December 1, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
After no sightings earlier in the week, discovered the male peregrine falcon
in the middle of a morning snack on a ledge above the east facing clock face this morning under bright sun and very blue skies! Upon completion of the snack, it launched into flight off to the south, made a big loop and landed on the rear strut of the NW facing weathervane!
November 16, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill
Made a visit to downtown Haverhill on this morning in search of the local pair of peregrine falcons under overcast skies, light winds from the west, and temps in low 50’s.
Lo and behold, they were perched together on the weathervane atop the Post Office, next to the busy bus station. No ability to observe leg bands!
November 15, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
After spotting the juvenile Bald Eagle, made a pass by the ayer Mill Clock Tower for a possible look at the Lawrence Peregrines. Discovered by male and female perched near the nest box. The male peregrine was perched on a west facing rooftop edge on the main building above the entrance at 200 Merrimack Street. The unbanded female was on an upper ledge and then flew off and landed on one of the struts on the weathervane. All under overcast skies!
November 8, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
Arrived at Clock Tower in Lawrence this morning and searched all over for the peregrines, only to find the male perched atop the bulb at the tippy top of the weathervane. The Ayer Mill Clock Tower is the world’s largest mill clock. Its four big glass faces are only 6 inches smaller than Big Ben in London. It is the most treasured icon of Lawrence, MA and reaches a height of 267 feet. This clock tower’s four dials, lit by 125 bulbs on each face, and a 6,000-pound bell make it a well known landmark in the extended Merrimack Valley!
November 1, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
At this time of year, just before we hit Daylight Savings Time, it remains a nice treat to be able to make ashore visit late afternoon for a look at the peregrines, especially at the end of a sunny day with that last hour golden sunlight. This photo was taken with about 20 minutes until sunset as the unbanded female struck a relaxed pose on the Clock Tower. She was perched on a ledge below the clock face and on the NW corner of the building just above the next box!
November 1, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
Tuesday morning, Nov. 1, another stunning morning with blues skies and bright sun, same thing; approached the new Balance building complex in search of peregrines, and located the male again (6/4), this time perched at the far west end of the west wing of the complex, and perched on the SW rooftop of the building. Again, a little bit of patience, and then the joy of observing and photo documenting another grace-filled liftoff…..always a treat to watch!
For those with an interest, a few more liftoff photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/164473515 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!
October 31, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
A Monday morning visit looking for the Lawrence Peregrines, and a joy to discover the banded (6/4) male perched atop one of the triangular pediments on the SE corner of the New Balance building. the lighting was extraordinary and terrific views of the male. After a while, something caught its attention, and he launched into flight. It always requires so much patience to wait for one of those exciting “takeoff in flight’ moments…..but so worth the wait!
For those with an interest, a few more photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/164473512 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!
October 31, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
One of those beautiful mornings with bright sun and cobalt blue skies. Discovered the male peregrine perched on one of the triangular pediments located at the SE corner of the New Balance building just above the intersection of Union and Merrimack Streets. It is always nice to have such nice looks under excellent lighting conditions. A further bonus to be able to document a clear view of the 6/4 leg bands of this long-time resident and king of the roost! This peregrine was a 2001 hatch year falcon from Manchester, NH and is still going strong!
October 15, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
During an mid-afternoon visit to the Clock Tower, had a nice surprise finding both of the Lawrence Peregrines roosting on the weathervane atop the Clock Tower. In past year or so, this has been a very infrequent happening. In the past the weathervane was the most popular perch location with fantastic views!
October 12, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
Always a treat to check on the Lawrence Peregrines on the way home in the golden-colored late day sun. They were both perched and just hanging out at the end of the day. This is the female on a west-facing ledge below the clock face. The male was nearby on an upper ledge!
