May 18, 2016 in In the Nest Box
Made an afternoon visit at the Lawrence Peregrines nestbox to find a solo chick close to the edge of the window. The chicks are becoming more curious and looking out over the cityscape!
May 11, 2016 in In the Nest Box
A barrage of incoming emails were received this morning in regard to the Lawrence Peregrine chicks in the nest box. Many individuals and student groups have been tracking the progress of the 4 chicks. This morning, with winds out of the NW, the chicks had hunkered down against the north wall of the nest box, which is located just under the New Balance falcon cam. If they remain still, they are out of view of the falcon cam. It was a pleasure to respond to all the emails and to provide assurance that all was well, and that the chicks are healthy and growing bigger and stronger each day with regular feedings by both adult parents. This year, the fourth and final egg was laid on Monday, March 28th. For Peregrine Falcons, they typically incubate the eggs around 29 – 33 days prior to hatching. The chicks were right on time again, this year. The 4 chicks are healthy and doing well. They will likely fledge in the first few days of June! In this photo, the image shows the chicks being fed just under the falcon cam.
May 10, 2016 in In the Nest Box
The 4 young peregrines line up quickly when prey is brought into the nestbox. The chicks are beginning to enter the “hunchback” phase, during which they are often seen in the photo, with their feet splayed out in front of them and their head angled forward.
May 9, 2016 in In the Nest Box
The Lawrence Peregrines are growing bigger each day with many feeding throughout the day. they have voracious appetites and they are eager to get their fill at each feeding session! at this point, they are around 2 weeks old.
April 1, 2015 in In the Nest Box
The peregrines are now spending significant time in the nestbox and exhibiting all kinds of courtship behavior including mutual ledge displays and lots of nest scraping by both male and female. The female was bowing and calling out to the male from the outside perch. The male flew into the nestbox and then left shortly thereafter. These are all signs of courtship and hopefully will result in eggs being laid in next few days!
7 photo sequence: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/159636773 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames!
March 31, 2015 in In the Nest Box
The female is spending more time in the nestbox and can be seen from the street perched on the outer edge of the window frame or on the extended outer perch. All good signs of more courtship activity ahead!
March 3, 2015 in In the Nest Box, On the Clock Tower
Looks like all systems may be in the go position for the peregrines at the Clock Tower in Lawrence. The long standing female was injured and was placed under the care of the staff at Tufts Wildlife Clinic. The male falcon has attracted a new female friend. Based on many recent observations, it is increasingly likely that this pair will become a pair and proceed into the breeding season together. They have been seen around the nest box with greater frequency. Stay tuned!
October 6, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Both adult peregrines continue to be seen in all the normal fall perch locations around the Clock Tower. They tend to favor the west side in late afternoon and frequently retreat to the nest box perch in response to any nearby activity.
September 24, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Late afternoon midweek visit to Clock Tower provided nice views of both male and female. They were seen both perched and in flight in stunning late afternoon light. The female will frequently visit the nest box in the off season. In this perch moment, she is turned in just the right way to expose her left ankle. This provides confirmation of her black/green V/5 leg bands and helps us to know that she remains healthy and well. What a delight to be able to observe these urban dwellers most days this time of year and to see them in a variety of perch locations.
Two fascinating peregrines updates from online sources:
Skydivers and a diving peregrine from BBC News: http://www.breakingnews.ie/discover/watch-a-falcon-outrace-skydivers-from-10000-feet-643545.html
New book from Great Britain – Urban Peregrines: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-29381032
Enjoy!
June 4, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Most of the down, save for a few tufts on top of the head, has given way to regular plumage. They continue with bouts of wing-flapping. The oldest chick is the boldest chick in terms of getting ready to fledge. The oldest has gone form wing flapping in the box to flapping on the lateral perch pole that sticks out from the nest box. This chick not only flaps out on the perch pole, but also tests itself by turning direction……all signs of readiness for first flight!
More photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/156086339
