Peregrines Woburn: brooding chicks

May 31, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C1989-001The female peregrine appears to be brooding her hatched chicks.  She is now seen at higher levels within the nest suggesting that the chicks have hatched and are growing in size.  we hope to have a peek at fuzzy white heads in just a few days!

Lawrence Peregrines: female with 3 chicks!

May 31, 2016 in In the Nest Box

CF2C1695-001The Lawrence Peregrine Falcon chicks continue to grow and get bigger. The patches of remaining down feathers are becoming restricted to the base of the legs, parts of the wings, and perhaps parts of the back, as well as the crown. They are also becoming increasingly vocal and active around the nest area, to the extent that the adults rarely visit except to drop off food for them, or stand guard for a short visit.

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn male

May 31, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C1641-001The male peregrine falcon in Woburn is being seen on watch close to the nest area.  The female continues to sit in brood mode with newly hatched chicks under her wing.  The male was seen on tho sneery perch under bright sunny and blue skies!

Peregrine Falcon chicks: Haverhill!

May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C1287-001Breaking bird news on May 21st from Steve Mirick in Haverhill: “very rewarding search today as we finally found the new location for the nest for the Peregrine Falcons in Haverhill. It’s been a bit frustrating since they moved to a totally different nest ledge. UNDERNEATH A LOCAL BRIDGE! We’ve been suspecting that they might be under a bridge, but when we FINALLY saw TWO birds this morning, we were convinced and decided to search hard. We patiently waited and moved all around to different angles to search underneath, as the adults moved around, occasionally disappearing from view under the bridge. But persistence finally paid off!

The nest ledge looks excellent for them. And there appears to be 4 chicks, but seeing them is VERY difficult. I imagine it will be easier as they grow bigger and they approach the edge of the bridge abutment. The nest is sandwiched in between some I-Beams on a shelf underneath the bridge, but can ONLY BE VIEWED WITH A SPOTTING SCOPE. Binoculars won’t work.”

Great work Steve and Jane!

Peregrine Falcon: Haverhill

May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C1214-001Made a pass by one of the bridges in Haverhill this morning in search of the newly discovered Peregrine Falcon nest with possibly 4 chicks.  This nest has been relocated from the nest location of 2015.  To my surprise the female was perched on a rebar perch over the Merrimack River and seen at very close range.  As she was guarding her growing chicks, she seemed very reluctant to move her position, and that meant to keep back at a very safe distance!

Peregrine female: Woburn

May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C1077-001The female peregrine falcon in Woburn looks like she may be brooding hatched chicks at this point in the breeding cycle.  She is sitting a bit higher in the nest area!  Stay tuned!

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn – male perched

May 24, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C1048-001Under cloudy skies and just before sunset time, made a pass by the Woburn Peregrines and observed the female on nest and the male perched nearby.  The male took off in hot pursuit but returned to perch without pray in tow.  The female peeked out front he nest but only for a moment. Unable to verify if chicks have hatched yet!

Lawrence Peregines: feeding time at nestbox!

May 23, 2016 in In the Nest Box

CF2C0985-001The Lawrence Peregrine fledglings continue to grow and get bigger. The female in this photos is tearing apart prey and feeding it to the chicks.  The nestbox is getting crowded and the meals are more frequent.  The chicks are spending more time near the front of the nestbox!  The are now using their legs fully and no longer sitting on tarsi.  Banding time is very close at hand.

Great Horned Owls: branching!

May 18, 2016 in Great Horned Owl

The young Great Horned Owls are becoming more mobile around their nest. They are stretching and testing their wings, and actively climbing around nearby branches. Quite a sight! Had a wonderful opportunity to observe the owlets late afternoon Wednesday in stunning late day sunshine.

For those with an interest, 5 photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163252323

 

 

 

Lawrence Peregrine: chick in nestbox!

May 18, 2016 in In the Nest Box

CF2C0238-001Made an afternoon visit at the Lawrence Peregrines nestbox to find a solo chick close to the edge of the window.  The chicks are becoming more curious and looking out over the cityscape!