Always a beautiful sight to see a young peregrine fledgling in flight around the natal area.  The development of flight in young falcons signals the onset of a totally new stage in life and new behavior.  Peregrine Falcon fledgling research by Steve Sherrod has shown that for several weeks after leaving the nest, the young falcons concentrate their activities around the nest cliff.

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.

The peregrine falcon chick is constantly flapping its wings and hopping all around the nest ledge in preparation for fledging, or first flight.  The chick is restless and so ready to explore the world in flight!

Met up with John Harrison this morning under bright sun and blue skies to observe the Peregrine Falcons in Woburn. The female had captured prey and rested upon a utility pole on other side of parking lot. She rested but did not eat prey in her talons. She then moved off to a rock outcropping nearby, but, out of view of the chick. The chick flapped quite a bit and then laid down out of sight in nest ledge. The male flew a few loops and then perched to west of nest ledge at roughly same level.

For those with an interest, 4 photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163624569
Click “next” in upper right to advance frames

Had a nice visit to observe the peregrine falcons this morning. Upon arrival, met with John Harrison, Ram Subramanian, and Chris Ciccone. Chris provided an excellent history of the past six years, from finding the original pair to all the changes.

The peregrine falcon chick looks to now be approaching 40 days old and is preparing to fledge. The chick is spending much of the time flapping its wings. It is strengthening flight muscles and loosening the the few remaining down feathers. Most of the down, but for a few tufts on the breast and top of the head, has now given way to regular plumage.

Typically at this point in the growth curve, having discovered their wings can grasp the air, they engage in endless bouts of wing-flapping and eventually, often accidentally in a strong wind, discover that they can actually lift up and take off!  This chick is very close to fledging, or making first flight…..perhaps in the next few days or later in the week.

For those with an interest, 4 wing flapping photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163600707
Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames.

The single peregrine falcon chick continues to grow with quite an appetite! Stopped by an hour before sunset last night to observe the male dropping off prey, and the female feeding the chick at the nest!

The chick is now approaching 4 weeks old. The facial pattern behind the eyes is becoming increasingly
evident. Some coloration is becoming visible on the upper breast as the juvenile feathers develop
beneath the down. The legs are now just about fully developed.

In this fourth week of life, the chick is undergoing significant changes almost daily. The colored feathers visible
on the breast will increase noticeably. As the juvenile feathers grow, the chick will look a bit darker each day.

4 feeding photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163514907
Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames

Stopped to watch the peregrine falcon chick around dinner time.  The female had been squawking at the nest with the chick and then the male arrived with a fresh catch for dinner.  After he dropped off the the dinner feast, the female fed the hungry little one!

5 feeding photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163474998

The peregrine falcon chick in Woburn continues to grow bigger and now has entered the hunchback phase with its head held up and tilted forward much of the time.  No clear sign or sightings of other chicks so far.  This morning the female was seen on station at the nest when the male flew in and a food exchange took place.  the female then proceeded to feed to chick and later flew off after being bothered by a Mockingbird.

A handful of additional photos:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/163431491                                               Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames!