I wanted to believe DC had just migrated now that he is in his senior years and would be returning any day. He had migrated once before in the 2012 winter season and returned the following March on St. Patrick's Day. Every day I've searched the camera views for a bright white speck of hope announcing his return. But the day of luck came and went without him making an appearance. He may not have survived the migration or possibly he did not make it through one of the harshest winters we've had in quite some time with the snow, wind and cold temperatures. While we'll never know for certain what happened he did not return. And so it is with great sadness that I believe our beloved DC whom I affectionately called Dot is gone forever from the Rochester skies.
DC hatched in May of 2010 on the 18th floor of the Sun Life Financial Center in downtown Etobicoke, Ontario, CA to parents Angel & Jack. He had 2 other male siblings, Blackberry & Mercedes. He fledged successfully and needed to be rescued once from a balcony. It was a rather stressful nesting season as Jack was attempting to manage 2 different nest sites, something DC would inherit from him.
In April 2012 DC showed up in Rochester in the midst of several traumatic events. Beauty had been severely injured in a battle with Unity and after being rescued was in rehab. Unity had claimed the Times Square nest box and was close to laying a egg when Archer appeared with injuries to his legs and then was not seen again. Alone with her egg Unity begins mating with DC. I didn't want to like him. I felt he was responsible for the loss of my father falcon Archer. Falcon watchers know that feeling, your head knows it is the falcon way but your heart isn't quite there yet.
In yet another twist of fate Unity is struck and killed by a car the on same day as Beauty returns to Rochester after being released from Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. Not knowing the events that have transpired both Beauty and DC claim the Times Square box as their own. DC attempts to drive her out with continuous dive bombing but she isn't going anywhere. Finally after 3 weeks they are seen bowing and eventually mating takes place. Beauty lays her first 2 eggs with DC. On June 20th 2012 one of the eggs begins to hatch while DC is sitting on them. He is quite surprised to see his newborn eyas. Orion the miracle pefa is banded on July 13th becoming the 1st of Beauty and DC's offspring. The firstborn of a legacy that will last for years to come. For the next 9 years DC and Beauty will rule the Rochester skies. Together producing 31 offspring over those years in clutches of 3 to 4 eyas. DC also mates with Pigott at the BS sight and then after she moves on another female that takes up residence there following in the footsteps of his dad Jack.
DC was an amazing hunter and great provider. He loved sitting on his eggs and there was often quite the standoff when Beauty returned and he didn't want to budge from them. These standoffs could last for quite some time with much vocalization between them until Beauty either kicked him off or on occasion gave in and let him stay. He also loved to feed the eyas once they hatched. When Beauty let him help with the feedings he often indulged himself as well and it was hilarious to watch. As the eyas grew Beauty & DC would do tandem feedings which were always fun to watch especially when the girls were outgrowing DC in size. As the eyas near fledge Beauty & DC would do flybys attempting to coax them off the ledge. After fledge they were busy teaching them the ways of the falcon and learning how to hunt. DC would usually be in charge of teaching the boys and took them on day trips as they got more experienced.
Memories flood my mind of Dot.ca and I will be forever glad I have them. DC and Beauty next to each other on a on a ledge on OCSR. DC watching over his territory from high atop the Times Square Building. And DC delivering a meal to Beauty on the Mercury statue. This tiercel with a bright white chest will be missed but not forgotten. His legacy lives on. Fly free Dot.ca.
Braveheart
NOTE
I was nearly finished with this story last week when we lost Beauty and struggled to finish it but hope I have it justice even in this time of great loss.
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