July 13 to 14, 2011: Lazy Day to Crazy Day

Tuesday found our new and previous releases hanging out on the Assurant rooftop, the Qwest communications tower, and the Hotel Alex Johnson.

"You go first."

Wednesday dawned early and wild, with a call to Janie from the Rapid City police department. Athena, who hadn’t taken her first flight yet, was discovered around 3:30 AM, on the ground seven stories below the Assurant building’s rooftop release site. Senior Officer Richard Holt, and Officer Dan Mertz responded to a call from Terry Williams, an attorney with Gunderson, Palmer, Nelson and Ashmore reporting the downed bird.

The officers were instructed to grab Athena and hold onto her until Janie arrived. Senior Officer Holt stated,  “As a police officer I have been called upon to do many unique tasks.  This was one of the most interesting.  When I arrived, I recognized the bird as an incredible animal and one not commonly found in the Black Hills.  Even though saving a raptor falls far outside our typical duties, I knew it was important for us to do our best in helping to save the bird.  I am glad we were able to help and this will always be a call I will remember.” 



Our Heros



Athena will spend a couple days in

Box 2

with Bolt while her bruises heal, and she’ll be released on Monday.  It’s easy to tell the two girls apart. Bolt is still covered in her white down.

As if THAT wasn’t enough, Athena’s sister Rio spent the night atop the Assurant “T” in the rain.  By mid morning, being wet and hungry, she started getting a little antsy, and struggled to get in a position that allowed her to confidently expand her wings and catch an air current. It took some jostling around and several tries, when she finally took a leap of faith for her first short flight to another rooftop in downtown Rapid City.  



I think I can. I think I can.




OK. Here I go!!!



I can fly!

Throughout the day, bird watching was eventful and exciting. Our experienced fliers were active chasing and playing their developmental war games. Our new releases were testing their wings with shorter, point to point flights that gained altitude as they gained experience. One of our earlier releases did a little showing off for some guests atop the Hotel Alex Johnson as he or she flew in to land on a railing, but discovered the balcony occupied by pesky humans. Talons came out, wings adjusted, and the mighty peregrine quickly changed course midair five foot in front of us. It was beautiful, but also a great reminder that in this urban release, we must learn to co-exist with these beautiful birds, and respect their space for them to survive and flourish in the coming years.