[MASSBIRD] Peregrine Falcons: 5 locations - Photos!

[Craig Gibson]

In the past 2 weeks, have had a nice opportunity to visit 5 locations with Peregrine Falcons!

For those with an interest: 7 photos posted:

http://www.pbase.com/birdshots/image/162366721

Click "next" in upper right to advance frames!

The first stop was the Cape Cod Railroad Bridge at the west end of the Cape Cod Canal.  There have periodic

sightings in and around the Railroad Bridge.  Had a nice opportunity to locate and observe one of the peregrines.

Was able to devote time to watch it move around a number of times on the bridge in the late afternoon.

Thankfully able to capture images with clear ability to read alphanumeric leg band codes.  Here's the scoop, thanks 

to the always helpful Tom French at MassWildlife:

A pair was first reported at the Cape Cod Canal in 2012, but they did not successfully nest.  Both adults were unbanded.  In 2013, they nested on the Cape end of the bridge and I was able to band the single male chick (25/BD) when it was found on the ground.  In 2014, they apparently nested on the north side of the mainland end if the Bourne Bridge, but failed.  In 2015, I don't know if they nested or not, but no chicks appear to have been produced.  The original unbranded female was apparently replaced in the spring.  A new female in juvenile plumage (79/BA) was identified on April 22, 2015.  Your photo is only the second time this band has been read, and it confirms that she stayed to become the resident female.  She was banded in NY City in 2014. 

Here is the original banding information for this bird from New York City.

 

Band numbers: 79/BA

Banding date and location:  05-28-14, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Brooklyn/Staten Island, NY

Banded by: Chris Nadareski, New York City Environmental Protection/Wildlife Studies Section

Siblings: 2 other females, 1 male

 

Previous report:  04-22-15, MA, Barnstable Co., Bourne, Cape Cod Canal, Bourne Bridge (rte. 25) – in juvenile plumage –

Don Manchester

 

Your report:  - 01-15-16, MA, Barnstable Co., Bourne, Cape Cod Canal, Railroad Bridge – in adult plumage - Craig Gibson

The second stop was along Holton Street in Woburn.  Many prior sightings in this area of both a banded female and an unbanded male.  Photo shows the unbanded male enjoying a morning feast on a rocky outcropping!

The third stop was in Haverhill where a new pair of Peregrines successfully made a nest last spring with 2 surviving chicks.  Both Peregrines were observed on the south side of a building atop the AC units.  The unbanded male is seen launching into flight.

The fourth stop was in Lawrence where the continuing pair of Peregrines are seen on almost a daily basis around the Ayer Mill Clock Tower.  This is an established nesting pair.  It has been a great pleasure to monitor, observe, and document the daily/weekly activities of this pair over the past 4 years.  Photo shows the male lifting up its left leg and providing a clear view of its lateral 6/4 leg bands.

The fifth and final stop was in the Harvard medical complex.  Peregrine sightings have been been made regularly these past many months.  Finally had a chance to scope out a number of the rooftops in the area.  Delighted to find a singular adult peregrine perched on the SE corner rooftop of the Harvard Institutes of Medicine Building located at 4 Blackfan Circle.

Enjoy,

Craig Gibson

Winchester, MA

www.lawrenceperegrines.com