Peregrine Falcon at Tommy Thompson Park: September 2020

I remember watching some ducks and gulls with my grandfather when suddenly they flew up and scattered in alarm. Far in the distance there was a speck on the horizon which the frightened gulls and ducks recognized as a Peregrine Falcon.

Despite my daily episodes of bird and plant watching, I seldom see a Peregrine.

Here is one we saw at Humber Bay:

This juvenile was spotted at Col Sam Smith Park:

Today, in a remote corner of Tommy Thompson Park, the birding gods shone on me with a long look at a Peregrine. Here are some photos:

Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon

When possible, Peregrines will nest on cliff ledges but in cities they seek out buildings or bridges. Peregrines feed mainly on small or medium-sized birds.

Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine Falcon

Tommy Thompson Park is a splendid place of wilderness so near to the city.

Russian-olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

Some birds:

Black Ducks
Double-crested Cormorant
American Goldfinch (female)
American Goldfinch (female)
American Goldfinch (female)
European Starling
Rock Pigeon
Black-crowned Night Heron
Mallard
Herring Gull
Canada Goose

Other life:

Orange Sulphur Butterfly
Orange Sulphur Butterfly
Orange Sulphur in New England Aster
Red-legged Grasshopper
Cormorants
Brown-lipped Snail

NATURE POETRY

On this scene enter—winged, horned, and spined—
A longlegs, a moth, and a Dumbledore;
While ‘mid my page that idly stands
A sleepy fly, that rubs its hands.                               – Thomas Hardy (1840—1928) 

Miles Hearn

2 thoughts on “Peregrine Falcon at Tommy Thompson Park: September 2020

  1. Loretta Guran

    Thank you for the beautiful photos and identifications. I cycled here most days in July, early in the morning and tried to Identify the wildflowers in a book. This site is so educational. Also, now I can look four more bird species.

    Reply
  2. Lisa Volkov

    Again, how I miss this place! Thank you for all the wonderful pictures, Miles! I haven’t seen a Peregrine Falcon for ages. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

    Reply

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