Friday, August 23, 2013

Orion the Miracle PEFA

   As the 2012 Falcon season began my hopes were high for a a successful clutch of eyas. After the previous years disappointment I yearned once again to watch those precious eggs be laid and hatch. But things would not go according to plan.

   In a dramatic series of events that no one could have foreseen any hope of a clutch in 2012 dimmed with each passing day. It all started with a territorial battle between Beauty and Unity in February. Beauty was found on the ground seriously injured and would require much rehab. Unity then claimed the nest box and mated with Archer. But just as she was about to lay her first egg in March Archer appeared with injured legs possibly from a territorial battle. He was not able to recover and I believe he did not survive. Alone with her egg she then began mating with the new male in town Dot.ca. And then the unthinkable, in April Unity is struck and killed by a car and that very same evening Beauty who has been released returns to the nest box. Two events, both caused by human intervention, one leaves us angry and grieving and the other brings us happiness and hope.

                  Beauty returns 4.6.12

   For our Beauty, although she appears a bit disheveled, is one brave and determined falcon. But there will be trouble in the days ahead as both her and Dot.ca claim the nest box as their own. I believe they are both confused about the loss of their original mates and uncertain of each other. Dot.ca dives bombs Beauty at the nest box daily but she is not going anywhere. Although it is frustrating and difficult to watch she is not harmed. Other males show up and attempt to mate with Beauty but Dot.ca chases them away. Finally after three weeks of this a sight to behold as we witness bowing between them in the nest box. Is it possible they will finally come together and mate . On April 29th we get our answer as bonding is witnessed between them. But is it too late in the season for a clutch ?

                        Angel Egg and the 2012 clutch

   In the middle of all this drama a little egg has sat in the nest box. Laid by Unity after she mated with Archer and then orphaned, most certainly well past the possibility of being viable. And yet she remains waiting and I name her Angel Egg. She is ready when on the 16th of May Beauty lays a miracle egg and then another on the 19th. Hope soars once again for a 2012 clutch. Now the wait began to see if either of the eggs would hatch. Beauty had been under much stress, suffering injuries and then the initial harassment from Dot.ca. Would it affect the eggs ? Beauty begins incubating and Angel Egg remains next to the two eggs. Dot.ca immediately takes to the egg sitting job but Beauty is not to thrilled about it and often kicks him off 'her' eggs.  But one early June morning it is Dot.ca on the eggs when the shell breaks beneath him and he is quite surprised to find his newborn son.


  Dot.ca looks down at his new son 6.20.12

And so after months of trial and tribulation on June 20th, 2012 a miracle PEFA finally hatches. We wait to see if the other egg will hatch as well but it doesn't so there will be only one. But after everything that has transpired one is more than expected and there is much rejoicing.  Beauty is once again thrilled to be a Mom and this only child will get her undivided attention. Dot.ca is also eager but is an inexperienced first time Dad. He makes rather a mess of the baby while attempting to feed him but soon gets the hang of it.

Dot.ca feeding eyas

   Banding day comes on July 13th. Angel Egg is removed from the nest box at this time but she has left a lasting presence that will forever remain . The eyas is a male and the name chosen for him is Orion. A constellation of course, with a long O, but is not until I am downtown watching sometime later that I realize I have mispronounced it and so to me he will always be Orion pronounced like Oreo. A good laugh I have over this but at least he will require no other nickname. As an only child with no other siblings to play with Orion finds a little stone named Orville in the box and befriends him. Orville has been around since the Mariah and Kaver days and is part of the Rochester falcon legacy. Orion plays with Orville by pushing him around the box and often sleeps beside him. 

                        Banding Day 6.13.12

   On August 2nd Orion takes his first flight off cam 4 the opposite ledge of Times square . He is now officially a fledgling. He takes several more flights and ends up on a Times Square windowsill where a watcher works and we get a great video clip of him resting there. Over the next few days as his flights improve he will find the Frontier Com Tower known as the falcon jungle gym. A great place to learn and practice on and there he finds an abandoned nest which he likes to play in. On August 18th Orion flies back to the nest box to check on his old friend Orville. He manages to get him out onto the deck where he apparently thinks Orville should fledge from like he did. But alas Orville can not fly and he ends up on the sidewalk and street below in several pieces. Orville will require some serious rehab. Orion continues his flying lessons and keeps his parents very busy as they teach him the ways of the falcon.

