February 24, 2014 in Near the Clock Tower
One of the Peregrines was seen on a regular short steel beam perch above the 200 Merrimack St. location this morning. This is a frequent morning location in the sun and out of the wind. It is located in the middle of the building and just below the roof line. Best observed from the top floor of the nearby McGovern Transportation Parking Garage.
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!
February 12, 2014 in Near the Clock Tower
Hanging out on one of the favorite morning perch locations above 200 Merrimack St. near the corner of South Union St. This perch is a protruding steel beam and allows for morning sun out of the wind!
February 4, 2014 in Near the Clock Tower
One of the peregrines on one of the regular morning perch locations above 200 Merrimack St. in Lawrence!
February 3, 2014 in In the Nest Box
The Peregrines are now being seen with a bit greater regularity as we approach the start of breeding season. The female has been seen around the nest box and perched in many of the normal locations around the Ayer Mill complex. Copulation activities are but weeks away!
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!
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
July 9, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.
The mother peregrine continues to keep a vigilant watch over her offspring. On this overcast afternoon in just after July 4th, she remains on a regular roof corner and then chases off a nearby passing predator threat.
6 action photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/151582743 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames! Enjoy
June 30, 2013 in Near the Clock Tower
The last fledgling of four suffered a open wound and right wing radial fracture last weekend. The young bird estimated to be about 8 weeks old was found at a playground along Island St. in Lawrence. The injured fledgling was watched by a group of teenagers and thankfully a call was placed to the local police and Ellen Bistany, the city Animal Control Officer was dispatched to the location. She took possession of the peregrine and then communicated with a local police detective who has a falconry background. A prompt visit with the detective allowed for a correct ID to be made as well as an initial determination of the probable injury….a wing fracture. The fledgling was brought to the MSPCA facility at Nevins Farm in Methuen. Pam Nixon, who serves as the assistant manager of the equine and farm animal adoption center was very helpful and arranged for contact with and transport to the Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton.
The Wildlife Clinic reports that the female fledgling with black over green leg bands 93/AD is bandaged with its wing in place. The fledgling sustained a fracture and soft tissue trauma. It has been able to perch on its own but it did sustain severe bruising. It has a figure eight bandage in place, and is splinted with no cast in place. It performs normal body functions and has a somewhat stable appetite.
This story represents an amazing example of an outstanding team effort by a chain of well informed and responsive caretakers. This peregrine family is quite well known In Lawrence by MassWildlife staffers, NH Audubon staffers, local police, nearby security guards, New Balance employees, commercial tenants at 250 Canal St., residential tenants at many nearby apartment buildings; staff, members and friends of GroundWork Lawrence the local conservation group; staff and members of the the Merrimack River Watershed Council; endless members of this list who have been in contact and shared so many observations, Eastern Mass Hawk Watchers and the list goes on!
5 photos of injured female fledling courtesy of Ellen Bistany: http://www.pbase.com/
5 close up flight photos from fledge day: http://www.pbase.com/
15 close up photos from fledge day: http://www.pbase.com/
Blog post from her fledge day: http://lawrenceperegrines.com/
Will provide further update; a wonderful story to share about great teamwork in the field!
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!
