June 28,2011 - Games Birds Play

Our feathered friends development continues, as evidenced by their aerial displays of combat. These mock "wars" are how the young peregrine gains and hones the ability to stealthily pursue prey via a level flying plane, or the skills to dive at 200+ miles per hour in what is called a stoop.  Their play includes chasing each other's tails, throwing out their talons in front of them while in flight, and rolling as they would to capture their prey.  They practice catching their first prey by bugging, or extending their feet while in flight and snatching a bug in mid air. All these maneuvers increase their confidence and ability to catch their preferred dietary choice of other birds such as pigeons or song birds, to quickly change direction in flight, and to capture prey for their next meal. Best viewing time seems to be 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM when the temperatures are cooler.  With three additional birds scheduled for release on Thursday, there should be plenty of opportunities to see these falcons on their favorite perches or flying.

We're happy that the released peregrines have established their own "Indy" track that allows them to feel safe while practicing the skills key to their survival. All can be seen flying between the eastern point on Alex Johnson Hotel, the cell tower north of the Assurant building, and the many ledges of the Assurant rooftop.  As they gain more confidence their fly zone will increase and they will disperse into a wider area of Rapid City before migrating this fall.

These young birds are still considered babies, even though their natal down feathers are almost all gone. Viewing them on the webcam shows only a few white downy feathers remaining on the tops of their heads. At night, they primarily return to the Assurant rooftop where they know there is food, water, and a safe place to belly down and sleep. During the day, our yellow-painted releases return for short naps, feeding, and water. All these activities indicate our Rapid City Peregrines are imprinting successfully and increasing the chances of a future return.

As the weeks progress, the readily supplied quail at the hack site will be reduced, encouraging the birds to hunt on their own.  This is also the time the young birds are more apt to get into trouble. Please call Janie Fink at 208-582-0797 to report any bird that may look like he or she is in trouble.