November 14
November 14
Sad News to Share
November 14
Unfortunately I have some sad news to share with everyone who follows the Mayo Clinic falcons in Rochester.
As humans, we get emotionally invested with the animals we study, and although I intellectually know that mortality is high for peregrines during their first year of life, it's always hard to get a report or sighting notifying us that a bird has passed away. Recently, a member of the Rochester Mayo staff reported that the remains of one of the 2022 peregrines had been found. Comet was found on an upper level of the Plummer Building, but had passed too long ago to be able to determine the cause of death.
By banding birds, we learn an amazing amount of information about their lives, such as longevity, migration patterns, nesting success (or failures), dispersal distances from their natal (hatch) territory to a future nesting territory, and individual behavior patterns to name just a few. And although this news is difficult to receive, it is still important information to know about peregrines in the Upper Midwest, MInnesota, and specifically, survivability of Mayo Clinic's falcons.
Today's photo is of Comet from her banding event on May 25, 2022, at 20 days of age.
October 18
October 18
Fall Cleaning
October 18
Several people have asked questions about how we maintain the nest box atop the Mayo Building in Rochester, so I thought this would be the perfect time of year to answer these questions.
Our highest priority is not to negatively impact the peregrines, and to also make sure the staff remain safe. Therefore, it makes the most sense to do any repair or cleaning of the nest box in the fall. This way, the falcon's hormone level is lower than it is in the springtime, and the peregrines are less likely to be very defensive about the rooftop area. Some peregrines might have already started their fall migration, but not Hattie and Orton. The adults remain in the area and may do fly-bys of the workers, but generally do not make physical contact with the staff.
During the cleaning, the debris of prey remains and pellets (prey remains that are not digested) are removed from the box first. Depending on how much fecal material is in the pea gravel substrate, a portion of the gravel is removed to be washed and used again in future years. Occasionally, all of the gravel is removed and replaced with brand-new gravel. The inside box walls and the front "deck porch" are also scrubbed clean and rinsed with fresh water. The box has small drainage holes in the bottom, so the water will drain and not become a health hazard for the birds. Lastly, any repairs are made to the box as well, to make sure things are safe and secure for the upcoming nesting season.
A HUGE thank you to the Facilities staff for all they do for the program, making sure the peregrines have a safe and healthy nestbox to raise any future offspring.
September 21
September 21
Jackie's Chat
September 21
Axel Gumbel from Mayo Clinic Communications catches up with Jackie Fallon to learn the latest on Mayo's peregrine falcons and what to expect this fall.
August 2
August 2
Where are the Fledglings?
Where are the Fledglings?
August 2
Many of you are wondering about the 2023 fledglings of Rochester's Mayo Clinic and if they are still in town. Project biologists have spent at least five to six hours at the downtown campus on two separate days this past week, hoping to find them. They have looked at all of the traditional peregrine perching spots, asking numerous Mayo Clinic employees that often send me sightings throughout the year, but no one could say for certain that they had seen Genesis, Aero, Piper, or Horus since the middle of July.
Again, this is to be expected since they have been out of the nest box for two months now, fine-tuning their flight and hunting skills. Eventually, the fledglings leave their natal territory and start a new stage of their lives by exploring the state and living up to their name, "the wanderer." It is always possible that they are still in Rochester, but at this stage of their life, it makes more sense that they have left the area than to say they are still in town.
Although the biologists didn’t find any fledglings, they were happy to find Hattie and Orton at their traditional downtown perching areas, watching them chase pigeons, preen, or even just take a nap. Mayo Clinic has played a significant role in this restoration effort, and hopefully, many of you may have the opportunity to view the falcons for yourself when in Rochester. Adults or fledglings, they are all exciting to see.
July 18
July 18
Tuesday Visitor
Tuesday Visitor
July 18
Look who showed up this morning! One of the fledglings made a quick visit to the nest box in downtown Rochester, although I wasn't able to read the color band information. The visits will continue to be very infrequent, but you never know when a visitor may appear, so the camera will remain on through early August.
June 19
June 19
Returning Home!
Returning Home!
