Peregrine Falcons

["Pomera M. Fronce" <pinkstring at xmission dot com>]

Hi Folks -

Through Jack Clark and Bob Walters, I learned that there is a falcon 
family in the downtown area again this year.  They are not on the JSMB, 
but rather in a box on the east face of the First Security Bank building 
located on the northeast corner of 100 South and Main Street.

On Wednesday morning, Cindy Sommerfeld, Susan Sussman (visiting from 
Vermont) and I visited the site.  There was Bob with his trademark green 
thermos of coffee dutifully keeping track of the birds.  He believes 
there are three young falcons.  We saw two of them sitting out near the 
opening of the box while we were there.  One was busy preening and 
testing his wings a little.  The other one was less active.  We did not 
see the parents.

Bob thinks the young ones might be getting close to flying and so he is 
starting to marshal his forces for the "falcon watch."  This effort is 
designed to help monitor the birds as they learn the ropes in the big 
city.  You can well imagine the dangers posed by tall buildings and 
traffic.  Volunteers are needed to keep the birds in sight and come to 
their aid if needed.

It is virtually impossible to reach Bob while he is on site tending to 
the falcons.  The best thing to do is hop on TRAX and when you get 
downtown, look for Bob or other volunteers and find out what you can do 
to help.  If this project runs like last year, volunteers will be easy 
to spot.  They might be wearing orange vests or simply look for people 
with binoculars/spotting scopes.

I can tell you from experience that the falcon watch is quite an 
adventure.  A lot of your time may be spent with no action; but, when 
the birds make a move, you'll be glad you were there.  I intended to 
spend a couple of hours last year and stayed three days.

I'll try to pass along any more information as I receive it.

Pomera
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