Peregrine Falcon, adult female

February 19, 2014 in On the Clock Tower

As me move closer to the middle of March and the laying of eggs, the female has been seen with increasing frequency near and around the Clock Tower nest box.  Mating activity will pick up over the next few weeks!  Stay tuned to the blog as we will continue to monitor the activity very closely in collaboration with a dedicated and growing group of local peregrine watchers.  This pair has quite a following and more people check in weekly by email looking for updates!

Peregrine Falcon pair; back on territory!

January 17, 2014 in On the Clock Tower

What a joy, not only make a number of peregrine sightings on Friday afternoon, but then to finally see both peregrines together atop the clock tower…..first time in 2 months seeing them together!  Hooray!  They both took turns in some playful flight around the clock tower in wonderful late day sunlight.  Then, so nice to watch the grace of a landing atop the ball that crowns the weathervane!

Photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/154171784

Enjoy!

Peregrine in flight and then landing on weathervane!

October 9, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

Another beautiful morning visit with stunning sunlight and clear cobalt blue skies!  Both peregrines were around the clock tower coming and going for about 30 minutes.  After a variety of flight acrobatics, they then took a little time to perch together on the weathervane atop the clock tower.  Both of the peregrines departed and then one returned to perch on the ball at the top of the weathervane.  Photos posted of flight image, perched together image, and a series of peregrine approaching the ball!

8 Photos posted:   http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/152955125

 

Peregrine perched on rear of weathervane!

October 1, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

A late afternoon visit with adult peregrine perched on the rear viking ship part of the weathervane with a huge swarm of bugs in the air!

Peregrine pair….so happy together!

September 18, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

The peregrines are now both seen in tandem atop the weathervane…back to the old perch and so happy together!!

Peregrines active on the Clock Tower

September 17, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

The peregrines are seen with greater frequency around the Ayer Mill Clock Tower.  Although they have and occupy numerous perch locations, the primary location atop the weathervane which provides the best vantage point for the surrounding area.  They will move from here in pursuit of prey and will always move to the perch outside of the nest box to protect their territory.  These images are from a late afternoon visit under excellent lighting conditions and include 2 beautiful close up views!

3 photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/152459751

Peregrine Falcon: adult female

July 22, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

The adult Peregrines have been spending more time on the perch at the Clock Tower nest box.  The growing young falcons are seen locally, but only from time to time.  Many reports have come in on young peregrines near the coast and nearby in NH.  The adults have returned to the perch on the nest box!

Peregrines return to weathervane perch!

July 15, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

With the completion of the 2013 breeding cycle, the breeding pair of Peregrines have returned to their regular perch on various struts on the weathervane atop the Clock Tower.  They moved thier nest this year to a previously used alternative nest location on the north side of the river in an abandoned mill building.  The nest spece was too small to raise the 4 hatchlings and staffers at MassWildlife move d the nest to a nearby rooftop location.  Now the breeding cycle is complete and the peregrines are seen with growing regularity back at the old perch!

Peregrines

April 7, 2013 in Near the Clock Tower, On the Clock Tower

Out and about looking for the Peregrines on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning.  One of the Peregrines went whistling by near the Pemberton Mill building and then for a few loops over the Merrimack River.  It then landed atop the Clock Tower on the weathervane.  This was the female Peregrine, so the male was likley back incubating the eggs on the nest.  While perched on one of the triangular pediment roof area, the leg bands were seen with the “V5” providing confirmation of female identification.

A few more photos posted:  http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149613023   Click “next” in upper right to advance frames….enjoy!

Peregrine pair!

February 28, 2013 in On the Clock Tower

Another late afternoon visit to the Clock Tower and upon arrival was able to observe both Peregrines atop the weathervane with one on the bow and the other on the stern of the weathervane viking ship.  Alwyas nice to see them hanging out together.  After a bit the female moved to the perch on the nest box and then to the top of a nearby utility pole.  The utility pole provided a much closer view in very late afternoon light.  Thanks to the proximity, the V/5 leg bands were visible with the “5” very clear.  These close up moments are truly special!

Photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149143457  Click “next” in upper right to advance frames……enjoy!