Terminal Tower Cleveland

We are all very anxious to watch hatching of these 4 beautiful eggs from this so very special peregrine couple. SW and Buckeye are a very succesfull pair. SW took over theis Terminal Tower nestsite in 2002 when she killed the resident female Zenith in a territorial fight.
Zenith used to migrate after her juvi's fledged from the nestsite. Buckeye always stayed behind went she left for the southern sun. In 2001 Clearpath already laid 1 egg and occupied her nest when Zenith came back in March. In a horrible fight Zenith killed Clearpath. But in 2002 when Zenith came back SW occupied her nest and had already laid 4 eggs. SW was a young strong female who reacted immediately on the cacking of Zenith in the sky above her.
It was the 28th of March 2002. SW left her nest to Buckeye and attacked Zenith. There was a big fight between the two, they where beating eachother with their wings and attacking the other one with beak and talons. SW was on top of Zenith who laid on her back in the square. They flew up to the ledge of a building and started fighting again. SW was stronger and Zenith was killed.
This is the way of the Peregrine Falcon. No matter how sweet and adorable the little eyases are we are watching all day, they are raptors to be. They are fed prey. The meat they eat in those sweet feedings is from birds who where alive a few hours ago. These are birds of prey, the peregrine, and they are very territorial.
It is their way of life. If we love this time of year , with eggs, hatching and eyases , and want to enjoy it, we have to respect and honor the other side of them as well! The cruel side. At least we think it is. But it is not. Nature can only stay strong and keep existing when it is at its strongest. Birds of prey will never ever succeed in catching the strong and intelligent birds. They won't get catched! Only the weak will end up as prey. The same goes for these territorial disputes. In nature old and sick animals are replaced by the younger generation. Often after a fight.
It is the circle of life. It is their way of life. Not ours. Never try to filter the life and the ways of raptors through your values. That is impossible. They are different and for sure grand in their own way.
As long as we acknowlegde this and respect it, we can honor and enjoy this mighty bird of prey we all love so deeply: our Peregrine Falcon. May this phenomenal creature enlighten us all.