February 29, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
The adult male peregrine is seen almost daily around the Ayer Mills Clock Tower in a variety of perch locations. This morning it was spotted from quite a distance, on the opposite side of the Merrimack River, on the north side of the Clock Tower on a ledge above and to the right of the clock face. This is one of the many regular perch locations around the Clock Tower.
February 29, 2016 in Bald Eagle
The bald eagle nest along the Merrimack in Essex County remains an active location for a pair of adult bald eagles. They are seen with greater frequency in and around the nest. According to state wildlife officials, this is a new next location for 2016 and not previously known in prior years. We will now look for clear signs that the female has laid eggs and has commenced the incubation process!
February 29, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Stopped for a look at the Woburn peregrines this morning to find the juvenile peregrine snug in one of the rocky ledges. The winds were blowing SW at 14 with gusts up to 25. It was partly sunny and a warm 46 degrees!
February 26, 2016 in Bald Eagle
What a delight to observe a Bald Eagle in flight over the Merrimack River in Essex County in the late afternoon with cobalt blue skies and lingering late day sunlight!
February 23, 2016 in Bald Eagle
A nest along the Merrimack River continues to be built up by pair of adult Bald Eagles. Looks like female getting her bearings inside the nest itself. White crown of adult just visible at top of nest outer ridge. Not yet certain that eggs have been laid!
February 18, 2016 in Verizon Cell Tower
The male continues his daily routine of staying close to the hot air exhaust vents at the Verizon Cell Tower. This week the female has been seen very little. With courtship time ready to happen, we should them together more often and the center of activities back to the Clock Tower!
February 18, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
The unbanded adult male continues to be seen on almost a daily basis around the quarry. This image shows the male during a wing and leg stretch. Many questions have come in regarding the pair bonding process. Here is an excerpt from Birds of North America online “first indication of pair development is mutual perching or roosting, where male and female perch quietly together (Cade 1960). Progresses from perching on same cliff at some distance to perching side by side.” Stay tuned to see if the unbanded male demonstrates more interest in the young juvenile!
February 18, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Met up with local bird photographers, John Harrison and Jim Renault to observe the Woburn peregrines this morning. The juvenile peregrine was seen basking in the morning sun under blue skies, winds blowing out of NW at 16 MPH, and temps just under 30 degrees but feeling quite a bit colder!
February 17, 2016 in Verizon Cell Tower
The male Peregrine Falcon was perched atop the Verizon Cell Tower mid-morning and then moved back to one of the south facing ledges with the hot air exhaust vents. It seemed to enjoy basking in the bright sun, under clear skies, and temps in the mid-thirties. Courtship season is ready to happen!
February 17, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
The almost year old female Peregrine Falcon in juvenile plumage continues to be seen in Woburn. This morning it was perched on a ledge in a rocky outcropping taking in the morning sun. It called periodically, but in a very low tone. The winds were light out of the west, with clear skies, bright sun, and temps in mid-thirties. The immature peregrines have more brownish plumage than the blue-gray on adults. In addition, the immature falcons have heavier breast streaks.
