Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
1 July 2014
This is the third year in a row that I am aware of that Peregrine Falcons have successfully nested and fledged young in downtown Waterloo. You are not about to nominate me to the Photographic Hall of Fame for these images, but it's good to record the presence of these magnificent hunters, even though the picture quality is not great. In my own defence, they are taken from a considerable distance.
In this picture you see one of the adults (the female I believe) near the nest box which was constructed for the birds after they placed their nest on the bare surface of the building when they first bred there.
It's a fine home don't you think?
The nest box is situated at the top of the Sun Life Financial building and as you will see below it is a long way up and hardly conducive to close-up photography.
It is appropriate to extend a sincere vote of appreciation to Sun Life Financial for their gracious co-operation in enabling the community of naturalists to facilitate the successful venture that urban Peregrine Falcons have become part of.
Finally, here is a picture of one of the young fledglings, and you can clearly see the band on its leg. Right after I took this picture it took off from the building and swooped, soared and glided, already showing its mastery of flight. May it have a long and productive life and bring joy to countless untold falcon devotees still unknown.
Looking at the distances, I think your photos are amazing, David! It's really heartwarming to read accounts such as this, and it looks as if a lot of thought and work has gone into the design and build of that nest box - and it seems to have paid off superbly!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazaing how Peregrines cope with cities. We had a pair in Melbourne CBD for several years but I haven't heard anything about them lately.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photo of the young peregrine.
ReplyDeleteCertainly such a great distance.
Great that they are at this high altitude yet to breed.
Perfect photographed, David.
Wonderful to have those for the lens David.
ReplyDeleteFar away but beautifully photographed.
Greetings Tinie
Great to photograph. A peregrine This is however say very high with the nest! Are you climbed on the roof?
ReplyDeleteNo, the pictures were taken from the building's parking lot, Helma.
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