Peregrine female in the nestbox!

March 31, 2015 in In the Nest Box

The female is spending more time in the nestbox and can be seen from the street perched on the outer edge of the window frame or on the extended outer perch.  All good signs of more courtship activity ahead!

Peregrine male attracting female attention

March 31, 2015 in Near the Clock Tower

Fascinating to watch the peregrines on the Clock Tower this morning as finally the male was attempting to get more attention from the female.  He made a number of flights passing by the female and looking to gain her attention.  For these last few weeks, he has seemed to show little interest compared to her showing interest.  The tables and turned and that may mean eggs very soon!!

Peregrine female atop smokestack!

March 30, 2015 in Near the Clock Tower

The female departed her perch on the Clock Tower and headed over the Merrimack River in slight NW direction and then landed atop the smokestack behind the 250 Canal Street complex.

Peregrine: female on Clock Tower

March 30, 2015 in On the Clock Tower

The female peregrine continues to perch in or near the Clock Tower nestbox.  Late this afternoon as the clouds were starting to clear, she perched on the iron work above the west face of the Clock Tower.  This location is unusual and a close look shows she has a tight grip on the railing to keep balance!

Peregrines: one atop Verizon Tower; other Clock Tower

March 30, 2015 in Verizon Cell Tower

On of the peregrines was seen this morning in light snow atop the Verizon Cell Tower on Hampshire Street.  This is late in the season for this perch to be active!  A short while later, the other peregrine was found perched on the north side of the Clock Tower on the upper right ledge just above the clock face!

Peregrine Falcons courtship

March 19, 2015 in Verizon Cell Tower

The Peregrines are keeping it very interesting this breeding season!  The male lost his long time mate as she was sent to Tufts Wildlife and then retired from going back into the wild.  Our long time male with a distinguished breeding legacy attracted a new female friend.  She is unbounded so we are unable to know any history. They have been spending time together and appear to be ready for the breeding season.  They have been seen with some regularity around the Clock Tower and even poking around inside the nestbox.  In an odd twist, they have recently spent time perched on the Verizon Cell Tower which has never been part of the pattern this time in the breeding cycle.  They have also been spotted near the alternate nest site around 250 Canal Street.  So given that eggs should be laid any day, it will be fascinating to see if that happens and where that happens.  Had a chance to see them both perched on adjacent ledges some 25 feet apart late Thursday afternoon.  The female seemed to make every effort to get the male’s attention.  She called and called with no response.  She took off, made a loop right in front of him to get his fuller attention, and returned to her nearby perch.  The male continued with his clear indifference!  Fascinating to watch and can’t wait to see where this goes!  Stay tuned!

11 Photo sequence:   http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/159495358   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames

Enjoy!

Great Horned Owl on nest – Methuen Heron rookery

March 19, 2015 in Great Horned Owl

The Great Horned Owl continues on nest at the Heron Rookery in Methuen.  This female has endured all kinds of extreme weather and has been so faithful in her duties!  It is hatch time and we should soon see the an owlet or two!  Stay tuned!

Peregrine taking in the sun

March 16, 2015 in On the Clock Tower

Just another moment of taking the bright and warming sunshine perched on a window ledge near the top of the Clock Tower on the south side!

Peregrine sunbathing on Clock Tower!

March 11, 2015 in On the Clock Tower

A beautiful sunny Wednesday morning with one of the peregrines perched in the sun on a ledge above the clock face on the east side of the Clock Tower!

Peregrine Falcons ready for breeding season!

March 3, 2015 in In the Nest Box, On the Clock Tower

Looks like all systems may be in the go position for the peregrines at the Clock Tower in Lawrence.  The long standing female was injured and was placed under the care of the staff at Tufts Wildlife Clinic.  The male falcon has attracted a new female friend.  Based on many recent observations, it is increasingly likely that this pair will become a pair and proceed into the breeding season together.  They have been seen around the nest box with greater frequency.  Stay tuned!