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
September 18, 2013 in Near the Clock Tower
The female will land from time to time atop nearby utility poles. These landings provide excellent up close looks at both peregrines. The female will usually call out to the male to alert him to her position!
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!!
July 9, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.
The fledglings are having a blast learning how to fly. They have abundant nearby rooftops to practice short hop flights, glides and landings. You can almosy sense their joy as they make endless short hop flights. What a pure delight to watch!
5 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/151582749
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!
May 30, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.
Summer has arrived for all of us including nestling birds getting ready to fledge! Time to get ready for some good ol fashioned summertime heat & humidity. This was our first time in the low 90s in the Lawrence area since the end of last August and this heat is gonna stick for a few days. In fact, we’ll see afternoon temps near 90 for the next 4 afternoons. All this heat & humidity will be a tesr for our nestling friends.
Quite a delight to be able to observe and photo document the new batch of peregrine nestlings as they prepare for first flight. Did you know that falcon chicks are called “eyases”? An eyas is a an unfledged bird; specifically : a nestling hawk. The four peregrine eyases have adjusted quite successfully to their new home on a rooftop after recently being moved by MassWildlife staff.
Today provided nice lighting conditions with nice views (from a distance with a scope, binoculars, and a very long camera lens….all from private property) of the nestlings. Only able to see three of the four along with terrific views of both parents on separate nearby perches. These photos are well worth a look!
11 Photos of chicks and adults posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/150522998 Click “next” in upper right to advance frames….enjoy!!
April 17, 2013 in Peregrines at 250 Canal St.
The Peregrines continue to keep an active presence around the 250 Canal St. complex. Most sightings are of the male either perched or in the process of consuming freshly caught prey. The incubation period is about 30 days and duties are shared by female and male. The pair typically mate for life.
6 photos posted: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/149751747 Click “next” in upper right corner to advance frames….enjoy!
