The eyases (young falcons) are now three weeks old and their flight feathers have emerged from pin. At this age they are looking (and exploring) beyond their nest. Their eyesight has improved dramatically as they watch their parents fly above their nest and planes in the sky. They are venturing outside of their nest, as it gets more cramped and warm, especially on sunny days.
Thankfully, we have observed no signs of trichomoniasis and this is the first year in a long time (maybe forever?) that they were not treated preventative medicine. There has also been no signs of infestations of a wingless parasitic fly on the eyases that has affected coastal falcon nests. The wingless flies feed on blood in their underwing area. It is evident when we see a lot of dirt (fecal matter) and feather loss in that area of their bodies. Another really good sign that these young are all in good health. Even the little guy isn’t looking so little anymore.
Banding is still scheduled for the morning on Monday, May 19. We’ll be sure to update everyone on social media about the banding event that day.