Watchin' And Walkin' Wednesday

From the latest Falcon Wire

5/18/2021  ::   2021 Falcon Banding Completed!

Today, Falcon Cam followers might have noticed the camera was temporarily down earlier, and some might have also noticed some unusual behavior. This is all due to the banding that took place a little after 11 am.

Due to the impact of COVID, the falcons weren't banded in 2020. But this year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) were able to implement a protocol that allowed personnel to band safely! Banding remains key to monitoring peregrine falcons across the state and continent.

Now that the eyasses have been banded, Falcon Watch and Rescue should be much easier since volunteers and employees will be able to identify specific birds.

The banding went quite well, with PGC Biologist Patti Barber accessing the 15th floor ledge, carefully removing the eyasses from the nest box. The birds were then quickly processed and banded by PGC's Dan Brauning and returned to the ledge!

Here's a breakdown of the data:

Falcon 1:

Weight: 630 grams

Sex: Male

Banded 77/AP, black over green

Tape color: Green

A check-up indicated that this individual is a little thin in the keel, and there was some evidence of feather lice, with no sign of disease.

Falcon 2:

Weight: 630 grams

Sex: Male

Banded 78/AP, black over green

Tape color: Red

Check-up indicated a full crop with evidence of feather lice, with no sign of disease.

Falcon 3:

Weigh: 650 grams

Sex: Male

Banded 79/AP, black over green

Tape color: Yellow

This bird also had a full crop, some sign of lice, but appeared disease free.

All three were dusted for lice. None showed any evidence of trichinosis. This is all good news, indicating that the hatchlings are healthy and growing quickly!

With a clean bill of health, the next challenge will be when these youngsters begin to fledge, some time around the end of May to early June.

Due to continued COVID precautions, the Rachel Carson State Office Building is the only location where banding will take place in PA for 2021.

Monday's walk khonditions 

Iris overboard!

Tuesday - the ick's arrived - although I believe I'm headed out for a walk NOW - just before 7pm

Nice visit to Bob The Khat's Creamery - will share here tomorrow - then quick ROTE to CVS and MyGiant - then some lounging - then some laundry - 

Back to The GKP today - I do have FrEYEday off as that will be the day for our dad's memorial service -

Happy Wednesday EvFURRYone!

H&K,

All Of Us At NAK's Khottage