Peregrine falcon on my bird feeder pole! archived

flannery

Apr 14, 2007 at 12:04pm

I could hardly believe my eyes, but when I pulled up in my driveway at 4:30 this afternoon, an adult peregrine falcon was perched on top of my bird feeder pole! There was absolutely no mistaking its hook-like beak, talons, and grey back. It sat there while I rolled down the car window and tried to get a picture, but my greyhounds came bounding out the dog door to greet me and off it went. Phooey!

Haven't seen it since, but I would imagine it might be back looking for choice sparrows eating from the feeder and getting a drink from the bird bath... :shocked:

meandtheboys

Apr 14, 2007 at 1:45pm

No way! How LUCKY are you????

calliope

Apr 14, 2007 at 2:19pm

Wow! Flannery, what a gift! I saw a Peregrine on Christmas eve 4 years ago--- I felt humbled and honored that he rested on my front porch railing.
That is amazing--- I hope he visits you again.
Calli

nan

Apr 14, 2007 at 2:36pm

I saw a Peregine at the Turtleback Zoo today, but it was in a cage and did not look happy (no smile). They have beautiful blue gray coloring. I don't know any other birds with that steel-like color.

flannery

Apr 15, 2007 at 4:03am

Given the number of sparrows and doves that raid my bird feeder, it might be back. The down side is that it might scare away the cardinals and finches...oh well, we take the good with the bad!

The rain certainly isn't scaring away the little birds from the feeder today, though...

bajou

Apr 15, 2007 at 4:10am

Wow that is sooo cool. I wish I could set up a birdfeeder but my damned cat would just make it his lunch counter. Isn't it amazing that in all this mess we made with the environment several species seem to be making a comeback!

ceciliadav569

Apr 17, 2007 at 4:42am

there are several Hawks that call Maplewood home. ususally red tail. The squirrels have decreased since one has taken up residence along Prospect.cecilia

joy

Apr 17, 2007 at 5:39am

the Prospect hawk is a sharp shinned hawk. I got a pix of him/her last year sitting on a chimney on Tuscan. Saw him/her about a week ago at the intersection of Tuscan and Prospect.

That said - saw a red tail fly over valley by the playground on friday.

sorising

May 7, 2007 at 5:30pm

have seen red tails; dave has reported seeing a Peregrine also

mfpark

May 8, 2007 at 6:54am

Have seen redtails hovering above Scotland Road in past years, two red tails sitting on a road sign on 287 last month, and what I think was a Cooper's Hawk the other day on Route 24.

Since I moved here 11 years ago, I am always amazed at how many raptors make New Jersey home. I mean, I would have imagined a lot of buzzards given my early prejudice about New Joisey, but so many hawks was unexpected. In truth, I see why they call this The Garden State--it is beautiful. Even the Meadowlands have incredible beauty and lots and lots of neat birds.

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