COLUMBUS~JULY-DECEMBER, 2017

Beth · **Posted:** Thu Aug 10, 2017 8:19 pm

Sally · **Posted:** Fri Aug 11, 2017 4:17 am

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12734

ccollin13 · **Joined:** Tue May 31, 2016 7:37 am **Posts:** 25

Hi all, just checking in to say that I just saw a juvenile falcon zoom past my window in the Rhodes tower. Whoever it was, that bird is a very graceful flyer now!

Of course some of my coworkers wonder why I get distracted by a bird outside my window LOL

I really hope they can get a nest cam running on the Riffe. Many of us in the Rhodes enjoy the stream and we all share the latest falcon gossip. Let's hope they can continue the tradition at the Riffe!

Beth · **Posted:** Tue Aug 22, 2017 1:03 pm

Wow ccollin13!! Thank you so much for the juvie update!!

We have our fingers crossed for Riffe -please let us know if you
hear anything! Thanks Again :dancegirl:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Tsusan · **Posted:** Tue Aug 22, 2017 9:42 pm

Wow- thanks for that report! That would be so awesome to have falcons flying by my window...........

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64479

WOW....that is awesome to hear, ccollin!! I can't believe one is still hanging around, but I love it...

...and speaking of "flying by"...a new bitter-sweet update from Donna!!

Nadia · **Posted:** Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:21 am

That is awesome news, ccollin 13. Thank you!! I've been checking here on occasion, hoping for some news. It's so nice to hear when one of the kids is doing well. I suspect this juvie is very close to dispersal. Without the cams, you and anyone in a building or on the ground is our eyes and ears for the time being. Thank you again!

The news about Donna is sooooo very bitter sweet. Thanks SGB. I am incredibly happy for her and want to wish her the very best in her retirement, but I am also saddened that she is leaving. She has been such an icon in the Columbus project. I believe I speak for all of us here, when I say she will be missed. I want to wish her the very best in health and happiness as she embarks on this next chapter in her life. I hope she keeps her hand in protecting our wildlife in some shape or form. She has so much knowledge to share and so much to offer. Retirement is the best time to pursue the best parts of your passion - on your own terms and your own time. Best of luck to you, Donna!
:spring1:

bev. · **Posted:** Wed Aug 23, 2017 12:08 pm

thank you for posting a sighting colin :15heartbeat:

awesome

very bittersweet news about Donna. I wish there was some tribute we could pay her. any ideas. I have been away but am here for a few weeks. :think

Dutch Eagle Fan · **Posted:** Wed Aug 23, 2017 2:03 pm

Donna will most certainly be missed.
:girlyes:

Wishing her all the best for her new endeavours.

Sally · **Posted:** Wed Aug 23, 2017 7:49 pm

I am so fortunate to have Donna as my friend. She has always been forthcoming with information and always willing to answer questions and explain what I didn't understand. Thank you Donna! You will be missed.......

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 9:41 am **Posts:** 12734

Donna, you will have to come up with a "great alias" and join us here on BCAW!!

Sally · **Posted:** Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:35 am

SWINWK wrote:

Donna, you will have to come up with a "great alias" and join us here on BCAW!!

great idea! :15heartbeat:

Beth · **Posted:** Thu Aug 24, 2017 7:27 am

Donna

You are very appreciated and will be deeply missed! Thank’s for all that you have done for our falcon family in Columbus, Ohio!!

Happy wishes on your retirement!!

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64479

I think it goes without saying that Donna has been the rock in the Columbus Peregrine program!! Advocate, ally, sounding board, equalizer, supporter, communicator, etc., etc., etc.!! She's always been on top of things and so responsive to our questions (and at times our panic~LOL). I'm very sad for us, but so thrilled for Donna!! I think it will leave such a hole in the Wildlife department, they'll HAVE to call her back as a consultant~right?

So many recent changes for this nest: closing the long time falcon home on the Rhodes--->losing the cam--->placement of new boxes--->Donna retiring!! Thank goodness its not nesting season!! I will hate that we won't have Donna searching the skies, chasing down leads, perfecting the new cam (hopefully), but I know that before she leaves, every "I" will have been dotted, every "T" crossed, every requisition approved!! All we need now is for Durand and Aries to cooperate and choose a box and for the new cam to actually be activated when the time comes. If not, Donna, we may have to beg you to come out of retirement and "fix it"!!! (I'm not above groveling!!)

So a personal THANK YOU for all you have done!!

How can we help? I'll be posting info on that later on today!! We need to let "the powers that be" know how much we appreciate and enjoy watching Durand and Aries!!

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64479

And now for some amazing news just posted on the Chicago Peregrine FB page!!!

Bolt, b/r N/34, has been hanging out in Montrose!! Bolt is a 2015 hatch. His sisters are Flash and Storm!!

Pic courtesy of Chicago Peregrine

Beth · **Posted:** Thu Aug 24, 2017 9:08 am

skygirlblue · **Joined:** Sun Jul 26, 2009 2:18 pm **Posts:** 64479

So how can we help? Several ways...(this info is from Donna)

First, we can take a survey, which can be found here:

You'll notice that it asks you to rank several Ohio DNR services. Just ignore that. Under the services, you'll see a text box where you can share your thoughts/support/suggestions/enthusiasm, etc. Quick and easy.

The second way (or ways) is via email or contact form:

Direct email: wildinfo@dnr.state.oh.us, Attn: Chief Miller

For those of you who may not be aware, Mike Miller is the new Wildlife Division Chief. He has already made some very controversial cuts in his department, and we need to advocate for the falcons and make sure they are NOT the next to go!! Even though Donna has done just about all she could do to ensure the continuation of the program, there are no guarantees. I hope that everyone who enjoys Durand and Aries and falcons in general, will take the time to contact the appropriate department!!

Beth · **Posted:** Thu Aug 24, 2017 10:58 am

Many thanks MA!

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