FalconWatch

Eating Well and Growing Fast!

The four chicks have more than doubled (or even tripled!) in size and continue to peek over the edge of the nest wondering what is out there in the great big world. Here they all share in a dinner that is served to them piece by piece.

Banding Day - Tuesday, June 1 at 10:00 a.m.

In order for the Nebraska Parks and Recreation staff to band the chicks, the falcon cams will need to be turned off. They will be turned back on after the banding and the chicks are returned. Don't worry, we will take lots of pictures to post later.

It looks like Zeus and Hera will have four chicks to raise this year.

I don't think that fifth egg is going to hatch.

The three chicks are being fed while huddling around one of the eggs.

And the fifth egg is off to the left and it looks to be like part of an egg.

Zeus and Hera are busy parents these days.

Zeus brings the food to Hera and she in turn feeds the chicks and herself.

Do you notice the third head?

and two more eggs left to hatch.

Breakfast and lunch on the 28th floor.

I was lucky enough to look at the right time today to see both chicks get fed at 8:17 a.m. and again at 12:32 p.m. The meal looked like a small bird. And both chicks seemed to get equal shares. They are so cute at this stage. I just wish their meals looked a little more appetizing.

It's feeding time ...

... and we've got two new mouths to feed.

 

It was two years ago ...

... on May 5, 2008, that Hera the female peregrine falcon, was injured ...most likely in a battle over territory. And after months of recovery, she was released from atop the Woodmen Tower and reunited with her mate, Zeus. Last year, there were four chicks that were fledged from the Tower. This year, we are patiently waiting for the next clutch of five eggs to hatch.

Both Zeus and Hera were restless today.

They were very fidgety, rolled the eggs around and gathered up the rocks in the box all around them. I'm thinking something will be happening soon.