Bird Cams Around the World

MOM’S MEMORIAL SERVICE

Please print your name on an address label, and place it on the left side of your chest. This will help us get to know each other. I’m terrible on names.

If everyone would please take your Bouquet, and that of ? of us who was unable to attend until they are all gone I’d appreciate it. Please take Note of the names of those in absentia, and mention what you did for them. We have 8 present and 21 regrets.

If anyone feels like they are going to cry, go ahead and have a good one, get it all out of your system, that’s what this is all about. Then look up at the sky, and take in a big breath, and let it out slowly. Pass the tissues around to others who might be in need of them.

Attending:
1. Reenie
2. Cat Woman
3. Westwindchild
4. Faith
5. George
6. Jane
7. Cricket
And possibly 8. Toni aka Birdbrain



CANDLELIGHT SERVICE:

If everyone would please form a semi-circle around Moms picture, and light your candle, (the switch is on the bottom), we’ll begin the Memorial for our beloved Mom. Thank you.

MY OPENING:

I want to thank everyone for coming to Celebrate the life of our beloved Mom. Today we are beginning the Healing Process by remembering her. I will open the Service by telling you how I came to know of her, all of my brothers and sisters here, and those in absentia today.

It was April 15, 2007 and I went into my e-mail. One of my patients sent me a Link to the Harrisburg Cam site, and it said, “Eileen here’s one, and it’s in our area!” I had started watching the Bald Eagles on Santa Cruz Island sending her that Link the previous day, and am still watching both of them to this day.




What impressed me about Mom the most was she always made sure all her Peep’s were well fed! Hmm was she Italian?

Mom or Lil Dad would return with a pigeon, she would de-feather it, and started chirping to her brood. All the peep’s opened their little beaks, and she started her task of feeding so many. She was very fair, and even made sure the ones in the back of the group were well nourished, as long as they would remain upright THUD. The encouraging sounds she made tugged at my heart & soul. I became attached to Mom & Lil Dad at that moment.

I am broken hearted she is gone, but look forward to her Progeny in continuing her bloodlines.

A READING OF THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND:
1. Skygirlblue
2. Alison
3. Catbird
4. Ljames
5. RosieK17
6. CorvaCXVI
7. SusanE
8. Tracy
9. Mick
10. Normangelo/Norma
11. Beth
12. Yorkwatcher
13. Lyn
14. Linda
15. Gigi
16. Antilogical
17. and her D.H.
18. Eric Not sure if they can make it
19. Elise Not sure if they can make it
20. Finchy Not sure if they can make it
21. Tom

We all know they hurt as much as we do, and we can feel their love from afar. Perhaps in the Spring, when we plant the Wildflower’s, more will be able to attend. Hopefully we’ll have little Falcon’s at that time.



It is now time for each one here to tell us your Memories of Mom.



Now I will Memorialize Mom for those who were unable to attend today.


Lyn in Colorado

1. My memories of Mom would be of her caring and tenderness with her babies. I can remember hearing her calls, and stopping whatever I was doing to run to the computer screen, and see what was happening. Her calls and chirps were my constant companion during the days the live cam was streaming. The with-drawl I always went through when it was shut off. Mom helped me to learn so much more about our birds in general, not just falcons. I watched and photographed a robin in her nest, that I may not have even noticed otherwise. Mom was a wonderful ambassador for birds of all kinds around the world. I am now an avid watcher of cams all over the world, because I first ran across Mom on her ledge. Mom was regal, beautiful, tender, protective, strong, devoted and wise. Thank you to all of you and especially to Mom, for opening my eyes to so much more of the world around us.

I want to be included in any monetary donation that you decide on for a fitting permanent banner, or whatever you all that are there locally decide on. Please keep us informed as to what is needed.

