Saturday, May 23, 2009

Peregrine Falcon-CONFIRMED Nest Success in Downtown Worcester

ALL of these pictures were taken by Ryan Hough. Please see link below


Check it out all, pictures of downtown Worcester's newest residents, the Peregrine eyases!! My co-worker kept telling me that he saw two white heads bobbing around yesterday after I left work and was able to confirm they were in fact the young Peregrines. I was skeptical at first because I couldn't see them on my own, but now I have the proof, thanks to Ryan Hough, a very talented wildlife photographer who I met up with on top of the 446 Main Street garage who took these pictures.
Now I know why the Peregrines were acting as strange as they have been lately and had resigned myself to the fact that the falcons once again experienced nest failure. These magnificent birds have proven me wrong yet again. Such a wonderful way to end the week and does put my mind at ease somewhat.

Let's just cross our fingers that these ones will make it. The mortality rate for juvenile Peregrine Falcons in their first year is very high so the odds are not in their favor.


If anyone has any idea how old these two may be based on the pictures I would greatly appreciate any info you can provide. You can do so in my comments or shoot me an email which is located on my profile page.


A very special thanks to Ryan Hough for sharing his awesome photos with me. If you want to see more amazing photos of the these young falcons and the adult Peregrines then go on over to his website where you will not be disappointed. He also has some amazing photos of the Bald Eagles and the Eaglets taken today at Wachusett Reservoir. NOTE: If you go there and don't see them on his site, be patient as he is editing a lot of photos right now, but these pictures as well as the Eagles and Eaglets at Wachusett Reservoir can be found on his website.







Added Note on May 24th:
Eyases: Definition-Many depending on the source

1. "Eyas", "Eyess", or "Eyass" is the definition of a young bird of prey used in falconry; specifically one that hasn't fledged yet. It is pronounced "Ay-yes".

2. An unfledged bird. Specifically a nestling hawk
Source(s):
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionar...

Why do I bring this up? Because I discovered this word to define young, unfledged Peregrine Falcons while doing some research. I have since gotten a lot of strange looks when calling the birds this so I decided to do a little more research with the help of Beth.

I guess the eyas would be more proper if they were used in falconry (thank goodness that's not the case), so going forward I am just going to refer to them as the baby falcons as they are free birds as they should be.

Just wanted to clarify this so you all don't start using this word and making an eyass of yourself on an account of me. I don't mind being wrong as I always learn from it, but don't want to be out there giving people wrong information.

16 comments:

Chris said...

Cool, let's croos the fingers and hope they will do it. Now you can keep us up-date on the growing process of the chicks!!

Larry said...

So the saga of the Peregrine family comes to a happy conclusion-nice work Kallen.-You taught me a new word today as well.

Jayne said...

So glad to see there are babies!! Can't wait to see more photos. :c)

troutbirder said...

Great news. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Anonymous said...

Awsome!

Anonymous said...

Thanks to you both for sharing!

NCmountainwoman said...

Wonderful to see the babies. Here's hoping all goes well for them.

Kelly said...

Wow...and Yeah! Your friend's photo are wonderful...the babies are as cute as can be. I'm so glad you followed this couple. It's been very exciting watching their progress. I hope both babies make it.

Deborah Godin said...

Oh those babies - definitely "LOL birds" in search of funny captions!

Rich said...

Great Photo Essay - Have a great weekend!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Well Well Kim... Just what you have been waiting for...Aren't they adorable???? Glad you finally (you and Ryan) got to see these beautiful baby birds.

Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

Dawn Fine said...

That is so exciting! I hope the little fellows make it...
Happy Birding...Hope you can make our get together.

Ginnymo said...

I am so excited to see the babies Kim!!! What a treat to be able to watch them. I sure hope they make it okay. Love all the photos!!

Rick (Ratty) said...

As soon as I saw the first picture I had a huge smile on my face. Hopefully they'll stay safe and defy that mortality rate.

Mary said...

So cute!

A New England Life said...

That's awesome Kim! They kind of look like little abominable babies. lol! Just great pictures all around. I do hope these little one's make it. Losing them would be devastating at this point.

Sharon

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