                  Orion the miracle PEFA

   Sept. 8th would be the last official sighting of Orion in Rochester. A juvenile was seen a couple times afterwards but was not officially ID'ed. As he made his way out into the world this miracle PEFA who had brought so much joy in the midst of so many trials would be greatly missed. As the only hatch his every movement had been followed along the way. He was a curious little guy and full of antics that brought smiles to our faces. In a year of Rochester falcon history that will never be forgotten he was a bright and shining star. We wish him well on his journey and as I told him before he left, Angel Egg will always be there to guide him. Fly high and safe Orion, You are loved by many.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

To Mom on her 80th Birthday

Mom,

  Today would have been your 80th Birthday. And as I head downtown to falcon watchers weekend you are foremost on my mind. Oh how you would have loved to watch these beautiful birds as they soar from building to building. And you would be fascinated by the amazing technology we now have to be able to see them up close on the cams. Such fond memories I have of all those days we spent driving around over at Montezuma, climbing up and down the observation towers. Passing our one pair of binoculars back and forth as you pointed out this bird or that nesting sight. Your love of the land and it's inhabitants deeply instilled in me. And now this country girl, brought up in those wide open spaces has gone urban. Falling madly in love with these city dwelling peregrine falcons. So as I watch these three beautiful juveniles take to the skies I will think of you and smile. And as parents Beauty and Dot teach them the skills they will need to survive on their own I know they will soon leave to make their own way. And I will miss them just as I miss you but the joy they have brought will be forever in my heart, just as you are. Happy Birthday Mom, wish you were here.

Love always,
Braveheart


Rosetta,Voyager & Baron on a rainy day 7.1.13

Sunday, March 10, 2013

MOD Nostalgia

   I've been feeling very nostalgic about Molly & McGee since we started 2013. Maybe it was the realization that three years had gone by since it all began. Maybe it was the first year without them in anyway to watch or get updates from Carlos . But whatever the case I have felt the need to cling to those precious moments in time, to gather them all close to me, and to somehow keep them in a special place I can go to whenever I need to remember. Some of you know I am just a tad bit addicted to Pinterest and so it seemed natural to keep them there. I originally started with just one M & M board but it has now become three, One for M & M, one for the kidz, and one I call All Things Molly and McGee. And I just can't pin enough of them. Every Vacadude cartoon or captioned photo or MOD paraphernalia a treasure I must hold onto.
   And so it was in Jan. when someone mentioned that Eric Blehm would be soon closing his Molly The Owl online store that I immediately went over to look again. He and Carlos had put together some wonderful items such as those fabulous coffee table books I love. But I hadn't ever purchased the Molly the Owl book as I had no little ones around. With high hopes of someday having a Grand-baby I decided I must get it. So I placed the order. Then early in February my boyfriend asked what I would like for Valentines Day and once again I went back to check the store. I had always wanted that Glowz charm as spiders fascinate me so I ordered it. The orders went through but I didn't hear anything so I sent Eric an email. He replied that he was closing the store but since he knew me from previous orders he was trying to locate the items to send me. I let him know how much I appreciated it and then he asked if I had any of the other charms. I told him no and he said he was including something extra in my package. So I waited in anticipation of it's arrival. And when it came to my amazement he had given me three other charms, Tauntz, I Love Molly & Molly along with the bracelet. He also gave me both of those neat pop-up cards. I was thrilled to say the least to receive all these extra's. Now Eric has officially closed the store & I have these treasures to hold onto and a book for a future MOD. And so time goes on but I hold onto the nostalgia of what once was as I go forward with what will be. Peace*Love*Community, a constant that I hope will last forever, thank you MOD's for being a part of it.

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Molly & McGee: A MOD Love Story

  Here we are in 2013 already and it's hard to imagine three years has passed since we first met them. That owl couple we adored and forever hold in our hearts. Just the sound of their names takes us back to that wonderful magical time we spent at the Owlbox with none other than Molly and McGee and their owlets.

   And oh what a time it was. Hour upon hour spent with them, many late into the night for us East coasters. As they mated, brooded and hatched those two amazing clutches we followed every moment. It was all so new to most of us and we learned so much about barn owl behavior through our watching. Every hatch was a wonderful sight to behold and those two owlets lost in the 2nd clutch a reminder of just how fragile life is. We watched them grow from tiny prehistoric looking beings into fuzzy white owlets and then into their beautiful barn owl feathers, a miraculous transition we never tired of. As they fledged one by one it was a nerve racking time that left us on the edge of our seats hoping they would land safely and return to the box. After they all left it was just Molly and McGee together in the box, side by side, sleeping, preening and loving each other. The love and affection they had for one another a sight so priceless and how I best like to remember them.

   But time marches on, Carlos went his way and the cams were no more. Last April he gave us the tragic news that McGee did not return while hunting for their 4th clutch and we knew he was gone. Molly tried her best but could not save her owlets. She stayed around the Owlbox for some time afterwards but then she too left. Gone but never forgotten, for these two owls left a legacy that will last a lifetime. 

   We call ourselves MOD's and I consider it a privilege to be one. A very special community that has brought so much joy to so many. We've made lasting friendships and met new MOD friends along the way. Who could have imagined the wonderful things that have come from watching those two owls. We've since found other cams to watch and chat and Facebook groups to gather in and share.

   Yet we find ourselves here three years later still as madly in love with Molly and McGee as ever. And I suspect we always will be. 