I wish I could just jet on out to Harrisburg, and be with you all. Please, if there is possibly a way of videoing, or pictures, or whatever, that all of us that just can not be there can see this, I know we would all love to see it. Just keep in mind that I, for one, will be thinking of you all at 11:00 here in Colorado, 1:00 in Harrisburg.

Poem by Lyn

I have hesitated to post this for I am certainly not a poet, nor do I aspire to be one, but I put this into Word one day and I would like to share it (with hands over my red face). If Cricket would want to read it at the memorial I would be flattered, but I by no means would be hurt if you didn't. Here goes......

To a Special Bird -
A Mighty Bird of Prey


Our Lady of the Ledge,
A true beauty to behold,
Through the seasons and the storms
Your story of nature was told.

You ruled the skies
With dignity and grace
And flew with strong wings
To the edge of a heavenly space.

To the future you gave
Through your devotion and wisdom
Generations of young
To carry on your kingdom.

To those of us tethered
To the Earth far below,
You gave the ability to fly
As high as dream can flow.

Now you can soar
Without obligation or care.
Your years of hard work
Have earned you your share.

Now untethered, soar high,
Soar free sweet bird.
In our hearts you will remain
And you will greet us again someday.

Our Lady of the Ledge
Your story was told.
Your work is done
And your strong wings softly fold.

Lyn
09-29-2010

GIGI

2. Just catching up on all the goings on in Harrisburg. I wish I could be with you all in Harrisburg for the memorial planned for next Saturday. I am sure that it will be a beautiful tribute to Mom, one of the best of her species.

Mom surely exemplified all that a female peregrine should be: She was fiercely loyal to Lil Dad, providing him with many young through the years. Mom was a protector to her offspring, carefully nurturing them, feeding them, and finally teaching them the ways of the sky. They are her legacy!

Godspeed Mom, you will be forever remembered in our hearts.




Maruilyn/Yorkwatcher

3. My tribute to Mom.
The Lady of the Ledge, You taught us to respect all that is wild in this world, Your beauty, and grace in the skies was unsurpassed, your Loyalty to your Mate rivals most human relationships, we can all learn from you. The tenderness, and care you gave to all your "babies" is another lesson we humans can learn from. You will be missed by all of us, but your memory will carried in our hearts forever.


Alison

4. I was so very sad to learn of the loss of beautiful Mom at this nest. I had been hoping that she had survived a possible territorial battle, and might return. However, looking at the last video, I could see that she was ill, barely moving, eyes half closed, and feathers fluffed out - but just as beautiful as ever.

Mom was an exceptional falcon. When I think of her, I think of the gentle, loving care with which she raised her chicks each year, and her strong bond with Lil Dad, and with her earlier mate.

Although I wish the best for the New Girl and Lil Dad, the loss of Mom leaves a great void at this site. She ruled over her territory with such nobility, grace and dignity. She will be greatly missed, and always remembered.

I would like to thank Reenie for all the beautiful photos of Mom, which she has shared on this forum. I think they are a fitting tribute to a wonderful falcon who lived her life with so much courage.


Tracy

5. I'm one of the forum 'lurkers'.. read it faithfully but rarely post. I work in Strawberry Square so I get to see these magnificent birds often and close up. The loss of mom is just unbearable. Of course, its nature and out of our control, and I am glad that NG is here to carry on the legacy of the RCOB falcons.

I will be there in spirit for the memorial, and would like to contribute as well. Thanks to everyone for the reports all season long and for all that you each do.

