PEREGRINE UPDATE

Yesterday Bob, the Peregrine Falcon guy (south side of Morro Rock), Peregrine Falcon Perches - So. Side Morro Rock | Flickr - Photo Sharing! told me that brooding is in its 6th day. If all goes well hatching should occur in the first week of April. The nest is located in the area called "The Diving Board." Last year's successful nest was in the mail slot. Peregrine Falcon Aerie - "Diving Board" "Mail Slot" | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (move cursor over photos)

Bob said the other day, when the wind was fierce (40-50 mile per hour), a female Peregrine flew into the area. The parents went ballistic, an aerial battle ensued. The unwanted female finally got the message and flew off. When I head the story; I wondered if the interloper could have been the female that perches in the trees behind the "Back Bay Inn." She was in her tree when I walked by this morning.

Cool, windy weather this morning. Had a heck of a good time listening to an Oak Titmouse. I heard it for many minutes before I could find it. This little bird has a variety of calls. At first I thought the sounds might be coming from a talented Mockingbird. I played a Titmouse call for about 3 seconds and the little fellow went into overdrive. The following is a brief recording of his vocalizations. OakTitmouse - Baeolophus inornatus | Flickr - Photo Sharing! Do love the perky little passerines.

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.

PEREGRINE UPDATE

Morro Bay - The Morro Rock Peregrine Falcons have had a successful breeding season. The pair on the south fledged two and the pair on the north fledged four. The parents really had to hustle to feed four hungry mouths. At the present time the parents are teaching their progeny to hunt. They may be seen high above Morro Rock soaring and diving.

PEREGRINES AND GREAT HORNED OWLS

North side of Morro Rock, Morro Bay, Calif. One nestling observed taking short flights, another nestling a bit hesitant at flying. The north side of the rock is more expansive than the south, and one has to be farther from this massive rock to gain perspective - hence the Peregrines can be a bit difficult to locate. For the next two weeks or so, as the fledglings learn to fly, there will be much Peregrine activity to observe on the North side of Morro Rock.

Sweet Springs, Los Osos, Calif. Fortune shined! Experienced a leisurely sighting of 4 Great Horned Owls which consisted of 2 owlets (3rd owlet not visible) and both parents.

PEREGRINE FALCON PARADISE

Morro Rock, Morro Bay, Calif. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (The large hole on the left with the flat rock in the center is the nesting hole. It is refereed to as the "Diving Board.") Mom and Dad Peregrine Falcon and the two youngsters very active. The parents soaring and flying from perch to perch. The youngsters taking turns chasing one another, with much vocalization. (the young Peregrines have a yellow band at he end of their tails.) The youngsters land on perches that are open. They are not yet bold or sure enough to speed into a landing on a small rock, an indentation on the cliff face, or into a small hole like their agile parents are able to do. The young Peregrines continue to be fed by their parents.

PEREGRINE UPDATE

Morro Rock - 10:00 a.m. Much Peregrine Falcon activity at the rock. It has been about two weeks since the nestlings fledged. They are becoming adept at flying and diving. When I arrived dad was sitting, rather serenely, in a small hole. In another area of the rock a youngsters was tearing apart a bird - feathers were flying. Earlier, anxious for his meal, the young Peregrine sped out and snatched the bird from his dad's talons - a most amazing sight.

PEREGRINE FALCON NESTLING

South Side of Morro Rock, Morro Bay, Calif. left, Peregrine Falcon Nestling; right, Peregrine Falcon Male. (photo by Mike Baird)

The two nestlings (only one visible in photo) are learning to use their wings by taking short flights. Their parents will continue to bring them food for about another 30 days. Fledglings screech loudly when they spot a parent carrying food.