Peregrine Falcon: Woburn, female

January 23, 2017 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_W7I4023-001The female continues to be seen with regularity around the nest ledge in Woburn.  She frequently perches at the next ledge in a very content way.  A number of recent sightings have been of either one, but not both together.  This morning was cold with overcast skies and light winds.

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn

January 19, 2017 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_W7I3908-001A morning visit to the quarry for a look at the falcons.  The male was seen perched just to the west of the nest ledge under overcast skies. Very little action nearby and the peregrine remained on perch for quite a while with very little movement but with eyes open the entire time.

Lawrence Peregrines: female south side

January 17, 2017 in On the Clock Tower

_W7I3871-001A cold sunny morning with the female peregrine basking in the morning sun on the south side of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower.  She is perched on a ledge above and to the left of the south side clock face.  This is a very regular perch location in the morning during the colder months of the year!

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn female

January 17, 2017 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_W7I3826-001Wonderful to see the female falcon back around the nest ledge again.  She has distinctive spotting on her belly as opposed to the lateral bands of the likely older male falcon.  In this image the female seems to have encountered some white debris that streaks her forehead and belly feathers?  A beautiful morning with lots of sun and light winds.

Sharp-shinned Hawk: Lawrence

January 9, 2017 in Nearby Landbirds

_W7I7548-001While scoping out the peregrines on the south side of the Verizon Cell Tower, was distracted by a hawk that whizzed by and landed in a nearby tree by the Kachel Motor Company.  The sharpie perched in a tree and remained motionless for a while.  Seemed to have its eye on prey but no idea what the target was!

Peregrine Falcon: Woburn male perched in sun!

January 7, 2017 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_w7i5813-001A beautiful weekday morning with blue skies and lots of sun!  The male peregrine falcon was seen perched on its own and basking in the glorious morning sun.  The female has not been seen in a few weeks.

Lawrence Peregrines: male at Verizon Tower

January 5, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower

_W7I6536-001Another beautiful sunny morning with the male Peregrine Falcon basking in the sun on the 5th floor ledge on the south side of the Verizon Cell Tower, taking full advantage of the hot air exhaust vents…..warm air, warm sun…a nice combo in the deep part of winter!

Common Merganser on the Merrimack River

January 5, 2017 in Nearby Waterbirds

_W7I6488-001The Merrimack River continues to host an ever-changing raft of wintering ducks.  One of the more striking ducks is the Common Merganser.  This large fish eating duck is seen in small flocks along the river.  It uses its serrated bill to catch fish underwater!

Lawrence Peregrines: male at Verizon Tower

January 5, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower

_W7I6536-001Found the male peregrine this morning perched on the 6th floor ledge on the south side of the Verizon Cell tower on Canal Street in Lawrence.  With temps in the 20’s, this is a favored perch this time of year due to hot air exhaust vents from the cell tower.  It was a sunny morning with light winds….and no sign of female peregrine nearby.

Bald Eagles perched in North Andover

January 4, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_w7i6422-001Nice looks on cloudy morning at pair of perched Bald Eagles on a branch overlooking the Merrimack River.  They were seen from the Lawrence side of the river from the ball field next to the Essex County pre-release center and were perched on the North Andover side.  No ability to see leg bands, but likely continuing pair of local eagles!