8/6/2023 0 Comments New flacon![]() ![]() A June 4 launch opportunity was called off because of poor weather for the booster landing. The launch of the mission, designated CRS-28 and part of SpaceX’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) contract with NASA, was scheduled for June 3 but postponed because of poor weather at the launch site and to provide more time to complete vehicle preparation. The Dragon spacecraft separated from the rocket’s upper stage 12 minutes after liftoff, a few minutes after the Falcon 9 first stage landed on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. The Falcon 9 lifted off from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A at 11:47 a.m. “To me, they have become a symbol of the spirit of resilience that characterizes our students, who, like the chicks, grow right before our eyes during their time at UIC.WASHINGTON - A Falcon 9 launched a cargo Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station on a mission emphasizing station hardware and supplies over science. ![]() “These peregrine falcon families have become part of the UIC family, and we eagerly await their arrival each spring and the hatching of their chicks,” Colley said. She said UIC is a refuge in an urban environment for these birds, who return every year to nest. Karen Colley, UIC acting provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, also witnessed the banding. The takeaway is that the birds should be given as much space as possible. Hennen said recent stories about falcons attacking pedestrians in the Loop were overblown and simply reflect a mother protecting her nest and fledglings. “Looking at peregrine falcons, it’s a nice barometer of the health of the environment out there.” “It’s a wonderful comeback of a species that was almost wiped out by humans,” she said. While initially endangered, they have rebounded due to heightened awareness and stopping the use of deadly insecticides such as DDT. Hennen said falcons can live up to 20 years, and there are an estimated 12 to 15 pairs in the Chicago area. ![]() The second family was not successful in breeding last year because they laid their eggs in a gutter. She said that peregrines have nested at University Hall since 1999, but over the last two years, a second pair of falcons had nested on campus nearby. “You’re archiving the blood sample and somewhere along the line, we might be able to look at genetics, blood-borne parasites or parentage,” Hennen said. Subsequent readings of the bands can provide data on peregrine survival, dispersal distances, population growth rates and more. The leg bands have digits that are unique to each bird. Blood samples were taken, which could ultimately be used to confirm their gender. All were carefully brought into the building and banded. ![]() “It makes my heart warm that in downtown Chicago and other metropolitan areas we can see these amazing birds.”įield Museum ornithologists Mary Hennen, Dylan Maddox and Ben Marks first used a fishing net to catch the mother and then went out on the ledge to retrieve the chicks. “When I was a kid, eagles and falcons were really highly endangered in the United States,” Stabb said. Over the years, a biology student has been invited to witness the banding, Stabb said, and this year Vasquez had the honor of witnessing the banding of the newest brood. Peregrines have nested at University Hall for decades and have their own livestream.Įric Stabb, UIC professor and head of biological sciences, who held one of the chicks at the banding, said he has loved birds since he was a boy. The peregrine father, named Mouse, has nested on the 28th floor of University Hall since 2015 and is 15 years old. The chicks, which are both believed to be males, were born about 23 days earlier to an adult female who was banded at the same time as her offspring. “I love all kinds of animals, and every interaction I have with one just makes me want to be a veterinarian even more.” “They were definitely softer than I thought,” Vasquez said. As she held a chick, the bird and its sibling squawked and shrieked to return to its roost and nervously fluttered their small wings, sending their down feathers floating in the air. The Chicago native was happy to know that the birds of prey were present and part of the local ecology, even in her city. Field Museum ornithologists Dylan Maddox (left) and Mary Hennen look over a falcon chick. ![]()
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