Field Dispatch 5. Tuesday, 15 July 2008 Photograph 1 Perspective-Questions, Part 2 As the Peregrine nesting season nears completion, the most frequently asked question is “Where are the birds now? Will any stay around for awhile?” The shortest answer I can give you is “Around.” And, “maybe.” All our young have fledged (24 total). Most are doing okay, though we lost two that died hitting buildings and another four have been grounded (sometimes repeatedly.) During the first days after an initial flight, the immature birds stick pretty close to home. First they have to figure out how flying works. Within a week or so, you might start seeing the birds range out away from the nest site. (Check out the photo by Kanae of the Uptown birds at Montrose Beach—photo 1.) As the young Peregrines get more proficient at flying, you might get to see aerial antics, such as touching talons with another Peregrine while in flight. They will also start to mimic hunting behavior, such as flying at a tree to grab a branch and then going off to sit and “pluck” the leaves. The initial dispersal from the nest is somewhat localized. Young at first range out independent of their parents but do not yet migrate from the region. For instance, O’Hare airport seems to be a typical site to find some of our young Peregrines in late summer. Fall migration won’t start for a few months and most of our immature birds will be gone by then. We usually don’t get any confirmed sightings of an individual until a few years later when they return and set up their own nest site. My next dispatch will sum up the season for us and will be the last for this year. The nesting season went by pretty fast—didn’t it! Mary Photo #1: Uptown Peregrine siblings play at Montrose beach. © K. Hirabayashi. Archived Dispatches >>