DEP

6. The Rachel Carson State Office Building’s in Harrisburg, PA, resident female Peregrine Falcon, 4/4, a state-listed endangered species, arrived on the 15th floor nest ledge in early May 1999. Based upon her alphanumeric leg band information, the female fledged from the Girard Point Bridge in Philadelphia in the summer of 1998. Dan Brauning, an Ornithologist with the PA Game Commission (PGC), banded her and her siblings before they fledged. She was the first falcon from a bridge nest site to be rediscovered at another site in Pennsylvania. Based upon Dan’s experience and observations from her banding, 4/4 came from a strong family line of extremely aggressive females, which would be seen in 4/4 and her female offspring.
When she arrived at the Rachel Carson Building in 1999, she was 12 months old and too young to reproduce, but hopes were high in 2000, when she would begin reproducing for the next ten years laying 49 eggs and hatching 44 young—all chronicled live through the PA Falcon Cam. 4/4 was the second female at the nest site. In 1997, a banded female peregrine arrived on-site but failed to reproduce with the male for two seasons. From her band code, biologists discovered that she fledged from the National Monument in Washington DC. Her father was an escaped falconer’s bird and his breeding was half Prairie Falcon, half Peregrine. As a result of this hybridization, it was determined that any offspring, including this female were rendered infertile.
The female was live trapped in the spring of 1999 and sent to the National Aviary in Pittsburgh where she served in educational programming.
The Rachel Carson Building houses the offices of the Pennsylvania Departments of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Conservation and Natural Resources. The building is aptly named for Rachel Carson the author of Silent Spring and a Pennsylvania native, who exposed the dangers of pesticides, particularly DDT, in her landmark book.
4/4 was legendary in her aggressive defense of the nest site and young eyases. The area around the building is locally-known as the “no-fly zone,” because 4/4 would chase away birds and kill raptors that strayed to close to the building, Red-tailed and Cooper’s Hawks are the most common victims of her wrath. Redtails can be a threat to Peregrine nestlings and Cooper’s feed on the same prey base—other birds.
Like all falcons, 4/4 had long pointed wings and rapid, steady wing beats in flight. 4/4 could reach a speed of more than 200 miles per hour in a vertical dive called a stoop; in level flight 4/4 averaged about 60 miles per hour.
4/4 and the Red-tailed Hawks were fierce rivals. In 2004, a Red-tailed Hawk carried off and killed a young falcon eyas from the ledge. Since then, 4/4 went after Red-tailed Hawks, who entered the no-fly zone, with a vengeance—chasing them into nearby buildings, parking garages, the train station and other nearby structures, or simply knocking them out of the sky to often land on the ground stunned or even dead. Her fury extended to PGC’s banding crew, who, year after year, climb out onto the 15th floor ledge to band the young eyases. Every year, 4/4 grew more and more intolerant of ledge visitors. So much so, that in 2009, PGC Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist, Joe Kosack, was scratched on the face by 4/4’s talon as he opened the ledge window to climb out. PGC’s Pennsylvania Peregrine Coordinator, Dr. Art McMorris, has been hit in the back by 4/4 while banding.
In 2005, the resident male Peregrine, Carson, was found injured at the train station. He was rehabilitated and housed at Zoo America as an educator bird. Carson was the name given to him as now, no longer free and wild, he was valued as a caretaker’s companion and endangered species icon in outreach programming. Ironically, a squirrel chewing through netting facilitated Carson’s escape from Zoo America. It is not known whether or not Carson returned to the ledge to attempt to reclaim his territory. In any case, he will finish out his remaining days as a free and wild raptor, as it should be. After 52 days, a new male, who was banded in May 2003, on the Walt Whitman Bridge in Philadelphia arrived and bonded with 4/4. This new resident male is a superb hunter and mate.
In September 2010, 4/4, at the age of 12, was unable to defend the ledge from a challenging young female peregrine. There were reports that a dead falcon was seen near the train station with a description that seems, with little doubt, to be 4/4. There were reports of a two hour battle, so if the combatants were 4/4 and the new female, the victory was hard earned. There also were reports that she may have been ill, but since no carcass was recovered, no testing could be done to confirm this.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a happy ending for 4/4—because of a lack of timely reporting and detailed information, she wasn’t able to be recovered for rehabilitation. As humans, some may see this is sad, but this is part of nature that ensures the survival of this wild predator. That said we will certainly never forget this memorable and remarkable falcon.
But, the story of the Rachel Carson Building peregrines continues to unfold. There is a new, unbanded adult female who is pair-bonding with the resident male. Falcon watchers will need to continue watching the new pair to witness their progress in the months to come.


