2026 Lawrence Peregrines: Week Six
May 22, 2026 in In the Nest Box
From May 16–22, weather conditions in Lawrence, Massachusetts remained cool and unsettled at times, with a mix of cloudy days, scattered rain showers, and occasional breaks of sunshine. Temperatures generally ranged from the upper 50s into the upper 60s during the day, while overnight conditions remained cooler and damp—typical for mid-May in northeastern Massachusetts.
Inside the nest box, the three young peregrines entered their second week of life and showed rapid daily growth. No longer fragile hatchlings, the chicks are now firmly in the nestling stage, becoming noticeably larger, stronger, and more active with each passing day. Their eyes are fully open, neck strength has improved considerably, and feeding responses are much more vigorous and coordinated. The soft white down covering their bodies remains prominent, though the earliest signs of emerging feather development are beginning beneath the skin. Both adults have remained extremely attentive, with the female still brooding the chicks frequently during cooler periods while the male continues regular prey deliveries to support the growing demands of the nestlings.
The fourth egg remains in the nest box and is no longer expected to hatch. While disappointing, this is not unusual in peregrine falcon nesting attempts and has occurred in this Lawrence nest box during prior seasons. Infertile eggs or eggs in which development stops naturally can occur even in experienced and otherwise successful pairs. The adults have now fully shifted their attention toward raising the three healthy nestlings, and activity inside the nest box continues to increase as feeding frequency, chick movement, and overall development accelerate with each passing day.


