Baby falcons are ready to fly

I posted before about the Perigrine Falcons nesting on the roof of the Rachel Carson State office building in Harrisburg, PA. There is a falcon cam showing the family. Click here to view the falcons via slide show, live feed or photo gallery.

The five young eyases have physically grown and developed considerably. Soon, they will make their first flight attempt, known as fledging. Beginning on Monday, June 8th, watch and rescue staff will track the activities of the eyases as they take to the air, one at a time until all have fledged. Although the larger eyases have had the advantage at feeding times, the smaller, more agile ones may have the advantage in flight. The little male (white band) has been running up and down the ledge all week. He’s just waiting for his feathers to develop a little more before he makes his first attempt. At the other end of the spectrum, we see the largest female (green band) - she may not be as agile as the smaller birds and the watch and rescue team will watch her closely and respond if she ends up on the street or on one of the nearby parking garages. In any event, fledging is probably the most critical step in the life cycle of peregrines and success can help to ensure the long-term survival of these endangered raptors.

I've been watching the live feed all morning, and one just took off. How, cool.

Click here to see my prior post.