Peregrine Woburn: male on perch

February 15, 2017 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn

_W7I0826-001The male peregrine was found perched on a snow-backed ledge near the nest area this morning.  It remained inlace for over a half hour with little movement and no other activity nearby!

Lawrence Peregrines: female on steel beam

February 14, 2017 in Near the Clock Tower

_W7I0733-001Spent a bit more time searching for the female and finally found her perched in the sun on the south side of the New Balance building.  She was atop a steel beam perch just below the roof line near the intersection of Merrimack and Union Streets.  She is getting ready for courtship activities to commence over next few weeks.  These peregrines spend a considerable amount of time not flying, but rather in the boring, but no doubt important task of perching near the nest site. It’s their way of maintaining claim to their local territory, and letting others know that there’s no room at the inn. They’ve even been seen escorting other Peregrines out of the area without hesitation!

Lawrence Peregrine male: Verizon Tower

February 14, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower

_W7I0576-001Another beautiful sunny morning with blue skies and light winds.  In these waning days of winter the peregrines still find comfort and warmth perched on the ledges at The Verizon Cell Tower.  The hot air exhaust vents provide lots of warm air from an elevated perch location overlooking the Merrimack River!

Bald Eagle adult: Merrimack River

February 13, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_W7I0547-001While driving along the Merrimack over this morning, discovered a Bald Eagle perched in a tree overlooking the river.  It is close to a possible new second nest location nearby.  Bald eagles build their nests in large trees near rivers or coasts. A typical nest is around 5 feet in diameter. Eagles often use the same nest year after year. Over the years, some nests become enormous, as much as 9 feet in diameter, weighing two tons.   A nesting pair will build a new nest if they feel threatened. Essentially, it’s not uncommon for eagles to build more than one nest within their nesting territory.  Eagles are very territorial during nesting season. They will keep other eagles out of their own nesting territory, which is usually one to two square miles.

Lawrence Peregrines: female 5th floor Verizon

February 9, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower

_W7I0500-001Out looking for the falcons this morning under overcast skies, light snow, NE winds at 20MPH and temps in mid-20’s.  They were both perched on ledges astride the hot air exhaust vents at the Verizon Cell Tower.  The larger female was perched and walking around a bit on the 5th floor and the male was scrunched into a corner one ledge over to the west and on the 6th floor!

Bald Eagle adult and juvenile: Essex County

February 8, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_W7I0466-001A dark overcast morning with visibility limited to under 2 miles with fog, mist and temps in low 30’s.  Went looking for Bald Eagles along the Merrimack River and was very pleased to locate a probable nest with an adult perched adjacent to the nest.  Just a 1/2 mile away was a dark juvenile perched on a snag overhanging the Merrimack River.  Hopefully this will be an active nest this year!

 

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Peregrine Falcon: Haverhill

February 8, 2017 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0444-001Made a pass through downtown Haverhill under dark overcast skies in  search of the Haverhill Peregrine Falcons.  Looked high and low and then pulled into parking lot and river walk overlook next to Haverhill Bank.  Scanned the river, the west side of the bridge, and proximate rooftops.  Finally found one of the peregrines perched atop the east edge of the Bank of America rooftop.  It’s crop was bulging a bit, but otherwise unable to see leg bands during short visit.

Bald Eagle adult perched Merrimack River

February 7, 2017 in Bald Eagle

_W7I0415-001Today started off as a dark morning with winds from NE at just 10 MPH, light snow, visibility about 1/2 mile and temps around freezing.  Made a pass by the ballfields in Lawrence next to the Essex Correctional facility and spotted an adult Bald Eagle.  It was perched in a large tree just east of the water treatment plant.  Nice views over the Merrimack River from the elevated ballfields.  No other Eagle in sight and no clear sign that eagle had leg bands.

Lawrence Peregrines at Verizon Tower

February 6, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower

_W7I0328-001Took some time to look for the Lawrence Peregrines….no where to be found around the Clock Tower.  Crossed over the Merrimack River for a closer look at the hot air exhaust vents on the Verizon Cell Tower….sure enough, both falcons were on the same ledge enjoying the warm air outflow from the exhaust vents.  Very normal this time of year, especially when temps are well below freezing overnight.

With falcons on the same ledge, it provided a nice moment to appreciate the visible size difference between the male and the female!  The annual courtship process should begin in the next week or two!  Stay tuned!

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