Vera
7. I remember you, beautiful Falcon. You may never know the pleasure you gave so many people, looking in on the sights and sounds of your world. You were there no matter the weather, protecting your territory with awesome fierceness, yet devoted to your mate, and gentle and nurturing to your young. You reigned for many years, our Falcon Queen. For me there will never be another like you, and we called you "Mom".


Norma
8. MOM! There you sat, completely covered in snow, keeping your eggs warm. Nothing showed but a mound of snow in the nest box. There was not a full clutch to be seen before the storm, but you were hard at work in spite of everything. The next day the snow melted enough that we could see your head and upper body. It was still another day before the snow had melted completely away from your body, and when you stood up, there was the fourth egg! Your devotion to your mate and your chicks was unsurpassed, your courage and fierceness in defense of your territory and your chicks knew no bounds. I miss you!

9.
Linda

Our Dear Mom,
No one will ever know how much I miss seeing you everyday with Lil' Dad. You were the first falcon nest I watched. You taught me so much about what a wonderful mate and Mother you were. I will always remember you taking care of your babies and bossing Lil' Dad. I loved how you kept him in line. You will be missed and no one will ever take your place in my heart.








10.Skygirlblue

Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the sky on laughter silvered wings
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds and done a hundred things
I've wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence
Hovering there I've chased the shouting winds aloft
And flung my eager craft through footless halls of air

Up, up, the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark nor even eagle flew
And while with silent lifting mind I trod
The high untresspassed sanctity of space
Put out my hand and touched the face of God

The higher we fly, the farther we go
The closer we are to each other
The darker the night, the brighter the star
In peace go my sisters and brothers


11. Carol

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Hi Cricket,

Below is my tribute to Mom for Saturday's memorial service. I'll send a
copy to Reenie too, just in case this doesn't make it through to you.
Thank you so much for doing everything you are doing to pull this together
on behalf of everyone on the forum. That in itself is a tribute to her too.
My thoughts will be with you all and I will be lighting my candle here.

Carol

Several years ago while driving to work one morning I heard a report on the
radio about Peregrine Falcons, my favorite raptors, and how they were
nesting on a state office building in Harrisburg. The story reported that
there was a webcam that was going live starting that day so people could
watch the falcon pair as they laid their eggs, hatched them and raised
their young. I was so excited that I couldn’t wait to get to work to see if
I’d be able to get the camera up and begin to watch. It was then that I
began to watch Mom and Lil Dad from work and from home every year during
the nesting season and gained a window into the wonders of nature at its
best. I learned so much from this first hand observation that I never
would have learned any other way. I feel it has been a privilege and an
honor to learn from one of the best falcon mothers that has ever lived.
Mom was a loyal mate to Lil Dad, and a protective, caring and gentle mother
to her offspring. At the same time, she was a force to be contended with
if anything interfered with her young or her territory. Watching her both
on camera and in person in a trip to Harrisburg last summer was something I
will never forget. I will always remember the sounds of her coaxing her
babies to sit up and take bites of food, being sure that each got their
fill. I remember her helping the ones that had trouble feeding themselves
as they got older by first giving them a chance to eat on their own, then
coming in to help when it was needed. I remember how furious she was when
her babies were taken in through the Bad Window for banding and didn’t let
up until they were all safely back on the ledge. Most of all I will always
remember this magnificent and beautiful queen of the skies and will always
be thankful for having had the privilege of watching her soar in the skies
over Harrisburg, talking with her mate, and with his help raising her young
ones over these past few years. She will live forever in my heart.





Mick

12.

To Mom of Harrisburg.

I am only a by-stander. I will never see the colors that you see; never know the intense world that you know; never spread my wings and become one with the wind. You are a warrior. You live with courage. I watch you in awe.