June 19
Horus, Genesis, Aero, and Piper returned to the nest box at the same time tonight, which was a first since Genesis fledged on June 5th. Over the past 14 days, the four fledglings were often found in a variety of locations, most often perched or in flight where their identity could not be confirmed, and never more than three fledglings at any one time. However, at 8:09 p.m. CT tonight, all four fledglings showed up at their natal nest box at the same time. As mentioned before, fledging is the most difficult time in a young falcon's life, so it was a nice relief to see all of them together. Observations will continue through mid-July, to document their behavior and ability to gain enough skill to become fully independent young peregrine falcons.
June 9
The Nestlings Have All Become Fledglings
Next Stage in Life: Fledging
June 9
Horus, Genesis, Aero, and Piper have now all taken their maiden flight, although not the most graceful by some standards. Peregrines typically fledge between 38 and 42 days of age, sometimes up to 44 days old and this year was no exception. The fledglings may or may not return to the box with any consistency once they fledge, but often, at least one bird is in or near the box for at least a week or so after fledging.
There are many variables involved with fledging and sometimes it is just luck of nature: it can be a chosen choice to fly or an accidental nudge by a sibling. Sometimes it is a strong incentive for food, which means a deadly mistake if a nestling is only 30 days old. Be aware that flight isn't an instant skill or knowledge but rather something mastered through observation and practice. The longer the nestlings stay in the eyrie (nest), the higher the chance of success for flight. A few days' time can make a significant difference in feather growth, and the more fully developed the feathers are, the better control the fledgling has during flight. Obviously, the nestling doesn't cognitively think all of these things out, and things happen when they happen.
The challenge of fledging includes inexperience in coordinating their flight in strong winds, recognizing the dangers of glass windows and walls, and getting off the ground if they land there. Mayo Facilities staff are a critical part of recovering grounded falcon fledglings and coordinating their return. The entire Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon team will continue to monitor the fledglings through July, before they become fully independent and leave their natal territory in late summer.
June 8
June 8
Look Who's Back!
Look Who's Back!
June 8
Genesis returned to the nest box earlier this morning, looking none the worse for wear. I'm not sure what his siblings think, and I'm sure he won't stick around for long before exploring the Rochester skies further away from the Mayo Building. Jackie
June 7
Genesis Sighting: All is Well
Genesis Sighting: All is Fine (NOTE: today's photo was taken pre-fledge)
June 7
I'm happy to report that I just received a phone call from Mayo Clinic Facilities staff that they observed Genesis on the ledge of the 20th floor of the Mayo Building in downtown Rochester. Genesis was found to be wing-flapping and running along the southeast side of the building, right below the nest box. Also, there is nothing to indicate he is in distress or injured in any way but rather just a typical fledgling that is exercising his wing muscles and being cared for by the adults.
As always, the Mayo Clinic peregrine falcon team thank you for your interest in the Mayo Clinic peregrine falcons. We also appreciate your patience and understanding of our caution toward investigating the immediate area around the nest box and knowing how hard it is to do nothing but wait. Be assured that our primary goal is always for the welfare of the birds and making sure that we do not cause any harm while trying to help. Jackie
June 6
June 6
Genesis Update
June 6
Late yesterday afternoon, Genesis "fledged" off the deck of the nest box atop the Mayo Building. There is a sub-roof below the nest box, but we cannot access it now because the other three chicks would try to leave the nest box if they sense a disturbance, and they need another day or two for feather growth. It's likely that Genesis is on the sub-roof and that Hattie and Orton are providing him with food.
We will update this website as well as the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Facebook page when we have more information to share.
As always, thanks for your interest in the Mayo Clinic peregrine falcons.
June 5
June 5
The First Fledge
June 5
Just before 5 p.m. CT, Genesis officially "fledged" off the deck of the nest box atop the Mayo Building. The fledge act was not intentional but rather one of those missteps that happen to young birds. There is a sub-roof below the nest box, which can be a safety net of sorts for fledging or accidental falls.
Based on Horus' behavior and the behavior of the adults, the decision was made to stop any further investigation for the fledgling Genesis at this time. The adults will provide care to Genesis at his location. As we investigate the situation tomorrow, we will make an informed plan on how best to proceed, if at all. It is important to remember to look at the big picture and remember that any action taken does not cause more harm.
It is also important to remember that fledging is inherently a dangerous time for young falcons, regardless if the fledge act was intentional or not. What happened with Genesis happens often, but it is not always something that humans have the opportunity to witness. This is nature in its purest form.
