Falcon Cam Update-chicks have hatched!

I've been lagging a bit on the falcon updates. I've been too busy schooling my daughter, and watching and shooting birds to be on the computer much lately. Here's a quote from the Boise, Idaho Peregrine Falconcam website,

5/25/10: "Hatching has begun! Two chicks could be seen in the nest early this morning. The tiny birds are covered with white downy feathers. They are unable to regulate their body temperatures for up to two weeks, so they will stay under the adults for warmth. See our Facebook page for pictures of the chicks."

These birds are so gorgeous and it's such a great privilege to be able to view into this nest and watch what goes on and see the chicks. Fun stuff! Make sure you tune in to see the chicks and maybe even see an egg hatch!

Boise Peregrine Falcon Update 3

Here's the latest update, April 23, 2010, from the falcon webcam! 4 eggs! So exciting!

"The female laid her fourth egg at 3:18 p.m. She rested for about 45 minutes and then the male stopped by for a close look at the newest arrival. See more pictures on our Facebook page."

Boise Peregrine Falcon Update 2

Update from the Boise Peregrine Falcon Webcam: "21 April 2010 The female laid a third egg this morning. Observers believe it was laid between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. The male brought her a meal at 8:45 a.m. and when she stood up to eat it, the third egg was visible. If she lays a fourth egg, it will arrive Friday or Saturday...." Click here to see it!

Peregrine Falcon

I decided to post another image of the female Peregrine Falcon because I love this image. I caught this one just as she caught the lure. See the gallery for the rest of the images of this experience.

Enjoy.

Gyrfalcon Experience

My latest experience in birding took place at The Peregrine Fund, World Center for Birds of Prey, which is located in Boise, Idaho.



This is a Gyrfalcon. The falconers brought it out so we could see it fly freely. It's part of their training. They used a lure with real bait stuffed inside and the bird had to catch it to get its reward, as in the wild. I only caught a couple of images in flight, as it all happens so fast. There's not much of a chance, because when the bird catches the lure, it's game over. This bird actually missed it the first time, so I did get a second try. The speed and agility of this bird is amazing, as is its pattern & coloring. We were also treated to the flight of an American Kestrel and a Peregrine Falcon which I will put in separate galleries on my website.

It was such a wonderful experience being able to see this. The flight displays are going on through the end of October if you're in the area. Call for times.