Peregrine Falcon, up close and personal
It started out to be just another day of bird census work in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park for Susan and me. It turned into one of the more exciting days of the summer—so far.
Heading south on Riverview Road near Peninsula, we spotted some of our birding friends standing in the middle of the road where it passes beneath I-80. This is a spot known for nesting Peregrine Falcons the past three years, so our assumption was that they were looking at a bird high above in the superstructure of the bridge.
Not so. The bird was sitting on the guard rail next to Riverview Road. I have to remember to wait for the car to stop rolling before I jump out at one of these exciting happenings. Especially when I’m the driver. But that’s another story. Sitting there, posing like it was an everyday happening for Peregrine Falcons, was a fledgling. The bird seemed to be mostly talons and big eyes. Terrifyingly cute like most juveniles. Cautiously blocking any attempt the bird might make to get on the road, was Cuyahoga Falls resident Pat Haddad. Along with Pat were veteran birders Bill Osborne, Bob Furst and Judy Tisdale.
Chad and Chris Saladin approach—cautiously
The bird seemed unconcerned about our concern for its welfare. While we discussed what to do and who to call, it checked out the local starling population that seemed to be part of the brunch menu. Bob jumped in his SUV and headed for the park ranger station at the nearby Boston Store. Far below, on the valley floor, we saw two people photographing something above them on the bridgeworks. We discerned it was Chad and Chris Saladin, Peregrine Falcon nest monitors in this area. After more jumping and yelling on our part than the Cleveland Browns do in a daily workout, we got their attention.
Chad and Chris do a quick inspection to be sure the bird is not injured. Bill Osborne looks on.
They immediately recognized our plight and headed up to resolve the issue. With expert handling, including really thick gloves, Chad and Chris captured the wayward fledgling, a female Chad said, then released the bird. He said she just started flying two days before and this was the fifth time he had to rescue her from the guard rail. The bird flew off as best it could in the general direction of its parent who waited above with a tasty Rock Pigeon treat.
When most of your views of this species are while it’s perched hundreds of feet away, or flying at 200+ miles per hour, having one sit for a portrait turns any day into something special. Chad and Chris are just a couple of the many unsung heroes in this area helping to protect these special birds.
Happiness is freedom of flight in a national park as Chad releases the falcon
5 comments:
Great story and photos. Su
Next trip through the valley I can bet you'll know where I'll be looking. Thanks for the story.
Thank you for the fantastic pictures and great story! Since I live less than a mile away, I will be looking for him over my house as well as by the bridge.
Peregrines are indeed marvelous birds, and Chad and Chris are close to national treasures out there in your neck of the woods. Great story, and let's hope that's the last guard-rail rescue for this young falcon.
A friend of ours passed your blog link on to us. Great photos (not just these but all of them) and wonderful write-up. Thanks, Clyde, for all of the kind words. It was nice to meet you (sorry that we didn't formally introduce ourselves). Just one point of clarification-- she needed to be rescued from the ground four other times, but not the guardrail. One of those times she ended up on the road, though. Glad to report that she's flying well now! Thanks, from Chad and Chris
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