Question: Are these the same birds?

 A common question every year when the Peregrine Falcons begin “mixing it up” is whether the male and female Peregrine Falcon are the same birds present in the previous year(s).  As long as I have been around (six years) the answer has always been “Yes”.   This year that same ol’  answer will suffice.   The female has the band A/Y (read “A” over “Y”), is originally from Winnipeg, MB, Canada, and has been at the Capitol since 2005.  The male has the band 19/K, is originally from Des Moines, IA, and has been at the Capitol since 2003.   These two birds are the only Peregrines to ever produce young at the Capitol.   Below are a couple decent photos from past years where the bands can be read.

 Stay tuned, a second egg should be showing up very soon!