December 4
December 4
Winter Update
December 4, 2024
I spent a few hours at the downtown campus last week, as well as yesterday, and although I saw both falcons both days, it wasn't until yesterday that I was able to get any kind of a decent photo of either adult.
Today's photo is Hattie perched atop a nearby building to the east of the Clinic campus, soaking in some of the sun that would peek through the clouds. Both adults were nearby, although Orton was tucked on top of a sign, which didn't give me much of an opportunity to get a decent image of him. Both adults were on the wing a bit, giving me the impression that they were hungry and wanted to catch a late breakfast or early lunch. The peregrines act differently in their postures and flight style when hungry. They also stand more alert and intense with their gaze, similar to what you might expect them to look like when they see an intruder, although they are silent with their vocals when hunting vs defending the territory. Jackie
September 18
September 18
Just Another Day in Rochester
September 18
I spent several hours at the downtown Clinic campus yesterday, trying to discover if any of the fledglings might still be in the area. Although I didn't find Onyx, Heritage or Adira, I was able to find Hattie and Orton in one of their traditional perching areas on the west side of the Siebens Building, just hanging out and taking a nap.
As mentioned before, this is one of the peregrine's favorite spots to perch and hang out when in Rochester. The area provides a great vantage point for finding prey, shelter from the elements, and they can still easily watch over their territory but not be quite so visible to any threats. This is one of the first areas to check if in the area of the downtown campus, and as you can see from the amount of white wash on the building, it is definitely a favorite spot. Jackie
July 22
Fledgling Life: Six Weeks Post-Fledge
July 22, 2024
Although the camera is off for the rest of 2024, the falcons are still actively doing their thing in Rochester, whether we are able to watch them or not. I'll continue making at least 2-3 trips a month to the clinic campus, hoping to see as many falcons as possible. By mid-August, the young fledglings should have migrated onward, and Hattie and Orton will start settling into their fall and winter routines.
I should let you know that I was able to see two of the three fledglings today, along with Hattie, perched and flying to the north of the Clinic campus. Since they are significantly more experienced with their flight skills, they are getting harder and harder to find. I was able to confirm that Onyx was one of the two birds in flight, thanks to a great view from one of the parking ramps, and her quick stop on the corner of the building, before she took off again, this time to the east. Although I only saw them for about 10 minutes, it was still a great day to be in the field. I was able to capture this screenshot yesterday afternoon of a fledgling taking a nap, which I've titled "If Looks Could Kill". What do you think? Jackie
July 3
Life as a Fledgling: Stages of Flight School
July 3, 2024
Onyx, Adira, and Heritage are now at Day 20, as a Mayo Clinic fledgling...Yipee! This is a significant milestone in their life.
The first two weeks are often considered to be the most critical as their feathers continue to grow to their final length and developing their pectoral muscles. This is why staying in the eyrie as long as possible is to their advantage. When they fledge a few days early, it significantly impedes their ability to stay in the air and actually have control over sustained flight. It is also during these first 10-12 days that they actively pursue the adults, soliciting food. Their flight style evolves from the "butterfly flight" to "flutter glide" to "powered flight," which develops at 15-25 days of flight. They are constantly food begging to the adults, even more so than when they were in the box.
As the fledglings become more confident with their flight, they also become more aggressive towards any adult with food in their talons. The adults respond by dropping both live and dead prey in flight, with the young falcons in heavy pursuit. This is not necessarily the adults "training" the young birds, but possibly just a way for the adults from being mobbed.
The fledglings will continue to be dependent on their parents for at least 4-8 weeks, longer in non-migrating populations (up to 10 weeks or more). Like everything in nature, there are always exceptions. Biologists have observed some falcons disappearing after only a week after fledging, only to show up as a breeding adult on territory, whereas other fledglings may remain on territory for up to six months or more!!
So far, multiple chases of the three fledglings chasing Hattie with prey have been observed, with Onyx being the most aggressive of the three (she's also the largest 
). The fledglings haven't been observed actually taking prey themselves, butit is always possible, since 24/7observations are not possible. Within the next week or so, they should be successful in their independent hunting events due to the large amount of young prey in the area.
