Update at 6:00pm 7/26
The obvious question that arises from this sad incident is whether there should be regular checks on the observation deck. Currently, the watch team does not have access to that area unless the building is open. I don't think any of us even thought about the extended time it would be closed due to the Utah state holiday yesterday, Pioneer Day. A lot of buildings in downtown SLC were closed. We were all caught by surprise. I have never heard any of the falcon team members mention that a bird has been rescued from the observation deck in past years. But, the configuration makes it such that the birds can not easily fly out if they do end up landing there, but again, in the past it was not a place they normally landed. The fact that two of them have landed on the decks this year tells us that we need to rethink our strategies.
I would just like to thank the LDS Church and their security team for all they do to accomodate the birds, the volunteers and Bob. They have been extremely generous with installing and hosting of the nestbox cameras, allowing Bob to have access to the beehive roof whenever he needs it, and making calls as soon as they are aware of issues with the birds. There are many rooftops in downtown SLC where the birds could get in trouble and there is never an expectation that we will know if they do. As far as the church office building observation decks, I know Bob will be thinking about solutions for the near and long-term future.
Church security reported an expired falcon on the east observation deck this morning. Banding number indicates Sally. Bob picked het up and is having necropsy done but he suspects it was trapped too long without being noticed in the heat. I am terribly sorry to report this.
The obvious question that arises from this sad incident is whether there should be regular checks on the observation deck. Currently, the watch team does not have access to that area unless the building is open. I don't think any of us even thought about the extended time it would be closed due to the Utah state holiday yesterday, Pioneer Day. A lot of buildings in downtown SLC were closed. We were all caught by surprise. I have never heard any of the falcon team members mention that a bird has been rescued from the observation deck in past years. But, the configuration makes it such that the birds can not easily fly out if they do end up landing there, but again, in the past it was not a place they normally landed. The fact that two of them have landed on the decks this year tells us that we need to rethink our strategies.
I would just like to thank the LDS Church and their security team for all they do to accomodate the birds, the volunteers and Bob. They have been extremely generous with installing and hosting of the nestbox cameras, allowing Bob to have access to the beehive roof whenever he needs it, and making calls as soon as they are aware of issues with the birds. There are many rooftops in downtown SLC where the birds could get in trouble and there is never an expectation that we will know if they do. As far as the church office building observation decks, I know Bob will be thinking about solutions for the near and long-term future.
Church security reported an expired falcon on the east observation deck this morning. Banding number indicates Sally. Bob picked het up and is having necropsy done but he suspects it was trapped too long without being noticed in the heat. I am terribly sorry to report this.
10 comments:
am so sorry to hear this. just breaks my heart. Why doesnt someone check those places daily?
Liz:
I am just sick to hear that news. Sweet sweet Sally just got too much of that morning sun.
Thank you for letting us know. I can' believe
how sad I am today. Just saw her Saturday nite
in her glory.
Soooo sad. Especially for the rescue team who have invested so much time and emotion to keep those babies safe. Are they hunting yet?
Hugs to all of you.
Pat
Everyone is sad and I so appreciate how much you readers understand and feel for us and the birds. In the wild the mortality rate is very high in their first year, but its very hard to know that we possibly could have saved her if we had known. This is a no fault situation. NONE of us even thought about the building be closed for the holiday. We have never had to. There was some news of hunting this morning, ironically. I will post some notes later.
This is very sad news. We were down there on Saturday watching them flying around the COB. Got some videos of them flying around and around having fun.
Bob was there and expressed his concern about the holiday and buildings being closed and unavailable. We were feeling so lucky that all 4 babies were doing so well that night. Glad I got to see her last flights.
I talked to Bob today in the lobby of the JSMB while he was waiting for the rehabilitator to come pick up Miss Amelia who was in a box for another "overnighter." Bob didn't say a thing about Sally but I should have picked up on how sad he was. I'm so sorry.
I know that all who saw her fell in love with her. I am better because I got to watch this beautiful creature of G-d grow and fledge. The memory of her pretty, sweet litle face will live in my heart. I extend my sincere codolences to all who share the sadnes of this loss and the joy of her flight. Let us come together with gratitude and not with what ifs or should haves.
Oh my goodness. I am so sad to hear this. It really makes my heart hurt.
My heart is broken. I am speechless and so very very sad.
LIZ: THIS AM MON AUG 8 2011 NOTICED TWO of the FALCONS, APPEARED TO BE JUVIS IN FLIGHT ACROSS FROM THE JSMB BOTH OF THE TAILS WERE FANNED OUT, BOBBI AND CHARLIES MUST STILL BE AROUND
RALPH VIX
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