December 29, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
Over past few months, at least one of the Lawrence Peregrines has been seen in the morning hours, perched on one of the ledges on the west side just above and to the left of the clock face. This morning, it looks like it is the female just hanging out and stretching a bit with no worries.
December 28, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
Nice looks this morning of the male peregrine falcon under overcast skies as it feasted on pray. The falcon was perched on the base of one of the triangular pediments. It took a moment to lift its left leg, showing a silver federal band, suggesting it is the male! No ability to see what it was tearing apart and feeding upon!
December 27, 2016 in Bald Eagle
Went looking for Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River this morning and was delighted to observe a pair of adult eagles perched on a branch overlooking the river. The vantage point was from the ball field adjacent to the Essex County pre-release center (aka the Farm) in Lawrence. The eagles were quite a distance away. The eagle on the left saw busy with rubbing its bill from side to side on the branch, likely cleaning up after a meal. The other eagle was nearby. The eagle on the right appears to have black left leg band!
The other eagle, on the left, seems to have an orange gold colored left leg band with the #4 visible.
December 20, 2016 in Verizon Cell Tower
Another cold morning with the male Peregrine resting on a ledge at the Verizon Cell Tower on Canal Street in Lawrence. The female was not seen this morning. As temps push below 30 degrees, and often with wind chill making it feel colder, the peregrines are often found on one of these ledges, taking advantage of the warm air exhaust vents at the cell tower! The photo provides a clear view of the black over green left leg band with the 6/4 numeric code.
December 16, 2016 in Verizon Cell Tower
Made a pass by the Ayer Mill Clock Tower this afternoon about an hour before sunset in search of the peregrine falcons. The wind was light, out of the west with the temp about 17 degrees and a wind chill making it feel about 8 degrees. At these temperature levels, the peregrines will shift over to the hot air vents on the south side of the Verizon Communications Tower on Canal St. between Hampshire and Franklin Streets. Sure enough, found the female perched on one of the upper vent ledges. Just happened to catch the peregrine take off in flight into the fading late day sun, with less than an hour of sunlight left in the day. It circled four times and landed on the NW corner of the roof and then flew off and landed again with a closer look! The male arrived and perched on a nearby hot air vent ledge.
For those with an interest, four photos posted:
December 15, 2016 in Uncategorized
While driving by BU this morning, another perched bird caught my attention, especially with a profile that strongly suggested a peregrine falcon. The morning was filled bright sunshine and very blue skies. Was able to pull in and park behind Agganis Arena. Searched and scanned the 26 story dorm building known as StuVi II for the falcon. Sure enough, it was high up near the roof line, in the sun and out of the wind. Enjoyed nice looks and was able to capture a few documenting photos. Scanned a bit further and was delighted to discover a second peregrine falcon. This one had bi-colored left leg bands, but the distance was too great to make any positive ID for leg bands.
More on BU peregrines: http://www.wbur.org/all-things-considered/2016/05/18/falcon-tagging-boston
December 14, 2016 in Uncategorized
While driving eastbound on MassPike, on the way to a medical appointment, just happened to catch the profile of a perched falcon while going by one of the high rise dorms at Boston University. With just a bit of time to spare, circled back to the BU campus and parked to take a closer look. In the distance and near the top of the 26 floor dorm hall was a peregrine falcon. It was likely one of the peregrine falcons that make up the breeding pair in a nest box atop the StuVi II student dorm on West Campus. This nest hatched to peregrine falcon chicks in the early spring of 2016.
More on BU peregrines: http://www.wbur.org/all-things-considered/2016/05/18/falcon-tagging-boston
December 13, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
The male peregrine was seen this morning perched atop pinnacle rock with a beautiful view of all below on a bright sunny morning with clear blue skies! The female was no where to be found.
December 11, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Another bright sunny morning with the male peregrine falcon quietly perching on a rocky outcropping just to the west of the nest ledge. Very little other activity nearby!
December 8, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
While stopping by for a look at the Lawrence Peregrines, under cloudy skies, located the male peregrine on a triangular roof pediment at the NE corner of the New Balance building on Union Street above the south end of the Duck Bridge. The male was facing north and taking in the view over the Merrimack River. Then it turned, pooped, and took off in a SE direction over my head. The change in posture provided a nice look at the leg bands with ability to see from photos the black over green 6/4 bands on the left leg. Always nice to confirm positive ID!