). The fledglings haven't been observed actually taking prey themselves, butit is always possible, since 24/7observations are not possible. Within the next week or so, they should be successful in their independent hunting events due to the large amount of young prey in the area.Lastly, the fledges are also still making a visit to the nest box, so don't forget to continue checking in - you never know who might be home.
NOTE: Today's photos is a photo of an Ohio peregrine family, copyright Chris and Chad Saladin.
June 16
June 16
Fledgling Adventures!
June 16
We are on day four of fledgling life, and what an adventure it has been! I spent the day in Rochester yesterday, looking for the fledglings, which you can imagine would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.
Due to the rain and cooler weather, the fledglings stayed lower in the air and perched on buildings, versus soaring high over a greater distance in downtown Rochester. Adira and Onyx were spotted immediately on the Plummer Building, which is directly across from their nestbox, while it took me about half an hour to find Heritage, who was to the north on the Kahler Hotel, about a block away. The three sat for over 2 hours preening or sleeping, but that was most likely due to the rain more than anything. During breaks in the rain, the three took to the air, chasing the adults who happened to be nearby or when they had food in their talons.
As you might imagine, when food was visible, the three immediately took chase after the adult and things were LOUD with fledgling screeches. Onyx happened to catch a pigeon in a mid-air transfer from Hattie, while the other two chased her, hoping to get a piece of the prize. Onyx won out and was eventually able to eat in peace, while Adira and Heritage took off to chase Orton, even though he had empty talons. Orton easily out-flew the fledglings, which gave up and went back to where Onyx was perched, with her full crop.
Throughout the five hours I spent on campus, it was apparent that Heritage was most often sighted alone while Onyx and Adira spent the most time together, either seeking out refuge from the rain in the box or perched together. Heritage spent time either alone or with Hattie nearby. When the three fledges were apart, each group had an adult falcon within a block of their position, watching over them for any nearby dangers. A Red-tailed Hawk made the mistake of approaching Heritage on the corner of the Hilton Building, which spurred Hattie and Orton into action and quickly drove the hawk out of the area and out of view.
With high temperatures and winds expected today, the falcons won't be spending a lot of time in the air. I'll return to Rochester early Monday morning to do more observations and report back with my findings. Until then, I'll be watching the camera in hopes of a visitor appearing on screen. Jackie
June 13
The nestlings are now fledglings!
June 13
This morning, all three nestlings fledged from the nest box. Onyx fledged at 5:22 a.m., followed shortly after by Adira. After watching her sisters for a while, Heritage took a short flight to the top of the box for a better view. The fledglings won't go too far from the box at this point, so you will see them on camera periodically.
June 1
June 1
They Grow SOOOOO Fast!
June 1
What a difference a week can make! As you've all watched for the past 31 days, the chicks seem to change right before your eyes. Today's photo is from May 24th and May 31st, comparing these dramatic changes.
The chicks are now nearly 75% covered in outer covert and body feathers, compared with just a few brown feathers appearing under the down of a week ago. The face is now well feathered, but the top of the head still has some down present, especially around the legs, mid-wing and chest area. It is also very easy to tell which chick is the oldest and most developed, Heritage, with only a day of age difference between the three.
May 20
The Class of 2024: Three Girls!
May 20
We had a beautiful day for the banding today, for the three nestlings that were 19-20 days old. This is a perfect age for banding because you can determine their sex fairly easily, they don't know how to really use their defenses (beak and talons), and safe because they really can't coordinate their movements very well.
When we band the nestlings here, it takes a significant amount of help to accomplish all of the tasks: someone to keep the chicks in the box and off the front deck, remove the chick from the box, and then transfer it into the specially designed transport carrier. We also need several people to protect the team removing the nestlings from the box from the adults, who obviously are not too happy about removing the nestlings from the area for the banding.
During the actual banding event itself, we have one person remove a nestling from the carrier, while I band, examine, weigh and record all of the information. Once we finish all of that, we have special guests who select the name from a basket, and assign the chick their "name". Lastly, photos are taken of the chick before they are placed back into the transport carrier. We do this for the entire brood of chicks, answer a few questions, and thank everyone for attending. The chicks are then quickly returned to the rooftop nest box, where the adults are waiting nearby.
