Lawrence Peregrines: Male perched in nest box!

September 29, 2016 in In the Nest Box

_w7i6270-001With terrific late afternoon sunlight, made a pass by the Clock Tower in Lawrence for a look at the peregrines.  The adult peregrine was perched on the outside rim of the nest box window with beautiful westward views in the late day light.  For no clear reason, the female was nearby on an upper ledge squawking away.  The male showed no interest or reaction and neither of them moved!

Bald Eagles: Lawrence!

September 29, 2016 in Bald Eagle

_w7i5983-001Earlier this week, had a wonderful chance to see Bald Eagles along the Merrimack in North Andover.  they tend to perch along the river this time of year, up until the start of breeding season.  Most often, the Bald Eagles, both adults and sub-adults are seen on the east side of Rt. 495 on the border of Lawrence and North Andover.

After scanning for Bald Eagles in every known location, came up totally empty.  After taking a look at the local peregrines, was just ready to head off, when a large soaring bird caught my attention.  Behold, it was an adult Bald Eagle rising in a circular motion with wings outstretched….a beautiful sight!  The adult Bald Eagle continued making circular loops and and headed off to the west.

_w7i6142-001Moments later, another large soaring bird came into view and it turned out to be a juvenile Bald Eagle.  Same circular soaring motion with wings outstretched….WOW!  Both birds were relaxed and taking their time working their way westward under cloudy skies and strong NE winds blowing at almost 20MPH.  The juvenile had a dark belly and underneath, whitish wing pits, and varying amounts of white on the underwings.  The two inner-most primaries are translucent in the backlighting.

Lawrence Peregrines: smokestack perch!

September 29, 2016 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.

_w7i5846-001Stopped by the Clock Tower for a morning look at the Lawrence Peregrines.  One was perched on a ledge just above the west facing clock face.  Scanned to see if the other peregrine was nearby.  Noticed a hawk-like silhouette atop the distance smokestack almost a 1/4 of a mile away on the north side of the Merrimack River in the 250 Canal Street complex!  Sure enough, turned out to be the other peregrine falcon!

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn adult female

September 26, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_w7i5561-001Under cloudy skies and fading light, had a nice opportunity to visit the Woburn Peregrines and found the female atop one of her favorite utility pole perch locations.  She sat and watched her local world without a concern or distraction.  The top of the pole is about 40 feet in height and affords terrific views of the local area.  At one point she launched into flight, made a one large circular loop and returned to the pole perch!

Lawrence Peregrines: steel beam perch

September 26, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower

_w7i5536-001Around this time of year, as the weather cools and the direction of morning sunlight changes, the Lawrence Peregrines will typically change morning perch locations to enjoy more of the morning sun.  A favorite off-season perch is on a steel I beam, just below the roof line, on the south side of the New Balance building along Merrimack Street in Lawrence.  It is a busy location with a set of traffic lights below…..but a nice place to be out of the wind and fully in the morning sun!

Peregrine Falcon: adult male Woburn

September 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_w7i5446-001Was able to visit the Woburn Peregrines in late afternoon a bit earlier than normal.  Under late afternoon light, had nice looks at the adult male as the final streaks of direct light were cast upon the nest ledge and the perched adult male.  Shortly after, he flew off to the west and perched on a rocky ledge behind one of the nearby industrial buildings.

 

_w7i5470-001

Great Blue Herons: Merrimack River

September 22, 2016 in Nearby Waterbirds

_w7i4655-001A large number of Great Blue Herons are now being seen along the shorelines of the Merrimack River in Lawrence and North Andover.  They have been very active foraging in shallow pools and at the edge of the river shoreline.  These large majestic birds are a joy to watch, especially when they launch into flight just above the water!  This Great Blue was seen this morning in flight, from the landing at North Main St. in North Andover, heading east to join two other Herons.

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn – adult female

September 22, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_w7i4465-001Another stunning morning with amazing blue skies and radiant sunshine!  Made a pass by the Woburn Peregrines and was blessed to find the adult female perched again on a utility pole in the SW  corner of the parking complex.  She perched quietly and spent a bunch of her time preening and basking in the sun.  Her position allowed for nice looks and an ability to see her bi-colored left leg bands with the alphanumeric “32/BC” numbers and letters.  Her adult plumage looks terrific!

_w7i4537-001

Peregrine: adult male Woburn

September 21, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_w7i4437-001Made a late afternoon visit in search of the Woburn Peregrines in fading light conditions.  Very nice looks at the male peregrine perched on  rocky outcropping just west of the nest ledge.  It was perched quietly and preening with no distractions and little other activity nearby.

Lawrence Peregrine on weathervane!

September 21, 2016 in On the Clock Tower

_w7i4406-001Always a treat to see one of the Lawrence Peregrines perched on the Ayer Mill Clock Tower weathervane.  This has been one of the most regular perch locations and afford the resident peregrines a wonderful 360 degree view of their world.  This was a late afternoon sighting under clear skies and warm temps!