PEREGRINE FALCON CHICK'S TO-DO LIST

Catbird · **Posted:** Sat Jun 19, 2010 7:12 am

Things To Do Before I Can Fledge

Note: This wonderful list was created by Julie O'Connor and Debbie Waters, both of Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, and published in the Duluth News Tribune.

1. hatch

2. hold up head {3-4 days}

3. learn to stand up {10 days}

4. open wings without tipping over {15 days}

5. grow feathers, remove itchy white down {7-10 days}

6. learn to tear up food {2 days}

7. think (look) outside the box

8. walk around inside box {7-10 days}

9. flap wings

10. step up onto lip of box {1 day, increase seconds on lip with each try}

11. learn to grip a perch {1-2 days}

12. stand on lip of box with stability (first 2 feet, then practice one foot at a time)

13. develop balance on lip of box

14. open wings on lip of box

15. flap wings on lip of box

16. explore perches

17. repeat steps 10 through 15 on perches {1-3 days for entire process}

18. hop from perch to perch

19. learn to balance and grab a perch from the air

20. practice soaring while holding on to perches (open wings and hold them out while the wind blows on you)

21. practice letting go of perches while flapping hard (start with one foot at a time)

22. watch mom and dad (and other stuff) fly {5 days}

23. GO FOR IT!! {1 instant}