Summer in Annapolis For The Peregrine Falcons

I have great news...

BOTH PEREGRINE FALCONS

I dropped by Uncle Frank's this evening and was delighted to find both Mom (banded) and Dad (not yet banded with bird bling) PEREGRINE FALCON perched very near each other on the bridge.

DAD PEREGRINE

Mom is looking large and bulky, which is a good sign for what I hope is a mother-to-be.

FATHER PEREGRINE FALCON

During my hour long visit, she paced the girder, but never left for her scrape. I was hoping to see where they might be nesting this year. But since she was out and about, and not on eggs, it's anyone's guess as to whether or not they're trying to start a family.

FLYING FATHER FALCON

WALKING THE GIRDER: MOM PEREGRINE

Craig, Alison and several others put up a really nice nest box for them, but as of yet they haven't decided to use it.

MOM FLEDGED FROM THE TAPPAN ZEE BRIDGE IN NEW YORK

Maybe it's due to the constant bridge work?

DAD, PERCHED AND WATCHING

Maybe they like the safety of being near Uncle Frank's place? Maybe they recall how they found their fledgling chick last year on Uncle Frank's beach drying out after she took a dip in the Severn River? Whatever their reasons, I'm looking forward to this year's events.

FATHER PEREGRINE FLYING ABOVE THE BRIDGE

Dad PEREGRINE was performing a few acrobatics in the brisk wind above, below and all around the West side of the bridge.

PACING MOTHER PEREGRINE FALCON

I look forward to my next visit and this summer's bridge watch. It's time to break out the kayak.

DAD FALCON

Happy Nesting!

Dan