June 3
June 3
Countdown to Fledge
Final Countdown to Fledge
June 3
Aero, Piper, and Genesis are five-weeks-old today and are nearing their fledge date, and even though Horus is two days younger, he will probably fledge before his two sisters.
As explained in an earlier post, you can easily notice that the two males are more fully feathered and developed for a successful fledge (crossing fingers) today than their sisters are. Peregrines typically fledge between 38 and 42 days of age, sometimes up to 44 days. Every chick is an independent statistic in this area, so it is impossible to make a concrete decision on when fledging will occur, but if I had to GUESS, I would think Tuesday, June 6 would be that date for Genesis. Sometimes the fledge is a deliberate decision to take flight and sometimes the fledge date is by chance due to a wind gust or a bump off the deck by a sibling.
The longer a nestling stays in the eyrie (nest), the higher the chance of success for flight. A few days' time can make a significant difference in feather growth, and the more fully developed the feathers are, the fledgling has better control during their flight. Obviously, the nestling doesn't cognitively think all of these things out, and things happen when they happen. I'll be talking more about fledging in the upcoming week, but for now, I hope you continue to enjoy the falcons while they are still in the nest box. It will be empty soon enough, while the falcon family ventures farther away from the top of the Mayo Building, and explores Rochester itself. Jackie
May 28
May 28
Preen, Preen, Preen
Preen, Preen, Preen
May 28
If you've been watching the Rochester falcon family since hatch, you've noticed that the nestlings have grown from weak, helpless, wobbly-head fluff balls into something that is closely resembling a peregrine falcon. It seems like they're changing right before our eyes, with the male peregrines, Horus and Genesis, being 50% or more brown in color, while Aero and Piper are still mostly white fluff with less brown body covert coverings.
All of these new feathers require a lot of preening to keep them healthy and strong for future flight and insulation. This also helps keep insects and parasites under control. Since there are so many feathers growing in all at one time, the nestlings are spending nearly 40% of their day or more preening. Once they have all of their feathers completely grown in, that time spent drops considerably to maybe 10% of their day or less.
May 22
May 22
Meet the Class of 2023
Meet the Class of 2023 at Mayo Clinic Rochester
May 22
On Friday, May 19th, a variety of Mayo staff and others helped me retrieve the four peregrine falcon nestlings from the nestbox atop the Mayo Building, and brought them to the Geffen Auditorium in the Gonda Building, to receive their identification bands, a health check, and their names.
Much to the delight of several hundred patients, their families, Mayo staff, and volunteers, this year we were able to return to an open banding and naming event. One by one, the nestlings were removed from the specially designed transport box, weighed, had samples taken to test for HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza), banded, and lastly had their name chosen from nearly 3500 names that were submitted this year. All of the nestlings were found to be in good health, free of parasites, well hydrated, and right on track for their development as 18 and 20-day-old peregrines. They are about 80% adult size at this age and mainly growing in their outer body and flight feathers from here until fledging.
In the photo, left to right:
Aero "of the sky" (female) weight 791 grams, band black/blue U/72
Horus "God of the sky" (male) weight 568 grams, band black/blue 19/S
Piper "flute player" (female) weight 847 grams, band black/blue U/71
Genesis "in the beginning" (male) weight 603 grams, band black/blue 76/S
After the banding and naming event, the team quickly returned the chicks to the nest box, where they continue to be cared for by the parents Hattie and Orton. The entire team's priority is to minimize the stress, as much as possible, and we have never had nestlings abandoned by the adults due to the banding activities. Our priority is the welfare of the nestlings and adults, and if there is any question as to the banding potentially negatively impacting the birds, the banding is canceled.
Lastly, I've received numerous questions and concerns about the youngest chick Horus. I'm happy to say that he is doing well and more than able to compete with his older siblings for enough food and care. The chicks will not necessarily get the same amount of food at each feeding, but things work themselves out and I've observed him easily competing against his siblings when he is hungry enough, to get more than his fair share.
This brood of chicks brings the total number of falcon chicks to hatch at Mayo Clinic Rochester to 74. I can't thank Mayo Clinic enough for continuing to participate in this restoration program, celebrating its 36th year, and I'm proud to say I've been able to be a part of every single banding since 1992. I can't think of a better facility to bring to life the words of Emily Dickinson "Hope is the thing with feathers". Jackie
NOTE: All banding, marking, and sampling is
being conducted under a federally authorized Bird
Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological
Survey
being conducted under a federally authorized Bird
Banding Permit issued by the U.S. Geological
Survey
May 18
May 18
My, How Time Flies!
