UAV Surveying of Steller’s Sea Eagle Nest

This is billed as the first of its kind. Well, for that particular species, maybe. Otherwise, no, not to my knowledge.

Anecdote From a Rehabber

(public domain illustration of Red-tail, & Cooper’s)

http://goo.gl/3L6gR

‘Eye bath’ to thank for quantum vision in birds – physics-math – 22 August 2012 – New Scientist

‘Eye bath’ to thank for quantum vision in birds – physics-math – 22 August 2012 – New Scientist.

Stop Another Wind Farm From Destroying Birds & Fly-Ways

http://goo.gl/8uVr3

Tracking Black Harriers – Why Aren’t Our Downtown Peregrines Tracked?

Faucons pelerins urbains

End of the Line – Boise’s Peregrine Fledglings are Up, Up, & Away!

It is a pleasure to report that Boise has had our third straight year of 100% brood survival success. Three strapping brownies are still zipping around the area, hale & hearty, occasionally dropping a hapless pigeon hunting experiment onto Boise’s downtown streets. This debut brood, from the new set of very young parents, has been a markedly strong one since their initial flights from their home on One Cap. This despite a lack of coddling on the part of their parents, extreme heat, & much smoke from wildfires settling upon their territory. We have striven to safely usher them into independent lives as much as we could, which proved easier this year than the previous two, owing in part to the remarkable precociousness of these fledges. I am still amazed that we only had one rescue event this season, and even that one was easy as rescues go. The result is another season with a happy ending. My intern, Ryan Carpenter, was an immeasurable help to me as we generally kept well behind the scene, keeping things running as smoothly as possible. I also happily inherited another intern ( & her mom!) toward the tail end of the project, who was terrific, & shows much promise. They pulled very long shifts in severe heat, did great jobs, & deserve much gratitude. Also deserving of our boundless appreciation are the hardy staff of trusty IDFG volunteers, & Master Naturalists, who also put in many hours in terrible weather, always done cheerfully despite such unusually harsh conditions. Bob & Robin Young have been generous again with their time, & sharing fotos. Heather Biggs, of the JUMP project, & Katina Dutton of CCDC, were solidly professional, & truly kind, regarding their respective construction/urban renewal sites around One Cap, & goings-on at One Cap itself. The trio of guys at One Cap that I always rely on – Coby, Steve, & Thinh – were as great as ever. Nearby businesses that hosted our posters, and staff, were the ultimate good neighbours – these include a shoe repair shop, the Alaska Building, several restaurants & coffee houses, hotels, a hiking-oriented store, & an indie book shop. This project was made possible by passionate people at IDFG, as we try to move forward with rebuilding the peregrine population in Idaho, & The Peregrine Fund, who help in too many ways to cite here. Lastly, none of this would have happened at all but for the mighty Bruce Haak, & his original gang, getting a base of peregrine falcons set up here some years ago. Thanks to them, look at us now. And, thank you out there. Stay tuned.

Images below – of the rescue a month ago today – are property of Ryan Carpenter, & are not to be used inappropriately, or without credit.

 

IDFG Boise Urban Peregrine Falcon Fledge Project at Downtown Boise, ID | KTVB.COM Events

IDFG Boise Urban Peregrine Falcon Fledge Project at Downtown Boise, ID | KTVB.COM Events.

Pictures of last night’s efforts with the Boise Peregrines

http://peregrineflight.blogspot.com/2012/06/eyasses-take-hike.html

Bob & Robin Young have been a massive help to me for the past two years, & have been great friends to the peregrine project for many years before I moved here. Thanks to the huge improvement with the local I-Beam camera system, which Robin monitors from home, & Bob’s ability with his whopping camera, we get some great shots of what goes on at the site. Bob’s blog, much more ornate than my lazy one, is a lot of fun. While I’m busy behind the scenes, Bob’s is a good way to fill in my gaps.

Kids getting fed now. Two had a time getting back into the scrape, & used their wings to get to Mom. Oy.

Boise Peregrine Eyasses On a Move

http://www.peregrinefund.org/subsites/webcam-peregrine/

Boise’s own peregrine babies are venturing onto the ledge since last evening. The ledge appears considerably smaller than it actually is – there is ample space up there for several people, & therefore sufficient margin for klutzy error on the part of our little charges. They are as safe as can reasonably be expected. Currently, there is one eyass immediately outside the box. As there’s a notable size difference between this one, & the other two, it’s likely that this is a tiercel. He’s a bit further along in his transitioning from down to proper feather, as well. Perhaps he will be the first to take a tumble in a matter of days. Rest assured that we are on top of this, & that I am a few short minutes away should something happen. Well, now all three are out & about.

The parents have lately taken to sticking with the site, as opposed to their more diversified resting spots. For the past few days we have seen them positioned on the box side of One Capital. Presumably, this is in anticipation of the eyasses ledge wanderings. I continue to be favourably impressed by these new parents. It eases my mind quite a lot to see them so diligent, & perspicacious.

Two kiddies in view now….