Peregrine Falcons and chick: Woburn

June 11, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C4284-001The peregrine falcon chick in Woburn continues to grow bigger and now has entered the hunchback phase with its head held up and tilted forward much of the time.  No clear sign or sightings of other chicks so far.  This morning the female was seen on station at the nest when the male flew in and a food exchange took place.  the female then proceeded to feed to chick and later flew off after being bothered by a Mockingbird.

A handful of additional photos:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163431491                                               Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!

Peregrine Falcon: Haverhill fledgling!

June 10, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0552-002One of the fledglings in Haverhill found a comfortable ledge on the bridge for loafing and snoozing.  This chick showed little concern for passing traffic and less frequent passing pedestrians.  The ledge, in the middle of the bridge on the west side, was just right for snoozing in the sun.  It would sit up for a bit and then lay back down. Mom was nearby perched on a branch in a tree on the south side of the Merrimack River.  A few remaining white down feathers are seen on the crown and sides of this young falcon.

Lawrence Peregrines: banded fledglings!

June 10, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower

CF2C3826-001The Lawrence Peregrine chicks are now being seen around the Clock Tower both on ledges and roof edges.  they are going through the initial phases of learning how to fly.  It is very normal to watch them as they hop, skip, and jump.  The high winds have made flight attempts a bit more of a challenge.  They are quick to use their talons to grab hold of the edge of the roof to keep from join over!  Here is a photo of one of the chicks with leg bands black/green 85/BS!

For a handful of additional fledgling photos:                                  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163431442                                                                                                          Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!

Peregrine Falcon chick: Woburn

June 10, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C3754-001A single chick has been visible at the peregrine falcon nest in Woburn.  Still no way to know how many eggs were laid this year.  For now, only a single chick has been seen and it is growing!

Peregrine Falcon chick: Haverhill

June 8, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0507-001Made a visit to check on the peregrine falcon chicks under the bridge in Haverhill.  Looks like one of the chicks has fledged, with three still to fledge.  The smallest remains on the nest ledge in the dark.  The other larger two chicks were seen at the east end of the bridge on a large catching some sun and loafing around.  This chick walked back and forth a few times and then settled again, and laid down in the sun!

Peregrine Falcon: in flight Haverhill

June 8, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0429-002The female peregrine in Haverhill continues to keep a tight patrol around the fledglings and the still to fledge chicks under the bridge in Haverhill.  She makes regular aerial loops close to the bridge, sometimes due to pedestrian traffic, car horns, nearby construction equipment, or motor boats going under that section of the bridge!

Lawrence Peregrines: 3 amigos waiting to fledge!

June 7, 2016 in In the Nest Box

CF2C3660 20-47-20-863And then there were three!  The remaining peregrine falcons remain in the nest box and will likely fledge over next few days!

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn male on guard

June 7, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

CF2C3359-001The male Peregrine Falcon in Woburn maintains a fairly constant vigil near and around the nest sight.  It usually maintains a presence in a perch location with a line of sight to the chick in the nest.  This was a dazzling morning with bright sunshine and blue skies!

Lawrence Peregrines: first to fledge – leg bands 86/BS

June 7, 2016 in On the Clock Tower

CF2C3693-001Finally, the first of the 2016 Lawrence Peregrines has fledged….last night just before sunset.  The other three remain in the nest box and have yet to make first flight as of sundown tonight.  The fledgling was bolding flapping  on the extended wooden perch yesterday afternoon.  After a diligent search both this morning and late this afternoon, the first fledgling was found on ledge just below the nest box and a bit to the east of the nest box. This ledge, like the nest box, is on the west face of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower.  The fledgling was kind enough to provide sufficient looks to make a positive ID of its leg bands, black over green, 86/BS.  Stay tuned on the siblings!

Lawrence Peregrines: flapping away!

June 6, 2016 in In the Nest Box

CF2C3318-001As the peregrine chicks prepare to fledge, they spend much of their day flapping their wings, which both strengthens their flight muscles and shakes loose some of the few remaining down feathers.  It’s time for the first one to launch!  Perhaps early this evening!!