May 31, 2016 in In the Nest Box
The Lawrence Peregrine Falcon chicks continue to grow and get bigger. The patches of remaining down feathers are becoming restricted to the base of the legs, parts of the wings, and perhaps parts of the back, as well as the crown. They are also becoming increasingly vocal and active around the nest area, to the extent that the adults rarely visit except to drop off food for them, or stand guard for a short visit.
May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill
Breaking bird news on May 21st from Steve Mirick in Haverhill: “very rewarding search today as we finally found the new location for the nest for the Peregrine Falcons in Haverhill. It’s been a bit frustrating since they moved to a totally different nest ledge. UNDERNEATH A LOCAL BRIDGE! We’ve been suspecting that they might be under a bridge, but when we FINALLY saw TWO birds this morning, we were convinced and decided to search hard. We patiently waited and moved all around to different angles to search underneath, as the adults moved around, occasionally disappearing from view under the bridge. But persistence finally paid off!
The nest ledge looks excellent for them. And there appears to be 4 chicks, but seeing them is VERY difficult. I imagine it will be easier as they grow bigger and they approach the edge of the bridge abutment. The nest is sandwiched in between some I-Beams on a shelf underneath the bridge, but can ONLY BE VIEWED WITH A SPOTTING SCOPE. Binoculars won’t work.”
Great work Steve and Jane!
May 25, 2016 in Peregrine Falcons Haverhill
Made a pass by one of the bridges in Haverhill this morning in search of the newly discovered Peregrine Falcon nest with possibly 4 chicks. This nest has been relocated from the nest location of 2015. To my surprise the female was perched on a rebar perch over the Merrimack River and seen at very close range. As she was guarding her growing chicks, she seemed very reluctant to move her position, and that meant to keep back at a very safe distance!
May 23, 2016 in In the Nest Box
The Lawrence Peregrine fledglings continue to grow and get bigger. The female in this photos is tearing apart prey and feeding it to the chicks. The nestbox is getting crowded and the meals are more frequent. The chicks are spending more time near the front of the nestbox! The are now using their legs fully and no longer sitting on tarsi. Banding time is very close at hand.
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.
March 30, 2016 in Near the Clock Tower
The pair of Lawrence Peregrines now have 4 eggs that have been laid in the nest box. The process of incubating the eggs has begun and is a constant effort shard by both female and male. Here is a late afternoon look at the unbanded female preparing to launch into flight from the nestbox in flight as the male takes his turn at incubating the eggs!
March 23, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
The Lawrence Peregrines now have a single egg that has been laid. The first egg was laid late Monday night. It is expected that 3 more eggs will be laid in the next handful of days! The male is on watch on a ledge very next the nestbox!
March 16, 2016 in On the Clock Tower
Checked on the Lawrence Peregrines on the way to work and found the male perched on one of the upper ledges above the clock face!
