White-tailed Kite
While in California, I saw my first White-tailed Kite. I had difficulty taking photographs, but it was a life bird for me none the less. The bird had great hovering abilities and stayed north of the Peregrines territory.
Category: Eagles, Falcons, Hawks and Osprey
Pacific Coast Peregrine Falcons
Two young Peregrine Falcons were spending time on the cliff below the house we rented on the Pacific coast. The larger of the two was always crying, while the smaller was quiet as can be. It was just amazing to wake up to the sound of a Peregrine in the morning.
Broadway Bridge Peregrine Falcon Family
The Broadway Bridge Peregrine Falcon family can be difficult to watch, since the bridge has two towers. This makes it difficult to see everyone at once and figure out how many there are.
Luckily, after a rainstorm early Saturday evening all five could easily be counted and identified. While I was there one of the parents feed one of the youngsters. The parents don’t bring the fledglings their food, but instead make them chase them and make them catch the food in mid-flight. It’s amazing to watch. (The 1 train prevented me from taking photographs of the feeding unfortunately.)
Inwood Hill and Broadway Bridge
I went up to Inwood Hill looking for the two fledglings, but could only find one of the parents. Reports are that both fledglings have been exploring the park, and spent most of the week getting mobbed by smaller birds. I hope to have better luck next weekend.
On the way back, I passed by Broadway Bridge. I saw both parents, and one of the fledglings. This is a fun site, since you can see the birds from the Number 1 train platform. Only in New York City.
Kestrel at St. John
The evening started slow with the eyasses asleep, and no one in sight. Then an American Kestrel was heard, who dove repeatedly at one of the parents. Afterwards, there was one active eyas in view before I needed to take off for the evening.
Riverside Church Peregrine Falcons
I went by Riverside Church to see if the resident Peregrine Falcons had any fledglings yet. Since, I only saw the parents, I guess I was a week or two too early.
The parents were fun to watch as they weaved their way between the scaffolding.