It is with honor that I bow my head in sorrow.

You will be missed sweet falcon.

Karen
13.

I don't know if I'm luckier because I got to enjoy & learn from Mom all these years or that I know there are people out there like all of you.....You are one amazing and caring group of people. I would love to post something more poetic but I too can't see the keys thru my tears. I will be thinking of all of you on Saturday and thanking God that there are such wonderful people in this would the would honor and remember one of his most precious falcons.

Good Bye to our Mom,

Karen


14. Catbird


Remembering Mom

The Harrisburg falcons were my introduction to peregrine falcons: I started watching Mom and Lil Dad on the ledge in the summer of 2005.

It wasn't until several years later - when I started watching other falcon cams - that I came to realize just how special Mom was. She was such a gentle and loving mother to her chicks, and such a fierce protector of her family and her territory. And she sure had a way with Lil Dad! I can't help but smile when I remember how cute - and persistent - she was when Lil Dad was incubating the eggs and she wanted to take over; Mom wouldn't take "No" for an answer.

But most of all, I remember Mom's great beauty and dignity. She truly was the "Lady of the Ledge" as someone else so aptly stated, and she will be missed by so many. I'm just so grateful that I was able make the trip to Harrisburg last summer to see her soar in the sky - that was an experience of a lifetime!



Alison

15. A few thoughts about Mom:

Mom was everything a falcon should be. She was an exceptionally beautiful falcon, strong, proud, elegant and majestic. Her great courage was always evident in the way she lived her life.

She was an incredible mother to all her chicks, and a loyal, faithful and supportive mate. She ruled over her territory with such nobility, grace and dignity.

Although she was a fierce predator who protected her nest through all the years she made it her home, Mom had a gentle side. With her chicks each year she was infinitely caring, loving and protective. I remember the gentle way she mantled her chicks, and how she made sure that each chick was always well fed.

She also had a playful side. I remember watching her playing hide and seek with Lil Dad around the nest area on a number of occasions, peeking around corners and disappearing again.

Mom made an incalculable contribution to the restoration of the peregrine population. Her descendants will continue to rule the skies and, through them, her great legacy will live on.

The loss of Mom leaves a huge void. She will be missed by so many people, not only in Pennsylvania but around the world. She was a truly great falcon, and she will always be remembered.

I know I will never forget her, and I feel privileged to have been able to observe a small part of her life over the years.


16. Sky Girl Blue

Mom, thank you so much for introducing me to the wonder and majesty of the peregrine falcon world. I had no idea what a falcon was until that glorious day I stumbled across the Greentreks Forum in 2007. There I met you and Lil' Dad for the very first time...I watched both of you for hours and marveled at the care and tenderness you gave to your family. I worried when you were late with dinner, laughed when you kicked Lil' Dad off the eggs, and felt pride when I heard stories of how you defended your home and your babies. Finally, I shed tears when I knew you would never return, but you have left your legacy in our hearts and in your children. You will not be forgotten....and you have now joined the ranks of the great falcons that have gone before you.

RosieK

17. I am actually still quite numb - this year has been numbing to me going back to losing Orville so young, Scout, Swoop, Clementine and now Mom. It's almost too much to bear. There have been so many great tributes and it's hard to say anything that has not already been said but I will try to put words to my feelings from my heart.

I have grown close to Mom, watching her bonding with Lil Dad, anticipating the nesting season, watching her lay each egg and then tenderly keeping them warm in the early spring days; letting Lil Dad take his turn to lay on the eggs, making sure that Lid Dad knew it was her turn. She was a great mother too, making sure that each little one was fed and kept warm. Even though we could never see her teach her young to hunt, I just know she was a great teacher. She made sure that no matter where they had flown off too, she knew where they were and would keep them well fed and protected. She was an amazing falcon. It's comforting to know that we will be able to watch her offspring as they raise little ones of their own. Rest in peace Mom, I love you and miss you!!

