Subject: [Tweeters] Prairie Falcons go dancing
Date: Feb 20 08:04:23 2005
From: J & B Adamowski LaComa - jennandbryan at msn.com


Finally got out on the river yesterday and floated the Yakima in the canyon below Ellensburg (Umtanum to Roza). LOTS of birds and most if not all Raptors showing significant courtship behavior. Bald Eagles soaring in pairs, Red-Tail Hawks circling with legs dropped but the highlight of the day was a pair of Prairie Falcons. For 1 hour directly above me they circled each other and then the male would veer off, gather speed and swoop right under the female, often flipping upside down and attempting to grab each others feet. Sometimes these passes were at a very high rate of speed (half to full tuck) and the male would seemingly stop on a dime right at the females feet, roll over, tap her on the legs and then they would circle each other a few times before repeating. One pass did result in a talon lock and they dropped for 15 feet or so before resuming their aviary tricks again. This was needless to say causing quite a stir and often other birds would come to investigate and even join in on the circus above. A Raven circled for a short time, as did a Red Tail Hawk without any concern from the Prairie Falcons. What did cause quite a stir though was another male Prairie Falcon. This was very interesting to watch as he literally came in and stole the female away from the first male. She followed him up the canyon and out of sight for 20+ minutes before returning, during which the original male continued his displays alone and frequently returned to either their nest or a common perch. It was very tough to tell as this was 300' up the canyon wall. Either way it was fascinating to witness their behavior! Does anybody know if Falcons mate during flight?

Bryan LaComa
jennandbryan at msn.com