Peregrine Falcon male enjoying meal

April 17, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

The Peregrines continue to keep an active presence around the 250 Canal St. complex.  Most sightings are of the male either perched or in the process of consuming freshly caught prey.  The incubation period is about 30 days and duties are shared by female and male.  The pair typically mate for life.

6 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149751747   Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!

Great Blue Heron continues nest building

April 16, 2013 in Nearby Waterbirds

The nesting Great Blue Herons in Methun continue nest building activities with the females largely on nest incubating eggs.  The nesting period for these herons is about 30 days with incubation duties shared by female and male.  Typically Great Blues lay 3-4 eggs each year.

Great Horned owlet

April 16, 2013 in Great Horned Owl

This is first time the owlet was observed without mother in the nest.  Mother not seen nearby at all.  The owlet is starting to gain size and is very alert.  the bill is more pronounced and eyes more open.

Peregrine Falcon male taking flight after meal

April 10, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

Peregrine Falcon male taking flight after finishing a meal atop the rooftop.  Peregrine male has black over green leg band 6/4 easily seen on the left ankle.  The Peregrine had acpatured avian prey on the rooftop and ripped apart for a meal.  Upon completion of the meal, it carefully wiped it’s bill clean at the edge of the roof and then took flight in easterly direction.  Overcast cloudy day but light was good enough to capture somewhat clear images. 

5 Photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149751742   Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames…..enjoy!

Red-tailed Hawk, nesting in Lawrence

April 10, 2013 in Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk female incubating eggs on nest near Lawrence General Hospital.  The female has been consistently on the eggs with relief provided by the male for short times during the day.  The hatch date is projected to happen around the last week of April.

3 Photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/2013redtailedhawk   Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!

Peregrine Falcon

April 10, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

Peregrine Falcon male perched atop one of the buildings in the 250 Canal St. complex on a cloudy afternoon!

American Kestrel pair atop Union Crossing

April 9, 2013 in American Kestrel

A pair of American Kestrels were seen atop a rooftop exhaust stack at the east end of the Union Crossing apartment complex overlooking the Merrimack River.  This pair have been observed in multiple nearby locations, perhaps looking to finalize a nest location for the breeding season.  It was an overcast morning and the photo was from a distance in low light conditions.

Peregrine Falcon, male 6/4 leg band

April 9, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

The male Peregrine Falcon perched on a ledge within the 250 Canal St. complex.  This was a late afternoon observation with the Peregrine overlooking the area where the nest is located in a secure location nearby.  The leg bands provide confirmation of the gender of this Peregrine.  The male has been the more visible of the two as the female is incubating the eggs.

American Kestrel, male

April 8, 2013 in American Kestrel

The Kestrels continue to be present around the Canal Street area between 20 and 60 Canal and also across the street in the 3 story antiques building.  they are seen perched on telephone poles and utility wires….sometimes solo and frequently as a pair.  This is  late afternoon captue of the male kestrel in magnificnet light and clear blue sky background.  The kestrel sightings provide strong indications of a nest nearby!

 

Great Horned Owl and owlet

April 8, 2013 in Great Horned Owl

The owlet continues to grow and become more alert.  The owlet eyes are more wide opena nd the posture is more erect each day.  the owlet seems much more aware of passing birds and reacts quicker than noticed on previous visits!

3 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149612931   Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!