Beth

18. *What we keep in memory is ours, unchanged `forever`...

Catwoman

19. BEAUTIFUL MOM

The Queen of the skies, our beautiful Mom! You are ferocious when guarding your ledge and chicks, but tender when caring for your chicks.

Although the experts don't give birds credit for having intelligence, you were smart enough to know that your Little Boy Blue was sick and had trouble eating, so you figured out how to help him by bringing him food and letting him feed himself. Though humans tried to help him, it wasn't to be.

You were very patient with White Boy when he returned after your escort from the area. Instead of simply chasing him away, you caught him some food.

It was because of you and Lil Dad that I started watching Falcon cams.

Nesting seasons won't be as nice to watch without being able to watch you tenderly feeding your chicks and making sure all got fed, even when there were 5 mouths to feed!

Faith

20. To Mom:

I've known you since 2003. You brought a whole different world to my eyes and I'm so grateful for it.

Such Regal Stature, beauty and awe were yours. You were fierce as can be and just as gentle as you fed your young.

I always enjoyed your conversations with Lil Dad and sharing the young with him.

Your ability to keep the ledge safe from intruders, especially the challenge of the banding days.

Your presence in the sky was breathtaking as you soared high to attack an Eagle.

Then there was Blue Boy this year, that took so much of your devotion to try to feed him. We humans can learn so much from you.

You gave us 12 years of the most special moments in the Natural World. We can never forget any of it.

I hold a very special place in my heart for you forever.

May we all meet again in another place. Fly Free and Fly High. Always.........

Reenie

21. All I can say is Mom was like part of the family. I saw her almost everyday for years at work. Losing her was like losing a family member........


MY CLOSE:

My mother always taught me as a child, “not even a sparrow falls from the sky that God doesn’t know about.” I know deep in my heart Mom is in Falcon Heaven, and with God, who made her what she was. I know she is happy to see her peeps that have gone on before her, and I bet they were waiting for her arrival at the Rainbow Bridge.

Rest In Peace dear Mom, and thanks for your legacy, and the beautiful memories I have of you. Fly free, high, and fast, as you soar in Heaven.

Does anyone have anything to add?



FINAL STATEMENT:

I hope this Memorial Service has helped all of us. I saw, and felt so much hurt from all of us, and saw the need to have a Memorial so we can heal. This is why I chose to do this. My friends here were in pain, and I had to try to help. It’s time to say goodbye, and move on. This is what she would want us to do. She would not want any of us sobbing to the point where we would make ourselves sick. Any mother will tell you that! She is happy in Heaven with her brood, which left way too soon ahead of her. She is looking down, and watching us as she did from the ledge, the steeple, and her fly by’s. Let’s all remember the good times we had in watching her over the years, and Celebrate her life. She lived it to the fullest.

As soon as we compose ourselves we’ll place our Carnations either at Amtrack where the dead P.F. was found if allowed to do so, or under a pretty tree of Reenie’s choice.


We’ll then grab a bite to eat, and perhaps have a little a little vino, and Toast Mom. She would want us to eat well!

Afterwards well go to the garage; look for Lil Dad, and N.G.. Lets welcome our N.G. with open arms as we did for Mom. Lil Dad is so lucky, and happy to have her.

Next Spring I will meet you all here again to plant wildflowers in Mom’s Memory. If permitted we will erect a small white cross for her where the dead P.F. was found.

Please extinguish your candles at this time. You may keep your candle as a little remembrance of the day when we all got together, and helped each other heal.
Thank you again for attending.

Reenie has two other Memories from people who were in H.B. yesterday with us. Some didn't put the words on paper, and just spoke from their hearts.

Thank you Cricket, and everyone who contributed to the memorial. Mom will always be remembered in many hearts. She will not have to endure the storms of winter this year. She will be soaring in warm heavenly sunshine!