Just down the river in Haverhill, the other group of peregrine chicks are also ready to fledge.  This is a view front he bridge looking straight down on one of the chicks.  The last little bits of down feathers remain on the crown….so it is just about fledge time!

For the most part, the female has been on watch near the nest as the chicks grow.  The male is always nearby but at times almost out of sight.  The pair sensed that some activity was going on near the nest and they perched together to better observe what was going on.  A treat to see both together on the twisted piece of rebar sticking out front he bridge on west side.  Note the smaller banded male and the larger unbanded female.

The staff at MassWildlife worked on coordinated plans with Mass DOT and local volunteers to arrange access to the 2016 Peregrine Falcon nest site in Haverhill for the purpose of banding this year’s chicks.  After arrival, concern was expressed in regard to the age of the young peregrines and the uncertainty in regard to making a safe approach.  The risk centered on making an attempt to capture the falcons without causing them to accidentally fall into the Merrimack River below the bridge nest site.  It was determined that the risk was greater than the benefit…..so no banding for this year.  Had a nice look at one of the chicks from a kayak below the nest site.  Looks to be almost 5 weeks old and almost ready to fledge!

More photos:   http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163379144

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