3 One Day We Heard

One day we heard an awfully loud sound when we were in our nest. WHUP-WHUP-WHUP. What on earth is that? I looked up and saw the biggest, most monstrous-looking bird I have ever seen. I felt terrified and stood close to my chicks, keeping a protective stance. However big this bird was, he would not win a fight with me.

The bird that terrified me was actually a helicopter. We can be sensitive to disturbances and that helicopter was so loud. Fortunately the helicopter went away and the story made the local news. The Canadian Armed Forces were doing training exercises and someone was worried about us falcons. They told the military that we were nesting nearby. The Armed Forces stopped the training out of concern that it was being disruptive to our home. Phew! All was well again.

My boys had grown up quickly and soon they’ll be leaving the nest. I watched them as they got their wings ready for flying. They flapped them quickly and they ran along the ledge, practicing the first takeoff. They were also … pretending to be a helicopter? I stared in amusement as they hovered in the air, make-believing they’re that helicopter!