My, How Time Flies!
May 18, 2023
It seems like just yesterday that the first two eggs hatched in the early hours of Saturday, April 29th, 2023, in the falcon nest box in downtown Rochester. Over the past 19 days, the chicks have increased in size by nearly 20 times, are more aware of their surroundings, preening their own feathers, waddling around the gravel, and eating bones and feathers instead of just muscle tissue. Their eyes are wide open instead of small slits that couldn't focus on their surroundings, their flight feathers are erupting from the feather sheaths, and they no longer need any help from their parents to stay warm. In another three weeks' time, they will be close to taking their first flight and starting on another adventure in the life of a peregrine falcon.
May 10
May 10
Where have the adults gone?
Where have the adults gone?
This is another common question that we are getting the past few days, and has something happened to the adults at the downtown campus in Rochester? Rest assured that Hattie and Orton are fine, but with the warmer temperatures and the chicks growing so quickly, the adult falcons will begin to spend less and less time in the box. This is all normal, and at least one adult is in the immediate area to protect the nestlings from danger.
May 1
6:08 a.m.
May 1
6:08 a.m.
Feeding time for four
Click on the link to watch feeding time for the four peregrine falcon chicks, bright and early this morning!
May 1
Sunrise
May 1
Sunrise
And now there are four!
The fourth chick hatched early this morning, bringing our falcon family to six for the next few months. In these first days after hatch, Orton will be the primary food provider and Hattie will do the majority of the feeding. Of course, it's still important for them to protect the chicks from the elements, and they cover them almost all the time except for during feeding.
April 29
April 29
Hatch!
April 29
We observed the pip (small hole in the shell) of one egg on April 28 at 7:15 p.m. although we had been hearing chick vocalizations a few hours prior. Things proceeded according to schedule and today we confirmed hatch of two chicks at around 4:30 a.m. By 10:13 a.m. we confirmed that an additional chick had also hatched, bringing our total to three so far.
The adults are doing a great job caring for the new nestlings. Orton is bringing in plenty of fresh food, although Hattie is the parent doing all of the feeding, which happens about every two hours or so.
The adults will keep the chick and eggs covered as much as possible but you may notice a bit of white among the remaining eggs when the adults shift position.
April 19
April 19
Countdown to hatch
In these final days before hatch, you might observe the adults shuffling over the eggs more frequently, repositioning their bodies, and even rising up a little over the eggs instead of sitting low and settled over them. You may even hear very quiet vocalizations in the nest box as the adults communicate to the embryos and vice versa. Notice that now Hattie is more reluctant to leave the nest box when Orton flies in for his turn on the eggs.
March 29
Jackie's Chat: Where you can observe the Mayo falcons
March 29
From her vantage point on the roof of the Plummer Building in downtown Rochester, Jackie Fallon explains where you might locate Mayo's peregrine falcons. Enjoy this brief video to learn more.
March 27
March 27
Egg number four
March 27
Early this morning, Hattie laid egg number four in the nest box in downtown Rochester. Incubation has begun and there are only a few questions left to ask: 1-Will a fifth egg arrive? When will the eggs hatch? These questions are related to each other and we cannot answer the second question until we know the answer to the fifth. By Thursday, we will know for sure the total number of eggs laid for the 2023 season.
Happy Monday everyone!
March 24
March 24
Egg number three
March 24
Another egg was laid earlier this afternoon, bringing the total clutch size to three. In this photo, Orton is keeping watch against potential intruders such as any other raptors or humans.
Since the third egg has arrived, you will start to notice that either Hattie or Orton will be resting on the eggs or incubating them nearly the entire time you check the web camera. There is always the possibility that Hattie could lay two more eggs, bringing the entire clutch size to five, which would mean that incubation will not begin until the fourth egg arrives. This should happen by Monday, March 27th. Nature, and Hattie, are the only ones who know the true answer. As we have more information, we will be sure to update you here, as well as on the new Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program Facebook Page.
March 23
March 23
Jackie's Chat: Mating behavior
March 23
In this feature, Jackie Fallon, naturalist with the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program, explains the mating behavior of peregrine falcons. Watch this video to learn more.
