Monday, August 18, 2014

Blaze Flying to a New Facility

Well, not literally...but today we transferred Blaze (via automobile!) to another wildlife rehabilitation facility in Ohio.  The first order of business will be a week or two of observation and then if all checks out OK, she will be flight conditioned and offered live prey to learn her hunting skills.

Many, many thanks to Betty Ross and the staff at Glen Helen Raptor Center for caring for her up to now.  And thanks in advance to the staff at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary who will handle the next chapter in her care.  We truly appreciate the partnerships and teamwork amongst these dedicated wildlife rehabilitation professionals!
Meanwhile, downtown, Durand and Spark continue to maintain their territory.  There have been no sightings of the juveniles that I am aware of and it is possible that they may have left the Columbus area by now.   We are hoping for an update on the status of the building work soon.

Friday, August 01, 2014

Updates! Blaze and Building Maintenance

Just as we were finalizing plans to place Blaze at another wildlife rehabilitation facility for conditioning and training, it was discovered her left wing was drooping.  This was a surprise since she had more or less just been resting in an enclosure.  So, off to the veterinarian again she went.  Unfortunately, it is still somewhat a mystery as everything with her checks out fine-there is no swelling or fracture of any bone.  The veterinarian suspects nerve damage from the initial impact that has interfered with her flight development all along.  So, for now, continued rest and anti-inflammatory medication is on the agenda for at least the next week.

On another note, work will begin this Saturday (August 2) on the exterior of the Rhodes State Office Tower.  Crews will be conducting a detailed inspection of the façade of the building using a "swing stage" to suspend workers much the same way as the windows are routinely washed on the building.  The work is expected to continue through mid-to-late August, depending on weather conditions.  Wind, heavy rain and lightning could cause delays.

Therefore, beginning today, Friday, August 1st, the cameras will be turned off to accommodate the inspection process.  The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has been working with us to ensure that the peregrines are not affected by the project.  Since the young peregrines have fledged, are flying successfully and by now are independent of the adults and the nest ledge we don't expect there to be any issues.  The DAS and Division of Wildlife will be monitoring the falcons during the duration of the project.  We'll post updates here as information becomes available and certainly get the cameras back in operation as soon as the project is complete.  We apologize in advance for any inconvenience to viewers and appreciate every one's patience!