Dates Set for Fledge Watch 2017
Peregrine Falcon chicks (female on left, male on right)
This year’s Falcon Fledge Watch has been scheduled for Thursday, July 6th. We will remotely open the pen door, by activating the mechanical device previously installed on the pen, sometime between 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. allowing the young falcons to
exit the pen and take their first flight when they are ready. As in past years, DGIF personnel and volunteers will be present at several vantage points in downtown Richmond to monitor the birds and ensure that their first day on the wing goes well and without incident. A second day of monitoring may take place on Friday, July 7th.
Falcon Cam observers may have noticed that the chicks, now nearly 6 weeks old, are really beginning to look like young falcons. Their brown and buff juvenile plumage has grown in, with only a few scattered traces of down remaining, and they’ve developed the distinctive falcon facial markings. They’ve also been seen occasionally exercising their wings in preparation for their first flights.
Male Peregrine Falcon chick exercising his wings.
Peregrine Falcon chicks on June 23rd (female larger on left, male smaller on right).
Peregrine Falcon chicks (female resting on left, male standing on right).