June 11, 2014 in On the Clock Tower
The fledglings continue to be seen in a variety of locations around the Clock Tower with one of first two fledglings remaining for a day on a nearby ledge. The older fledgling has flown to upper ledges and even atop the weathervane at the top of the Clock Tower!
June 10, 2014 in On the Clock Tower
The peregrine chicks took their first flights away from the nest over this past weekend. Not always choosing to or being capable of returning to the nest site, they will be found in different locations around the Clock Tower like these 2 on a nearby lower ledge!
June 4, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Most of the down, save for a few tufts on top of the head, has given way to regular plumage. They continue with bouts of wing-flapping. The oldest chick is the boldest chick in terms of getting ready to fledge. The oldest has gone form wing flapping in the box to flapping on the lateral perch pole that sticks out from the nest box. This chick not only flaps out on the perch pole, but also tests itself by turning direction……all signs of readiness for first flight!
More photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/156086339
June 3, 2014 in In the Nest Box
The peregrine chicks are now days away from fledging, or making their first flight! They have spent time flapping their wings and perching at the front edge of the nest box.
More photos: http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/156086335
May 31, 2014 in In the Nest Box
The peregrine chicks are spending more time at the froint edge of the nest box looking out over the west facing view. They continue assertive wing flapping to stretch those wings and to learn just how they work! Mother Bear remains nearby on duty!
May 29, 2014 in In the Nest Box
The chicks remain under the watchful guard of mother bear who is usually now out of the nest box but always close by keeping her chicks under observation! Chicks continue to move around the inside of nest box.
May 28, 2014 in In the Nest Box
The chicks continue to grow and are now undergoing the transition to regular plumage. They will lose their down covering in the 10 days as they prepare for first flight! They have started endless bouts of initial wing flapping in the nest box.
May 27, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Three peregrine falcon chicks roosting above the New Balance factory were pronounced healthy Tuesday and fitted with federal and state tracking bands to help Mass Wildlife biologists and local volunteers keep tabs on them.
Mass Wildllife staffers and other volunteers gently lifted the fluffy chicks out of their nesting box and used pliers to fasten metal bands around their legs.
The chicks were completely checked for health issues and to make sure they were growing and developing without major issues. They observed that flight feathers are starting to emerge.
When fully fledged, the peregrine chicks will be fierce hunters that can dive at speeds of 200 mph or more to snatch other birds in mid-flight.
The chicks’ parents are among some 30+ peregrine falcon pairs that live in Massachusetts, favoring bridges and tall buildings where they can easily spot their prey. Based on feathers found in the nest, the falcons have recently preyed on Bluejays and Pigeons.
The mother falcon, sleek and gray with a banded gray and white belly, squawked furiously as Mass Wildlife staffers and volunteers opened the back access hatch of the nesting the box. All the humans wore appropriate gear for protection from her talons. The babies squawked at a higher pitch, then bleated as the falcon banders gently reached in to secure each chick for banding.
There were three chicks along with one unhatched egg. Overall, all were healthy. It is very normal for one chick to be a little less developed from others due to lower food allocation issues from stronger siblings At just over three weeks old, these chicks were mature enough to band, because their legs won’t grow any more, but too young to fly away.
May 22, 2014 in In the Nest Box
At three weeks, flight feathers and body contour feathers are poking through the down. Very active, the young birds are moving around the nest box and exploring the area around all the corners. They have a marked interest in anything that moves.
May 21, 2014 in In the Nest Box
Amazing to watch the feeding process up close and personal! The chicks remain completely dependent on adults for food.
