Baby's first steps...

So, the baby falcons are learning to fly. First steps, leaping tall buildings...

And massively overshooting old chimneys, only to land on slanted tiles.

I know that Peregrines are supposed to be this fearsome predator, fastest animal, etc, etc. But watching the kids learn to fly is a really poignant reminder that even the fastest, fiercest hunters are awkward when they're first starting out.

On a separate note, the word is out, apparently... we regularly have a small gaggle of bird watchers in the parking lot. But I still feel better than they are. You know, because I'm 6 stories up, and I get to watch these critters all year long.