August 24, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
A beautiful Wednesday morning with lots of sunshine! Both adult peregrines quietly perched mostly in the shade with very little activity! The silver federal leg band is showing on the right ankle.
August 23, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
While on the way home, made a short stop to observe the Woburn Peregrine Falcons. One of the regular peregrine watchers, Jill, was just departing. She had a nice chance to watch the adult female as well as the 2016 hatch year fledgling. They had both departed, prompting Jill to do the same. Minutes later, storming in from the south, was the adult female. She flew directly onto Pinnacle Rock, well above the nest ledge, and remained in place as the late day light was fading away.
August 18, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Stopped by to observe the Woburn Peregrines this morning while making a run for fresh morning gingerbread muffins. Had quite a treat to watch both female and male adult peregrines. The sun was darting in and out with light winds. Not much flight action but a joy to see both adults near one another! The female was showing off her silver federal leg band on the right ankle. The male was able to catch some early morning sunshine!
August 18, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
A wonderful report and documenting photos just in from Peter Green in Providence RI on one of the 2014 hatch year peregrine falcon chicks from Woburn, MA:
RI-DOT (Dept of Transportation) was recently inspecting the old Sakonnet River Bridge when they spotted the falcons and gave me the tip. They were able to read the “44” on the band and I got the “BD” so together we pieced together “44/BD” and I knew it must have been banded by Tom French because he uses green/black with the letters BD. There is already a new bridge up and being used, this old bridge will be torn down in 2017 and the falcons will need to relocate.
Peter Green is a very talented bird and wildlife photographer in Providence, RI with a keen interest in urban raptors. You are encouraged to check out his amazing work on his website http://www.providenceraptors.com and feel free to look at his impressive list of select exhibits and presentations!
Here is more info from Tom French:
“This is the latest I have ever heard for unfledged Peregrine chicks. These chicks appear to be about six weeks old, so they would have hatched around June 24, and the eggs would have been laid about May 22. I have never heard of Peregrines raising two broods in a single season, so I expect this was the result of re-nesting after losing the first clutch of eggs. From my experience, recycling takes about 2 weeks, so the first clutch would have been lost about May 8. I have had first clutches completed at least as late as April 19, so the clutch might have been about 2 ½ weeks old. If the clutch was much older when lost, I don’t think the female would re-lay. So, the dates potentially work for a lost first clutch, and a successful second.”
And finally, thanks to Tom French, here is the original banding information for Peregrine Falcon 44/BD:
Band numbers: 1156-19120, and 44/BD black over green
Banding date and location: 06-24-14, MA, Middlesex Co., Woburn, on a long-abandoned quarry wall, behind an industrial park.
Sex: Male
Siblings: Two, 1 male (45/BD), 1 female (75/BD).
Other reports after fledging: On October 5, 2014, he was identified on the beach at the south tip of Gooseberry Neck, Westport, Bristol Co., MA by Mark Lynch of Worcester.
Your report: Nesting on the Sakonnet Bridge, 0.9 miles north of Tiverton, Newport Co., RI. Band number confirmed 08-05-16.
August 17, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
The female peregrine falcon was seen early this evening perched somewhat forward at the nest ledge. She was showing her silver federal leg band along with just a clear look at her bi-colored black over green (32/BC) leg bands. It was mostly cloudy with winds at 10 MPH out of the north and the temperature around 77 degrees and moderate humidity. She remained perched for over 30 minutes with moments of eye closing drowsiness. Peregrine Falcons can sleep with one eye open, as half of their brain is alert while the other is asleep. This is called unihemispheric slow-wave sleep (USWS) and it allows the sleeping falcon to spring into action quickly from rest if a threat approaches while still being able to satisfactorily rest if no threat arises!
August 15, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Made a pass by the Woburn Peregrines just before noon and observed the male peregrine falcon just resting tucked a bit inside the nest ledge. This perch works nicely as a way to remain mostly in the shade during the middle of the hot days!
August 10, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Stopped by to watch the Woburn Peregrines on the way home. Discovered the male perched on one of the favorite rocky outcroppings to the east of the nest ledge. It remained in place for over 20 minutes just hanging out and even napping for short stretches!
August 8, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
The adult male peregrine falcon also makes a regular perch to the east of the nest ledge and slightly above. It seems like a tight spot. This perch has a lot of whitewash streaking down over the rocks below!
August 8, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Made a brief stop this morning to observe the Woburn Peregrines. The adult male was perched at the nest ledge and enjoying the shade in what was going to be a very hot day. The adult male has used this perch quite a bit over the past week. It was 74 degrees at the time of the visit with clear skies and light winds from the north.
August 3, 2016 in Peregrine Falcon Woburn
Made a morning visit to observe the Woburn Peregrines. A beautiful morning with bright sun, clear skies, temps in low 70’s and calm with no wind. The male swooped from a perch west of the nest ledge and then landed with prey in talons on a shaded rocky ledge slightly to west and below the nest ledge to enjoy a morning snack!
