

Update for Thursday, April 11, 2024

Astrid seamlessly takes over incubation duties from Ares

The day was marked by uninterrupted incubation. The duo efficiently traded places on the nest, executing precise, business-like switches. Ares did force Astrid off the nest at one point but for the most part their switches were amicable. While one was settled on the nest, the other remained within sight, vigilantly monitoring the downtown airspace. As we move into mid-April, raptor migration begins to ramp up; the Peregrines notice the increased traffic and stand ready to repel any interlopers.