The Peregrine Falcons Have Arrived

 Montaña de Oro State Park Ca - Smuggler's Cove

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is the fastest member of the animal kingdom.

Two weeks ago at Smuggler's Cove overlook, rover friend Sara with her husband Gary, observed two Peregrine Falcons.  An adult Peregrine had just brought food to a younger Peregrine that appeared to be a juvenile.   (* Note -  To be technically correct only the female is called a Falcon.  The male Peregrine is called a tiercel, which means "one-third" because the male is 1/3 smaller than the female.)
 
 Photo of the Peregrines taken by Gary O’Neill.  Since the top Falcon had adult plumage and the lower, typical juvenile plumage, I took it upon myself to assume the lower bird, that was being fed by an adult, was an older juvenile, particularly due to its size and flying ability.  I was quite certain the two Peregrines were a female adult and a juvenile, with gender to be determined.  (Birding hint - Never Assume)

After observing the Peregrines several times, I was in a total kerfuffle as to gender, so I dashed off an email, with photos, to a friend whom I recently learned had published a book on “The Peregrine Falcons of Morro Rock.”  From his reply I learned that the dark bird was an adult male, not a female, and the lighter colored bird with the horizontal stripes was not a juvenile, it was a sub-adult female, not fully molted to adult plumage. 

Viewing larger images of the photos is suggested.  Above annotated photo, viewed from left to right - nest, perch,  eating and mating area.  Below photo by Gary - sub-adult female in perch hole.

Today, 9:00 am. the fog had lifted, the morning was beautiful.  As I approached the overlook the male was flying in with food for the female who was vocalizing as he approached.  After handing off the food, he perched nearby.  Birds are the Peregrine's primary source of food.

Eventually she flew up to the aerie (nest), and he flew to the eating area to have a brief snack. (next two photos by Gary) When he left, she returned.  They mated three times in an hour.  Handing off food vocalizing, and frequent mating are part of the courtship ritual - mating is for life.

Eventually the Peregrine pair flew to the nest site.  In the photo below the female is inside, the male is facing her.  They are vocalizing and bowing to each other which is part of the courtship ritual.  The female, 1/3 larger than the male, is the dominant member of the relationship. 

 A few moments later she left the nest site for a perch on the buff.  (below photo) The next moment they were in flight, headed north - joining them was another Peregrine Falcon.  The male has no tolerance for interlopers in the vicinity of his nest.

Male at nest empty nest site (below photo by Gary).  Perhaps, the next time I visit Smuggler's Cove, the nest will be occupied with a brooding female.  I can hardly wait for the next episode - - - - To be continued. . . .

RAINY DAY AT MORRO ROCK

I was not going to let the rain dampen my birding spirits. I parked by the T-Pier and walked to the "Rock." In the channel were Western Grebe, Eared Grebe (one in breeding plumage), Common Loon, and one Pigeon Guillemot.

An Oystercatcher was making much noise as it flew across the channel.

A few days ago I spoke with Bob, the Peregrine watcher. He said the eggs should be hatching in a few days. Fledging occurs within 35 - 40 days. I do hope that all the wet weather has not harmed the eggs. As you can see by the two photos, the day I spoke with Bob the sun was out. I had excellent sightings of both the male and the female. The male spent time perched on the top of vertical rock formation (lower photo). The female was perched around to the left of the nest, just below the top of the "Rock," (click on top photo) where the white is spilling down. The male takes over the brooding duties when the female leaves the nest.

Rain brings out the beauty of Morro Rock. There are many blooming plants and huge areas of California Sagebrush. It is lush, fragrant, and gorgeous, and is a great contrast to the beige and brown color of the rock.