March 13, 2017 in Near the Clock Tower
Made a late afternoon visit and was unable to spot the peregrines anywhere around the Clock Tower…..when just a bit of movement caught my eye. It was one of the peregrines, on an upper ledge on the south side of the main building on Merrimack Street. It was clearly feasting on a late day snack but doing so solo and enjoying each moment!
February 28, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Both Lawrence Peregrines were observed just before dark on a cloudy afternoon. They were both perched on a lower granite ledge beneath the clock face on the NW corner of the Clock Tower. The smaller peregrine on the left is the male and the larger peregrine on the right with thicker barring is the female.
As a bit of background, peregrine falcons form monogamous pair bonds that often last throughout many breeding seasons. Both males and females have a strong attachment to previous nesting sites, which may explain monogamy over multiple breeding seasons, rather than attachment between individuals.
Males display at nest ledges and other nearby locations to attract females and advertise ownership to other falcons. The development, and renewal of a pair bond is indicated by the male and female roosting near each other. Eventually they sit at the nest ledge side by side. Individuals may also peep at each other, preen, nibble their mate’s toes, or “bill” (gently grab the other bird’s bill in their own). Both sexes may then engage in “ledge displays”, centered on, or near, the area of their nest, or scrape. Prior to egg-laying, the pair will engage in incredible aerial displays, involving power dives, tight cornering, high soaring, and body rolls during a dive. Once the pair has formed, or been renewed, they begin to hunt cooperatively and females begin to beg for food from the male!
February 23, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
As we move through February, we approach the start of courtship activities and the breeding season. More often, the female will perch at the opening to the nest box or on the lateral wooden perch pole. The female is more heavily spotted on the upper breast and becomes more heavily barred on the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and under the tail feathers.
During the start of the breeding season, the first indication of courtship activity is the perching/roosting of male and female at same perch locations. Eventually the pair perches/roosts side by side on the same ledge. During incubation, the male roosts in a prominent location away from scrape, often on or near the top of cliff. After brooding ceases, the female does not roost on nest ledge.
February 22, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
Standing securely at 267 feet tall, the Ayer Mill Clock Tower is the largest mill clock in the world, and a landmark for the Merrimack Valley. The tower itself was completed in 1910 as the crown jewel of the Ayer Mill, part of the American Woolen Company’s collection of mill buildings. The Ayer Mill operated for the next four decades, slowly shrinking in production as mill companies moved to Southern states with cheaper labor until it closed its doors in 1955.
With the collapse of the textile mills, it fell into disrepair. The bell had disappeared from the tower, the glass in the dials was broken, rain had destroyed the original beadboard ceiling at the bell level, pigeons were nesting from the cistern level to the top of the tower, and the original clock no longer functioned. Like the city of Lawrence surrounding it, the Ayer Mill Clock Tower was in decay.
The Greater Lawrence Community Foundation determined that the tower could be returned to its former grandeur, and proceed to raise funds for the restoration. Over $1 million was raised and put towards breathing life back into the symbol of Lawrence.
The Clock Tower has also been home for a pair of nesting Peregrine Falcons. The peregrines keep watch around the Tower as they prepare for another successful breeding season. Here is a photo of the female peregrine perched on the SW corner of the roof overlooking the setting sun in the distance!
February 16, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower
It was another cloudy cold winterish morning with both of the Lawrence Peregrines tucked away on the hot air exhaust ledges at the Verizon Cell Tower. The wind was strong out of the NW and the peregrines tucked in tight to stay warm!
February 14, 2017 in Near the Clock Tower
Spent a bit more time searching for the female and finally found her perched in the sun on the south side of the New Balance building. She was atop a steel beam perch just below the roof line near the intersection of Merrimack and Union Streets. She is getting ready for courtship activities to commence over next few weeks. These peregrines spend a considerable amount of time not flying, but rather in the boring, but no doubt important task of perching near the nest site. It’s their way of maintaining claim to their local territory, and letting others know that there’s no room at the inn. They’ve even been seen escorting other Peregrines out of the area without hesitation!
February 14, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower
Another beautiful sunny morning with blue skies and light winds. In these waning days of winter the peregrines still find comfort and warmth perched on the ledges at The Verizon Cell Tower. The hot air exhaust vents provide lots of warm air from an elevated perch location overlooking the Merrimack River!
February 9, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower
Out looking for the falcons this morning under overcast skies, light snow, NE winds at 20MPH and temps in mid-20’s. They were both perched on ledges astride the hot air exhaust vents at the Verizon Cell Tower. The larger female was perched and walking around a bit on the 5th floor and the male was scrunched into a corner one ledge over to the west and on the 6th floor!
February 6, 2017 in Verizon Cell Tower
Took some time to look for the Lawrence Peregrines….no where to be found around the Clock Tower. Crossed over the Merrimack River for a closer look at the hot air exhaust vents on the Verizon Cell Tower….sure enough, both falcons were on the same ledge enjoying the warm air outflow from the exhaust vents. Very normal this time of year, especially when temps are well below freezing overnight.
With falcons on the same ledge, it provided a nice moment to appreciate the visible size difference between the male and the female! The annual courtship process should begin in the next week or two! Stay tuned!
January 17, 2017 in On the Clock Tower
A cold sunny morning with the female peregrine basking in the morning sun on the south side of the Ayer Mill Clock Tower. She is perched on a ledge above and to the left of the south side clock face. This is a very regular perch location in the morning during the colder months of the year!
