Originally posted by lizbud

... the Falcon parents...

... they are still hanging around.
I think Mom & Dad Falcon do a bit more than just "hang around"...

Falcons are Very Devoted and caring parents!
They are totally responsible for conducting the *hunts* for
ALL the food the Baby Falcons consume.
Many aerial hunting "sorties" are flown by Mom & Dad to keep
the hungry brood well fed.

And as the article about the "Banding" of the Chicks described -
Mom & Dad are FIERCLY Protective of the Chicks.

And talk about moments...
Keep *watching* Falcon Cam -
because *Flight School* classes are about to begin!
Hold your breath, because ~
The Chicks hop up on the ledge and begin to exercise their wings -
*Flapping* and spreading them to get the "feel" of the breeze.

Another Falcon site suggests the nest is Sooo High Up for many reasons ~
Predators can't feed on the eggs or chicks;
Mom & Dad can survey their domain - and spot *food* easily;
And when it's finally time for that First Solo FLIGHT -
the extreme height is a blessing for the un-skilled aviator...
If the lil one "forgets" to start the flappin engine -
instinct tells him or her to SPREAD Those WINGS -
and they can GLIDE down to a controlled crash landing.

And Mom or Dad will be right there to encourage the
lil one to *FLAP* and take off for another attempt at that First Flight.

/s/ Phred