Peregrine Falcon: in flight Haverhill

June 8, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0429-002The female peregrine in Haverhill continues to keep a tight patrol around the fledglings and the still to fledge chicks under the bridge in Haverhill.  She makes regular aerial loops close to the bridge, sometimes due to pedestrian traffic, car horns, nearby construction equipment, or motor boats going under that section of the bridge!

Peregrine Falcon in flight: Haverhill

June 6, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0167-001What a sight to watch the peregrines in flight around the Basiliere Bridge over the Merrimack River in Haverhill.  As the chicks have started to fledge, the female has made intermittent aerial loops around the bridge especially when nearby construction workers pass from one end of the bridge to the other!  More flight photos:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163429558

Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!

Peregrine Falcon chick: Haverhill

June 6, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

_W7I0066-001Just 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!

Peregrine Falcons: Haverhill – adult pair

June 3, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C2433-001For 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.

Peregrine Falcon chick – Haverhill

June 3, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C2566-001The 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

Click “next” upper right corner to advance frames!

Peregrine Falcon chicks: Haverhill!

May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C1287-001Breaking bird news on May 21st from Steve Mirick in Haverhill: “very rewarding search today as we finally found the new location for the nest for the Peregrine Falcons in Haverhill. It’s been a bit frustrating since they moved to a totally different nest ledge. UNDERNEATH A LOCAL BRIDGE! We’ve been suspecting that they might be under a bridge, but when we FINALLY saw TWO birds this morning, we were convinced and decided to search hard. We patiently waited and moved all around to different angles to search underneath, as the adults moved around, occasionally disappearing from view under the bridge. But persistence finally paid off!

The nest ledge looks excellent for them. And there appears to be 4 chicks, but seeing them is VERY difficult. I imagine it will be easier as they grow bigger and they approach the edge of the bridge abutment. The nest is sandwiched in between some I-Beams on a shelf underneath the bridge, but can ONLY BE VIEWED WITH A SPOTTING SCOPE. Binoculars won’t work.”

Great work Steve and Jane!

Peregrine Falcon: Haverhill

May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C1214-001Made a pass by one of the bridges in Haverhill this morning in search of the newly discovered Peregrine Falcon nest with possibly 4 chicks.  This nest has been relocated from the nest location of 2015.  To my surprise the female was perched on a rebar perch over the Merrimack River and seen at very close range.  As she was guarding her growing chicks, she seemed very reluctant to move her position, and that meant to keep back at a very safe distance!

Peregrines: Haverhill

January 18, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill

CF2C3577-001While making a short tour through Haverhill this afternoon, had a nice opportunity to locate one of the peregrine falcons perched on an air conditioning unit hanging outside a 7th floor window in the Bank of America building in downtown Haverhill.  Was able to just observe for a while, then captured a few images.  Bingo, the female flies around in a loop and lands on an adjacent AC unit, two windows over, same top floor.  After a few minutes, the female took off quickly in pursuit!

For more, 3 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/162366895