This year, there were three females, each weighing a little under two pounds, found to be in excellent health and free of any parasites. The names chosen by the team were Onyx, Adira, and Heritage. The first two names were submitted by over 930 people, while the third name was chosen to honor the Heritage Program on its 25th Anniversary, which is the program that now oversees the falcon program. In the photo, the nestlings from left to right, are "Heritage", "Onyx", and "Adira".
May 8
May 8
Sad News to Share
May 8
As many of you have noticed, the smallest and youngest chick passed away this afternoon.
There are numerous reasons why this may have happened, but we will never know the true reason for this death. This is a live video feed of wild peregrines raising their young. There are life and death struggles that occur in the natural world, and the camera feed gives us a unique view into this aspect of nature. The decision not to intervene was made for the welfare of the species overall, and the team believes it was the appropriate decision.
We hope our viewers can appreciate this chick’s life but move forward and celebrate the remaining three nestlings that are robust, alert and active in the days and weeks to come.
Jackie and Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Team
May 6
Banding Day and Naming Opportunities
May 6
The four chicks (eyasses) are doing well, and have nearly doubled in size in the past few days! Based on when the chicks hatched, and when it would be the optimal time to band them, the Mayo Clinic Peregrine Falcon Program team has decided to band them on May 20 at 11:30 am CST. We will be broadcasting the event LIVE via Facebook, which will give you an idea of how the Midwest Peregrine Society team retrieves the chicks for the banding in a Mayo Clinic auditorium, as well as the health check and application of the bands. The names will be randomly chosen on banding day.
You can submit your name suggestions via the link to the name submission form. Name suggestions will be accepted until 5 p.m. CST on May 12. Check out more information about why we band the falcon chicks under the Banding Day tab on the website.
May 2
All the Eggs Have Hatched!
May 2nd
Four for Four...All Eggs have hatched!
At 7:38 pm tonight, the final chick hatched from its egg. Hattie and Orton are excellent parents and we are all looking forward to seeing what the Class of 2024 brings to this world. Stay tuned for more information by next week on any banding event and naming opportunities.
May 1
First Feeding of 2024
May 1st
Class of 2024 … Peregrine Style!
After a long 36 days of incubation, the wait is over, and the first chick hatched late this afternoon and has started to eat well right away. Click here to view the video!
April 30
Class of 2024! First chick has hatched
April 30
Class of 2024 … Peregrine Style!
After a long 36 days of incubation, the wait is over, and the first chick hatched late this afternoon. The remaining three eggs should hatch in the next few days, if not sooner. Stay tuned for more information about the nestlings, the banding event and how to submit names.
April 22
April 22
Anticipation!
April 22
Anticipation!
Waiting for the peregrine eggs to hatch can seem like an eternity! It takes about six weeks for the first egg to hatch from when the first egg was laid, with an egg being laid about every other day or two. Incubation then begins on the day when the second to last egg is laid, with the adults keeping the eggs at a temperature between 99-100 degrees F and turning them about every 30 minutes or so. 33-35 days later, the chick will begin to use the egg tooth on their beak to chisel their way through the eggshell. During this time, the adults are often moving around quite a bit on the eggs until the chick pips its way out of the shell. You may even hear the chick vocalizing to the parents during this time, and the adult may vocalize back to the chick.
After the chick(s) hatch, you may see the adult nibble away on the eggshell remains, or they will just push the shell off to the side. It will take an hour or two for the newly hatched chick to dry off, but the adult will now begin to brood them, to keep them warm and toasty. Don’t worry if you don’t see the adult feed the chicks their first day of life, since they are feeding off of their egg sac in their abdomen. After that first day, Hattie will begin to feed very small pieces of food to the chicks-only a couple of pieces at a time, but every few hours. Watch how fast they can grow from a 30 gram newly hatched chick to one that is nearly ¾ adult size at banding time (~21 days).
March 28
March 28
And Then There Were Four!
March 28, 2024
And Then There Were Four!
