Redbud has some lift off!
June 10, 2015 - Kitchener - CTV-Bell Media Tower
Lisa Reh Reports:
Chroma, Ginnie, Redbud and Reggie have very little baby fluff left. Mom and Dad have been dropping off food and hanging out on the railings of the Bell Media tower. Yesterday, after a good meal at 4:00 all four of the young ones were flapping like crazy and running (as much as a falcon can run) around the nest box. Chroma is so large that when she starts flapping and turning around in the box, and on the balcony, it’s a wonder that she doesn’t accidentally knock one of her siblings off of the platform. The nest is completely filled with the wings and feathers of many meals. five days ago Mom dropped off a live bird to the nest box and one of young ones had to dispatch the poor thing. There’s a lot of activity in the nest, wing stretches, flapping and feeding on leftovers. Mystery and Caster should start withholding food soon to encourage them to fly. They all venture out onto the balcony, waiting for Mom and Dad to bring them more food. And, when Mystery and Caster return the kids are extremely loud with their vocalizations causing people passing by to look up to see what all the ruckus is about.
Just before 8:00 this morning, Karen saw Redbud get some lift and fly into the back of the nest box! We had a few tornado warnings in the area today. During all the wind, rain and turmoil the kids were all safe and sound and hunkered down in the nest box. Training for the fledge watch team took place later tonight. At the end of the training session, even though it was getting cold we were rewarded for our lingering as Mystery flew around the tower while the young ones vocalized for her. She continued to fly right by as if she was showing them how it’s done and gave us some spectacular views of her in flight. Caster came in from the south as Mystery went out to greet him and another food drop was made. Redbud again got some lift and was in the air for a moment or two!! Get ready fledge watch team! They are ready to fly!!
Photos courtesy of Karen von Knobloch.
