American Kestrel
April 22, 2013 in American Kestrel
The female Kestrel continues to be seen around various poles and rooftops in the National Grid facility on South Canal St.
Monthly Archives: April 2013
Peregrine Falcon, adult male
April 22, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.
The male Peregrine continues to keep vigil around the nest within the complex at 250 Canal St. in Lawrence. The male frequently perches in a variety of rooftop corners. He will ward off any intruders in a very intentional way. We are very close to the time that the chicks should have hatched or be hatching. With no webcam it is a challenge to know the exact status of how many eggs laid, how many hatched and the condition of the nest. Hopefully we will see an increase in feeding activity to signal hungry chicks. Peregrine Falcon chicks, called eyases, eat an incredible amount of food – in six days, they double their weight, and at three weeks are ten times their size at birth! Stay tuned!
A few more photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149891476 Click “next in upper right corner to advance frames…enjoy!
Red-tailed hawk continues to incubate
April 18, 2013 in Red-tailed Hawk
The Red-tailed continues to incubate the eggs. incubation period expected to last 28-32 days!
American Kestrels return to 2012 nest location
April 18, 2013 in American Kestrel
An unexpected surprise to see a pair of Kestrels newly around the 2012 nest location on Merrimack Street. Kestrel pairs ahve been observed in multiple nearby locations over past few weeks. they have stayed a while and then seemingly moved on. This pair may be setting up to use this nest location. It is uncertain as to if this is a returning pair or new pair. The pair last year had no chicks and vacated nest box very early. A nearby Kestrel observer indicated that he may have found the 2012 nesting pair in separate locations in late summer, both with broken necks. May have been the work of the nearby falcons.
7 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149753294 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!
Great Blue Heron returning to nest with stick offering!
April 18, 2013 in Nearby Waterbirds
The Great Blue Herons are known to constantly bring branches and sticks back to the nest during breeding season. Eggs are known to be laid as early as April 15th in Massachusetts. Both sexes incubate and share duties. According to the Mass Breeding Bird Atlas, nest relief is accompanied by presentation of sticks and other rituals. This is quite a stick being brought to nest located at Methuen Heron rookery!
4 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149752855 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames…enjoy!
Great Horned owlet
April 18, 2013 in Great Horned Owl
The Great Horned owlet was observed moving around the nest and looking out in multiple directions with head turning to track nearby birds. Then it seemed to go into a laying low position, kind of cat and mouse or hide and seek. It certainly blends in with the nest and nearby tree limbs. At this point, the owlet is probably between 3-4 weeks old.
3 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149752734 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames…enjoy!
American Kestrel, female
April 17, 2013 in American Kestrel
While checking on the Kestrel nesting area on Merrimack st. in Lawrence from 2012, just happened to notice a female perched on a wooden utility pole at a National Grid power substation. Not sure if this is one of the females observed in one of the other nearby locations. Of great interest is the possible leg band on the right leg. A quick check in with Matt Kamm at Mass Audubon indicated that the bands have been placed on Kestrels and he encouraged closer observation if at all possible!
Adult Eagle feeding eaglet!
April 17, 2013 in Bald Eagle
The adult Bald Eagle was observed feeding the eaglet. In this image the eagle is just forward of the adult and is facing the adult. it is possible to see the eaglet through the sticks and is showing fuzzy head, neck, and bill. Young eaglets grow rapidly and may consume as much as two pounds of fish per day!
4 photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149753929 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames…..enjoy!
Great Blue Heron on lookout!
April 17, 2013 in Nearby Waterbirds
Great Blue Heron atop a perch in the midst of the heron colony in Methuen. The rookery has been very busy with constant activity to fortify the nests where one of the pair members are sitting on eggs and incubating them. This was a morning visit with blue skies and terrific lighting conditions!
Great Horned owlet solo in nest
April 17, 2013 in Great Horned Owl
Another visit to the owlet and nice views in beautiful morning light. Note the ear tufts are just starting to become pronounced on the top of the head. Also seen moving head side to side and up and down. What a cutey with bright yellow eyes!