Sunday, February 3, 2013

The Bravest Little Angel Egg

   This is a story of heroics and bravery . A story of spirits and legends. And yes this is a story about an extraordinary little egg I named Angel egg.


  Archer & Unity bowing

   Angel Egg was laid on March 29th. Her Mother was the lovely Unity and her Father was none other than that tiercel with a white feather named Archer. Just days earlier on March 26th Archer had returned to the  nest box injured and unable to stand on his legs. Unity had sensed something was wrong and tried to comfort him. But he managed to fly off and was seen on nearby buildings for several days afterwards. So Unity laid Angel Egg alone and was torn between caring for her egg and concern for her Archer. Then a new tiercel who would be identified as Dot.ca appeared in town on April 2nd and Archer was not seen again. DC & Unity bonded and mated and he seemed to consider Angel Egg his right from the start. But the unthinkable occurred on April 6th when Unity was struck and killed by a car while struggling with a pigeon she had caught. Dot.ca waits for her at the nest box in vain, unaware of what has happened. He keeps watch over his Angel Egg. She has lost her beautiful Mother and her Father's whereabouts remain unknown but within her hard shell their spirits are forever contained.


                Unity & Dot.ca bowing


   Unity and Angel Egg

   And then just hours after Unity's death, Beauty returns to the nest box, flying back to her familiar territory after being released from Montezuma. She had been in rehab after the injuries she had sustained earlier in her battle with Unity. She barely glances at Angel Egg but settles into her home. But things do not go well. Dot.ca returns to the nest box to find her and he is not happy. Where has his Unity gone ? And Beauty wonders the same about her Archer. They are both very confused about what has happened . Dot  continues to harass Beauty day after day but she is determined to stay in her box. It is a bad situation and everyone is very concerned.


  Beauty with Angel Egg


   Meanwhile Angel Egg had been sitting unattended in the hot sun for many days. Her beautiful red coloring she wore when hatched had faded until she became almost a pale white egg. Now she was truly an angel. She was almost certainly no longer viable and yet there she sat at the ready. But what was her mission ?
Was it Unity's spirit attempting to right a wrong after she  nearly took the life of her Aunt. Was it Archers's spirit determined to keep the Rochester falcon legacy alive, willing the greatness of his genes into this new family. Yes Angel Egg most surely had a mission. To bring these two strong willed falcons together and to watch over their offspring. But it would not be easy.

  From the time Beauty returned on April  6th things would be chaotic for the next three weeks. DC did not want Beauty at the nest box and when she was there he continually dive bombed her and chased her away. Just when things appeared to get better another tiercel showed up and all heck broke lose. Beauty bonded with the male but Dot wasn't about to let him stay and chased him off. In the middle of it all on May 16th a first time occurrence. Beauty comes into the nest box and incubates Angel Egg for a few minutes.  She quite obviously wants to mate and have her own clutch. But with whom ? On the 20th another tiercel shows up and once again Beauty tries repeatedly with him but Dot will not allow it. On the 24th she once again incubates Angel Egg, this time for well over an hour. Is this a sign of things to come ? One can only hope. Then on the the 27th Dot comes into the nest box and there is bowing and echupping between them, surely a good sign. And then after what seemed liked forever a miracle happens and  on April 29th they finally bond.


  Beauty & Dot.ca finally bowing to each other

   On May 16th Beauty lays her first egg. A second will follow on the 19th.  And then she does something amazing. After practically ignoring Angel Egg up to this point she gently pushes her alongside the other two eggs and settles down on her clutch. Angel Egg has found her place. She will remain next to the rest of the clutch until hatch, a guardian angel to them. Things between Beauty and Dot remain somewhat tense as he likes egg sitting but Beauty is not thrilled and often ousts him from the eggs. But it is Dot on the eggs when just after 6AM on June 20th the shell breaks beneath him and an eyas appears. He looks on in amazement at the birth of his son. The other egg does not hatch but a miracle has occurred. After all the tumultuous events of the past months Rochester falcon watchers finally have an eyas. Angel Egg is now a guardian angel to this precious baby. As Dot & Beautykeep busy providing for their eyas Angel Egg remains vigilant as he grows.

  Beauty on Angel Egg & her eggs


                Angel Egg & eyas

   July 13th will be Angel Egg's last day in the nest box. It is banding day for the eyas. After the eyas was removed for banding they return to collect the unhatched eggs for examination. The other egg is cracked and crumbles as they retrieve it. But Angel Egg is as solid as the day she was laid. They would not be able to determine why she didn't hatch because she only contained the spirits of Archer & Unity. She was never meant to be viable, she was meant to be an Angel Egg and that she was. She had completed her mission and we finally had a miracle pefa named Orion. She will never be forgotten and she lives on in the Rochester falcon legacy. For she truly was the bravest little Angel Egg.


                Orion with his guardian Angel Egg