March 12, 2018 in On the Clock Tower
Another morning visit to the Lawrence Peregrines at the Ayer Mill Clock Tower, under clear skies, bright sun, wind out of north at 8MPH, and temp just above 30F. Observed both peregrines loafing on upper level perches on the west side of the Tower. One of them flew off while the other remained on a ledge above and to the left of the west side clock face.
November 15, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Both adult peregrines have been lounging around the Clock Tower in recent days. This is very normal for this time of year, as it is important to maintain territorial defense around the nest box. This morning the female was seen on an upper ledge on the west side of the Clock Tower. This has been a regular morning perch location. The male was found around the corner on a short protruding steel beam just below the roof line on the south side of the mill complex along Merrimack Street. It is a prime spot to bask in the morning sun and out of the wind!
October 3, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Made a late afternoon visit to the Clock Tower under clear skies, bright late day sun, light winds from the SE, and temp at 64F. The adult male had just returned to a ledge on the NW corner below the clock face.
One thing the peregrine falcon does a lot is preening. Many hours each day is spent on the care of feathers, beak, cere and feet. Sometimes it seems like pure vanity, but it is in fact a necessity. Without well preened feathers the peregrine could become soaking wet when it rains, become ill and die. Or feathers that are not well groomed will cause drag when flying. When preening birds run their beaks through their feathers or scratching their heads with a toe.
Rousing is the the action of a peregrine erecting its feathers and then shaking them; part of grooming; a sign of a relaxed and content bird. Peregrines typically rouse (shake) after preening; also rouse during flight, particularly after leaving perch (unless to initiate a pursuit).
August 28, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Made a short visit to the Clock Tower with little to see upon arrival. A few passing gulls and Double-crested Cormorants in flight over the Merrimack River. Then a bolt of speed came in from the NW with a definitive flight pattern that could only belong to a peregrine. Sure enough, the adult male arrived and with legs outstretched, landed on an upper ledge, above the west clock face, and in the shade.
August 14, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
The 2017 hatch year fledglings made first flight almost 8 weeks ago. Three of the fledglings have been seen regularly around the Clock Tower. The first fledgling left and has not been seen since fledging. At this stage of growth, parents provide two important things to the young falcons: predator protection as well as food supply. Here, the adult female remains on guard for any predator threats.
The protection continues, but the food supply, as provided by the parents, begins to dwindle as they improve their ability to chase and capture prey. The falcon experts suggest that most young peregrine falcons disperse on their own once they have become proficient at killing on their own. This young peregrine may be the only one left around the natal site!
August 7, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
As the weeks move by, three of the four young peregrines that fledged this year continue to be seen around the Clock Tower and other nearby perch locations. They remain somewhat dependent on parents for food and protection. This was a late afternoon visit with one of the fledglings perched on the west side of the tower on an upper ledge just above the clock face. No luck on being able to catch the leg bands for a positive ID!
April 10, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Made a later afternoon visit to the west side of the Clock Tower and found the female in flight and landing mode a number of times around the NW corner of the below the clock face. The skies were clear with bright late day sun, light winds front he SW, and temps just below 50F. No doubt the female is stretching her wings after hours incubating 4 eggs!
April 3, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Both male and female seen this morning in and near the nest box! Clear skies, bright sun, light winds from SW and temp around 40F. The female was hunkered down at the outer edge of the nest box and the male, with leg band barely visible, was perched on a nearby roof edge, keeping watch on all around.
March 21, 2017 in Near the Clock Tower, On the Clock Tower
The Lawrence Peregrines continue to be very active around the Clock Tower! They perch in and near the nest box, make all kinds of aerial flight patterns, and continue with copulation activities. Late this afternoon, discovered the female perched on a NW ledge just below the clock face, the male circling in flight, and then finally, the male landed on the outer edge of the next box. He was good enough to provide a look at his alphanumeric leg bands for positive ID!
March 20, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
On a late afternoon visit under sunny and very clear skies, had a nice opportunity to watch the unbanded female in flight around the Clock Tower. She finally made a smooth landing on one of the upper struts on the weathervane. The male was perched nearby but no move to join her.
