Peregrines rooftop perch!

October 30, 2014 in Near the Clock Tower

The pair of adult peregrines are seen with almost daily regularity on and around the Clock Tower in Lawrence.  This morning they were perched atop roof pediments located on the southeast corner of the brick building at 200 Merrimack St just above the stoplights at Merrimack and south Union Streets.  It is always a thrill to watch them burst into flight mode and loop around the local area.

For those with an interest, more flight photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/158046045   Click “next” upper right corner to advance!

Enjoy!

Bald Eagle adults in flight!

October 27, 2014 in Bald Eagle

The pair of adult Bald Eagles continue to be seen along the Merrimack River just west of Rt. 495 between Lawrence and North Andover.  They are normally seen in the mornings more so than in the afternoons at this time of year.  This morning, they departed their perch and proceeded with a number of lazy aerial loops before heading downriver to the east!  A joy to watch them in flight!!

Bald Eagle adult pair

October 22, 2014 in Bald Eagle

The bald eagle adult pair continue to be seen perched together along the North Andover side of the Merrimack River.  They were in perch mode both this morning and late afternoon with overcast skies, winds this morning blowing 20 mph+ and gusting to 25 mph and then late afternoon blowing 25+ and gusting up over 30 mph.  Late afternoon heavier rain and fog.

Bald Eagle in flight heading east!

October 21, 2014 in Bald Eagle

A bit later  in the morning, had a nice chance to view this eagle in flight heading east after passing the Rt. 495 overpass.  My vantage point was from the Lawrence side of the river near the ballpark next to the county correctional facility.  An orange leg band is able to be seen on the left leg, but it is not clear enough to noe to leg band numbers.  Hopefully, next time around!!

 

Bald Eagle adult perched along Merrimack

October 21, 2014 in Bald Eagle

Two adult eagles observed this morning on the North Andover side of the Merrimack River.  Little to no wind, overcast skies, and temperature just under 50 degrees.  They were perched in different trees less that 100 feet apart.  They eventually departed downriver after getting repeatedly buzzed by a pack of crows.

Great Blue Heron cruising to the east!

October 20, 2014 in Nearby Waterbirds

Lots of Great Blues along the Merrimack River in Lawrence and North Andover.  They are always majestic flyers and a joy to watch.  This one flew by heading east after passing under the Rt. 495 overpass in Lawrence.  It met up down river with another Great Blue and they had fun chasing after each other…looked like a fun time!

Double-crested Cormorant

October 20, 2014 in Nearby Waterbirds

The Double-crested Cormorants continue to be very busy up and down the Merrimack River in Lawrence.  Now that the river has returned to full strength, the cormorants have moved off of the outcroppings in the middle of the river.  They fly back and forth and land for while on favorite fishing spots!

Peregrine atop nearby utility pole

October 8, 2014 in Near the Clock Tower

The peregrines were both seen late this afternoon in flight and perched around the Clock Tower.  While enjoying a short visit, there were numerous sorties after nearby prey and other uninvited local intruders.  As the sun was getting low in the sky, the female with clearly seen leg bands (V/5) came to rest on a favorite utility pole perch along Merrimack St.  The close views were unexpected but very enjoyable!

 

 

Belted Kingfisher

October 7, 2014 in Nearby Landbirds

Belted Kingfishers can be seen in Lawrence at many locations up and down the Merrimack River.  It is a familiar species in eastern Massachusetts and very common near freshwater with suitable banks for nest burrows.  Kingfishers feed by plunge diving typically from a perch.  It will plunge from as much as 20-40 feet into the water and then return to the perch to knock the prey (usually fish) senseless; and then  flip it into the air and send it down the hatch!  This Kingfisher was seen in flight over the Merrimack in Lawrence just east of Rt. 495.

Bald Eagle adult

October 7, 2014 in Bald Eagle

The wintering bald eagles have returned with initial sightings the last week in September along the Merrimack River in Lawrence near the North Andover border.  This was a busy location last year.  Over past two weeks, both adults and sub adults have been seen with regularity.  This image was captured on a cloudy morning and is being used to document these early off season sightings.  The winter show begins!