The Peregrine Falcon in Woburn fledged right on schedule Wednesday afternoon.  This morning provided a wonderful opportunity to observe the fledgling stumble and hop among the rocky outcroppings around the corner from the nest ledge.

In response to many emails with questions in regard to the initial fledgling stage, here is excerpt from Cornell’s Birds of North America:

Within 10 d of first flight, young pursue adults to solicit food. Flight progresses from Butterfly-Flight (1–2 d after first flight) to Flutter-Glide (3–9 d) to Powered Flight (15–25 d). Butterfly-Flight appears to be weaker form of Flutter-Glide associated with in-complete development of flight feathers and pectoral muscles. Pursuits gradually become more sustained and range farther from nest cliff. Adult pursuit is accompanied by Begging vocalization. During first 2 wk of flight, young birds’ pursuit of parents takes precedence over most other activities.