Peregrine Falcon: adult female

July 22, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

The adult Peregrines have been spending more time on the perch at the Clock Tower nest box.  The growing young falcons are seen locally, but only from time to time.  Many reports have come in on young peregrines near the coast and nearby in NH.  The adults have returned to the perch on the nest box!

Peregrines return to weathervane perch!

July 15, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

With the completion of the 2013 breeding cycle, the breeding pair of Peregrines have returned to their regular perch on various struts on the weathervane atop the Clock Tower.  They moved thier nest this year to a previously used alternative nest location on the north side of the river in an abandoned mill building.  The nest spece was too small to raise the 4 hatchlings and staffers at MassWildlife move d the nest to a nearby rooftop location.  Now the breeding cycle is complete and the peregrines are seen with growing regularity back at the old perch!

Nesting Eastern Kingbirds!

July 11, 2013 in Nearby Landbirds

Eastern Kingbirds are found in many locations along the Merrimack.  The habitat along the river is very favorable for establishing a nest.  They frequently build nests ona tree limb over water. The nest usually consists of weeds, twigs, and grass. This nest was found at the north end of the Duck Bridge on Union Street.  It was very easy to view from the west side of the bridge and a joy to watch the parents incubate the eggs and later feed the hatchlings!  The adult has gray upperparts and white underparts with a black bill.

Peregrine fledglings experience the joy of flight!

July 9, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

The fledglings are having a blast learning how to fly.  They have abundant nearby rooftops to practice short hop flights, glides and landings.  You can almosy sense their joy as they make endless short hop flights.  What a pure delight to watch!

5 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/151582749

Peregrine adult female protecting fledglings near nestbox

July 9, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

The mother peregrine continues to keep a vigilant watch over her offspring.  On this overcast afternoon in just after July 4th, she remains on a regular roof corner and then chases off a nearby passing predator threat.

6 action photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/151582743   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!  Enjoy

Killdeer in parking lot!

July 8, 2013 in Nearby Landbirds

What a terrific surprise to first hear, and then to see, a Killdeer in a parking off of Union St. on the north side of the Duck Bridge.  It may have anest nearby so we will keep a sharp lookout for further activity.  They are ground nesting birds that are well known for hiding their nest right out in the open for all to see.  The Killdeer has two very distinct black bands cross the upper breast.

American Kestrel female fledglings

July 8, 2013 in American Kestrel

After a long waiting period with very regular intervals of watching, finally had a chance to see the two female Kestrel fledglings from  this new nest location. They perched in the leafless nearby tree where the parents regularly perch during the day.  Althought tough to find at times due to the many branches and their perfect coloration, quite a treat to get these looks!