March 20
March 20
Egg-citing news!
March 20
We can officially announce the start date of the 2023 falcon nesting season in Rochester, MN!! The first 
arrived yesterday morning, and now we wait and see how many other eggs will join this first one.
We have no idea how many eggs Hattie will lay in this year's clutch (group of eggs). The typical clutch size is three to four eggs, but the total number could range from one to five. Occasionally, a female will lay more than five eggs, but we have never experienced a brood (group of chicks) of chicks larger than five in the Upper Midwest. If Hattie lays more than this first egg, there is typically 48-60 hours between each egg, but the interval may also be greater than 72 hours in rare cases.
Hattie and Orton will not begin incubating the first egg, or any future eggs, until the second to last egg of the clutch is laid. This ensures that any fertile eggs will hatch within a few days of each other. The parents may sit on the egg(s) during cold weather, when temperatures are below freezing, but this is not true incubation. Both adult falcons will incubate the eggs, but the majority of incubation duties is done by the female peregrine. You may even notice a bare patch of feathers on Hattie or Orton's belly. This is called the brood patch, which allows the peregrine to better incubate the eggs and keep them at a constant temperature.
We hope this answers your questions about the eggs, and Hattie and Orton's behavior.
March 16
Jackie's Chat: Field observations
March 16
As the 2023 peregrine falcon season ramps up, Jackie Fallon is recording brief videos we're calling "Jackie's Chat" to share more about her work as a naturalist and peregrine falcon expert. Watch this video to learn how Jackie conducts her regular field observations.
March 8
March 8
Things are progressing!
March 8
So far, things are progressing well with our peregrine falcon pair, Hattie and Orton. We’ve observed several encounters between Hattie and other adult female peregrines, and a single chase by Orton toward an adult male, but thankfully the encounters were short and didn’t result in any significant injuries.
Peregrine courtship involves many things, such as perching next to one another, performing AMAZING aerial displays of flight, making a scrape at the eyrie (nest), and food exchanges with each other. The pair will also bow towards each other, where they often vocalize with an eechip sound, which seems to function as appeasement. They will also be observed by preening each other and nibbling at the other bird’s toes or bill. Things continue to escalate as the courtship bond increases, when you see cooperative hunting and food transfers, with the male presenting food to the female. All of this behavior is essential for mating to occur, which happens multiple times during the day but is only a few seconds in duration. Mating occurs several weeks before the first egg is laid and occasionally may be observed after a full clutch is complete.
Right now, we are just waiting anxiously for the first egg to arrive, which should happen by the first week in April. My guess is that the first egg will arrive around March 23rd or so, but that is just a guess - only Hattie and Orton know the true date, and they don’t seem to be sharing with us. Stay tuned, and please don’t hesitate to send any questions to us at peregrines@mayo.edu.
February 7
February 7
Welcome everyone!
February 7
Welcome everyone! We are happy to let you know we went LIVE this morning with the nest box camera and are ready to welcome a new brood of peregrine chicks to Mayo Clinic, Rochester. The nest box was cleaned out last fall, with a little sprucing up in January, and all of the camera equipment was tested and put in place for the upcoming season. It’s important to do this during the “off-season”, to minimize any disturbance to the falcons and possibly cause them to find an alternative location to nest.
Another thing we do during the winter is to do as much of the annual facility maintenance on the clinic building rooftops before the falcons start their courtship. This minimizes disturbance to the falcons but also minimizes a strong defensive response by the birds toward Mayo Clinic staff and the field team. Safety for both birds and humans is a big concern for us, and why we do all of our observations remotely or from at least 500 feet away.
As in previous years, Hattie and Orton remained on territory throughout the winter and survived our ever-changing Minnesota climate. It is a misconception that all peregrines migrate or that they migrate together. Hattie and Orton are entering their eighth nesting season together, and both birds have remained in the Rochester area the entire year. Staying on territory may have its advantages, but there are also disadvantages in some northern climates with temperature extremes and possible frostbite risks.
We also want to mention that we have started a new Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program Facebook page, where you can find additional information about the peregrines that choose to nest at the Rochester downtown clinic. Here’s to a GREAT 2023 season, hopefully, filled with eggs and future generations of falcons in Minnesota.