We are happy to announce that egg number 4 arrived at 6:36 am today in Rochester. This is most likely the final egg since less than 10% of peregrine pairs have five eggs in our population, but you never know.
Now we wait, and wait, and wait for the next 33-35 days until the first egg would likely hatch. We will be sharing more information about this next stage of nesting over the upcoming weeks, but please don't hesitate to send your questions to Peregrines@mayo.edu.
March 21
The Saga of Two Intruding Falcons
March 21, 2024 -
The Saga of Two Intruding Falcons
I know many of our fans have noticed quite a few loud vocalizations lately, in addition to a third falcon sighted in the area and at the nest box itself. Thanks to the fantastic staff in Media Systems, they were able to provide video clips of the intruding falcons at the box. This significantly helped me to try and identify "who" the intruder might be, especially when the encounters were a split second or two.
First of all, neither immature peregrine was a previous Mayo Clinic fledgling. I confirmed this with both birds, due to the auxiliary band present on the first intruder and the fact the second intruder was unbanded. Secondly, both intruders were peregrines which hatched in 2023, based on their plumage. Also, if you look at the two images in the post, you can see that they are quite a bit different in their looks. Having a young falcon attempt to gain possession of a territory is not uncommon, but not as common as an intruding bird being an adult falcon.
The first peregrine was a bird I banded in Golden Valley, MN, based on the study of about 20 different snapshots from the video clip. Aurea, black/blue band V/00 was one of four nestlings that hatched in 2023 at the site, and is not a large female, especially compared to Hattie. Aurea chased Orton into the nest box on March 17th in the afternoon, but quickly left the immediate area when Hattie arrived. I observed both adults mildly chase her away from the downtown campus throughout the afternoon. By late afternoon, Aurea appeared to disappear from the area and Hattie and Orton were settled back into life at Mayo Clinic.
On March 19th, another immature falcon was also observed to make a quick appearance at the nest box and downtown campus area. This bird was slightly larger than Aurea, darker in color, and found to be unbanded. Because she did not have a band on her leg, she could have come from any number of territories in the area where we were unable to band the nestlings. She also made a quick stop at the box but was quickly chased off by the adults as well.
Now, because the restoration program has been so successful, these types of observations are becoming more and more frequent. There is only so much space of appropriate habitat that would be appealing to a peregrine, and therefore individual birds are often testing birds that are already established on territory. This is not the first intruder occurrence this year, but it is the first time we've confirmed that an intruder was an immature bird. These encounter and territorial disputes by adults towards an immature bird can be serious but are often less intense than an encounter dispute would be between two adults.
During a territorial encounter, a male peregrine will ward off the male intruder and the female peregrine will defend the site against another female. However, now when there is an egg or nestling present, both adults will defend the site against the intruder. Some of these encounters sound harsh and severe but may not result in any physical injury. However, in some instances, the encounter will be very physical and even result in a fatality. Thankfully, this wasn't the case this season.
March 20
March 20
And Then There Was One!
March 20, 2024 -
And Then There Was One!
We have our first egg of the 2024 season, laid early this morning at the downtown Mayo Building nest box. Hattie will continue to lay an egg every 36-48 hours or so until she has a full clutch to incubate. Don't worry if you don't see the adults on the egg(s), as true incubation won't begin until the second to last egg is laid. The adults will keep the egg warm during severe weather, but will also leave it uncovered for hours at a time as well.
March 11
Back to Normal Behavior at the Nest Box
March 11 2024 - I know that we haven't shared much information lately, but there hasn't been much information to share. The falcons, Hattie and Orton, have been spending very little time in the nest box itself on the Rochester Mayo Clinic downtown campus compared to other years. We have many opinions as to why, but at the end of the day, only the falcons themselves know the answer.
The good news is that during this past weekend, things seem to have changed and both birds are spending quite a bit of time in the box, enhancing the scrape (a depression in the gravel to lay the eggs) created weeks ago and behaving more defensively about the area. This is all great news as we get closer to possible egg laying.
As things change, we'll be sharing the news here as well as on social media.
February 1
Jackie's Chat: Anticipating the new Peregrine Falcon season
February 1 2024 - Click here to watch Jackie's Chat.