As They Grow: Act 09

Posted in Brown FalconTagged

It is hard to predict, but it seems there comes a day with the young birds when their ‘baby behaviour’ is passed and they become much more aware of their growing skills, and the need to prepare to leave the home territory.

After more than a month on the wing, they were now as far as I could tell, self-sufficient. Neither adult had been supplying food for a week or so. However, even if we couldn’t spot her regularly, every so often the female would make an appearance. I am sure that she knew exactly where her two young ones were at any time.

I understand that.
In my own case, growing up in a country town, we’d come home from some adventure or other and Mum would somehow know what we’d been up to. (Good or bad) The neighbourhood grapevine was always on the alert.

The young were making forays way out of the home area, and on several visits we failed to get close, although a fly by or two would usually take place.
It was only a matter of time for them to be confident enough to move on.

So, in no particular order (as they say) Here is some of the activity

And Touch Down
From a clutch several years back, I have a wall print of one of those young
on this same gate railing.
So was pleased to find Max had chosen to work from it.
Slow precision glides became a polished activity
Always impressed to see a Falcon on a low-level run through the grasses
Photo Courtesy of FriendsintheAir (EE)
One of a number of close fly pasts.
EE nailed the focus on Mary as she slipped by my elbow.
Max, hunting through the grass where I was sitting.
A long way from the home paddock on a very hot morning.
He has his feathers pulled in tight against the body.
In all the years, I’ve never seen a Brown Falcon bathing, nor drinking water.
I had cleared a small water soak of leaves hoping to attract some
of the smaller bush birds.
The Falcons seemed to enjoy the chance to cool from the hot day.
The pool was hardly big enough for one of them, so they took turns.
Interestingly, although not shown in this series,
I later found the female enjoying a drink as well.
Max took to a stump to dry out.
Refreshed, they went back to work
Time for another low canter over the grasses.
The beautiful sweeping form of the wings shows well here

6 thoughts on “As They Grow: Act 09”

  1. I really enjoy reading this Brown Falcon Chronicle, David. I think you’ve got enough material, both text and photos, for a good “coffee table book”. So many amazing shots including the one taken by Dorothy. Looking forward to next blog post..

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    1. HI Adam, thanks for the comment. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed the adventure. We certainly enjoyed the time, and its been refreshing to sit back and retell it here.

      And yes, we made up a picture book. It has become a bit of a tradition to assemble a body of work together in a physical copy. No batteries or internet access required. 🙂

      I think I have about one more Act to go.

      Hope to catch you along the track sometime.

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  2. Amazing images as usual my friend, how good is the fly by so close to you that your wife managed, so cool ! Yes it is a little sad to see the family youngsters prepare to leave home, just as it was when ours left for Uni in their late teens, as we lived in the country then and once they got a taste of the city, and later found their partner, they rarely came back. Some beautiful flight and landing shots David. We were hoping to go down to Albany and do some western birding in November after visiting my son in Perth, but this H5 flue thing has put a spanner in that. We will watch nd see what happens. Enjoy your week.

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    1. Hello Ashley,

      Can’t believe this was nearly six month back and we are thinking about looking other see if the adults are reclaiming the territory. Not so far it seems.

      I really don’t expect to see the young ones again. As you say, move away establish space, pair up, and begin their own story.

      I am so concerned about the H5 virus. So many of the birds at WTP are in the susceptible zone, and not doubt will increase when the migratory waders return for summer rest.

      I do hope the media don’t turn it into a circus and it will be hard to get good reliable information.

      The challenge as I see it is the virus is very fast acting, only a few days, yet the nearest known previous outbreak is thousands of kilometres away, and the birds would take weeks to arrive on our shores, so it must be established already on shore.

      Time, regrettably will tell.

      Good luck along the Track

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  3. An amazing series of images, David!

    It has been wonderful to follow their progress in your fine documentation!

    I had to smile when you mentioned the local grapevine, it was faster than email or we kids!

    And well done EE on the fly by image!

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    1. Ha,

      Yep, in a small country town, how we imagined we’d get away with stuff is really strange to ponder now. Probably a good thing as it did prevent major infractions, (most times)

      Never mess with a Mum with a broom handle in her hand.

      Seeya

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