Bird Cams Around the World

We went to the Tri State Beer and Barbecue benefit and got to meet Dr. Erica Miller and Phung Luu. Here are pictures of Mr. Luu and Jackie. You can tell they really love the birds. We are to call in about a month to get a schedule. They have not named Legs yet. They are waiting for him to suggest a name. He has not flown yet, but as soon as he gets his new tail feathers, that will happen. Mr. Luu does notice a bit of an imbalance in Legs' head, but overall both he and Jackie said he will be an absolutely great bird. They could tell already.






I emailed Mike that there, but for the grace of God go I. I could have Skittles on one hand and my falcon on the other.

How great for both of you! That could be you Bonnie

I went to JC this morning from 8:50 - 11:40 a.m. Upon arrival at the corner of Columbus & Hudson, I spotted an adult (right now I think it was Athena, but not 100% sure) perched in the same area as the fledgling from last Sunday! I walked south on Hudson St. until I was across the street from her, and got a decent pic.

I continued south on Hudson to the bench on Grand. From there I was able to watch her do some preening, and shift postiion on the corner of the ledge to look around. At 9:43 a.m., an adult male American Kestrel came out of nowhere and began buzzing Athena! He dove at her a few times, calling out as well, but she didn't budge (probably lucky for the kestrel!!). He finally gave up a few minutes later and disappeared behind a building, heading east.

Athena stuck around for awhile longer. Around 10:20, she took off heading west over York St., along the south side of 101 Hudson. She gained some height, and passed out of view after she crossed over Greene St. I hung around for awhile after, walking out to the pier, then south along the river walkway, and back north on Hudson St. No other falcons were seen or heard.

Here are some pics, starting with the portrait from across the street:


The kestrel attacks! He's in the upper left-hand area, just above the top of the green area:


One of the close-passes (came out blurry, but you can see it's definately an adult male "AK"!):


"If he does that one more time....."


Had to switch these last 2 to black and white (sometimes if the sunlight is too strong, and from just the wrong angle, everything gets bad color fringing. They look much better this way).


I'll title this one "Until next time/year!"


Today is likely my last trip downtown for this season. Tough to let it go, but the kids have been on the wing between 6 and 7 weeks now, and with them ready to move on, so we have to as well. We'll keep our fingers crossed and hope we see Hudson and/or Libby someday at their own nest site with screaming little ones of their own! Also hope to see Athena & Six back in action next season. They did a great job once again! And last but certainly not least, may Legs have a long, healthy life, and potentially inspire that next generation of falcon/nature watchers!

Thanks Mike--great pictures! Hope that Kestrel doesn't end up like the one in Wilmington that was bothering the former female resident!

That's exactly what I was thinking while this was going on! I remember Greg telling that story last week and thought "here's the sequel!"

Thanks for the pic comment

Waaaaaa! I may just go back and try to get Athena's band. You were so close to her, Mike.

LOL I know....your 500mm zoom would've been priceless today (I didn't even have my scope!).....

Mike, thank you for all of the time you've spent watching the kids fledge. Your photos have been wonderful...better every time! The kestrel attack is amazing!!!

Thanks obxbarb!

Thanks SGB, yea time just flies too fast! I can't believe it's August already; where did this year go??

If I remember correctly, Legs might be the only Peregrine Mr. Luu currently has. You never know tho; even if he is never an actual parent, maybe he'll be a foster dad (I think that happens occasionally with captive birds....last year, the education female Peregrine at the Raptor Trust was a foster mom for 3 chicks from Brooklyn, and even though she'd never had her own young, the instincts kicked in, and she did great!).

9/11 Reflection:

http://bonnietalluto.wordpress.com/

Most of the pictures are from where Mike and I watch the falcons.

Can't believe it's been 10 years, still as sad now as in 2001.

WTC Tribute in Light, 9-11-10, viewed from Eagle Rock Reservation in my town, where I watched the North tower's final moments in '01:


The Freedom Tower, 6-26-11, viewed from the JC waterfront:


Twin American flags atop the Colgate clock by the Morris Canal in JC, 7-31-11 (last day of this year's fledge watch):

NJ Fish and Wildlife has been consumed with many other issues and vacations, etc. We thought they might have the latest info and pictures up. Legs is doing just great with Phung Luu and Jackie, but he still hasn't flown - not enough tail feathers. Should be soon. I'll add one of Mr. Luu's recent pictures here after I resize it. Or maybe Mike already prepared it for posting here.

Got my Libby and Hudson tattoo today. I'll add the picture when my guy Kaz sends it. He took photos. It's on my leg so it is G rated.

http://redtailedink.com/_site/