Peregrine Falcons

by W. Hansuld
(London, Ontario, Canada)


There are several pairs of Peregrine Falcons based around Fanshawe College, just a short distance from our house.

Occasionally, I've seen them in one of our trees or on the fence, looking for lunch (we have several bird feeders and a bird bath year-round).

The other day, I caught a glimpse of movement in the back yard, and had the rare opportunity to see a Peregrine Falcon having lunch. The Falcon was removing the feathers with astonishing speed and dexterity - they were flying all over the place!

When I moved in with my camera, the bird grabbed his prize and flew off to a nearby tree - out of reach and definitely away from prying eyes.

Examination of the immediate area revealed a Starling's head along with numerous feathers.

It was tempting to revert to ancestral habits and post it on a stick by my suet feeder - the starlings recently discovered the feeder I keep for "Woodpeckers Only" at the front window.

I've had a steady stream of both Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers there all winter, enjoying a peanut/suet combination instead of the common feed I keep in the back yard for every one else.

I've resisted temptation, and am still looking for more tactful ways of encouraging them to eat in the back yard.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Sighting 2021 October Sunnyside / Shady Lane
by: Anonymous

At 11:00 a.m. a Peregrine Falcon perched on a tree limb right outside our second floor window. Very large, robust chest, huge talons. We were able to capture several close up photos. Within 10 minutes, the falcon began to side step to the end of the branch and then swooped off! Huge wing span. Light brown feathers under the wings. First time seeing this bird species in the 25 years living in this house.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Falcon
by: Anonymous

I have a falcon in my backyard that killed a bird today. I live off Bonaventure Drive. The poor birds are scared to come to my birdfeeders
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starstarstarstarstar 		April 15 2016
by: Anonymous

This morning one was sitting on a pole in front of our house at Huron Street near St. Peter Semenary, eating a bird. I was able to take a few photos.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Just saw one
by: Anonymous

We saw one today in our backyard. He was eating a small bird. We live near Clarke Road and Huron Street, London. We have had an increase in the number of birds to our bird feeders, so its a great opportunity for him.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		London Ontario
by: Anonymous

Last autumn I was walking down Dundas Street, across from the Provincial Court building. About 50 feet in front of me on the sidewalk it looked like a pillow was being torn apart. As I got closer I could see that it was a falcon or hawk that was tearing a pigeon to pieces. The pigeon managed to fly away but it was like a fighter jet against a cargo plane. The pigeon didn't stand a chance. I'm glad I got to see it with my own eyes.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Male and Female Peregrine with Nest
by: Anonymous

We live near Huron and Barker in a crescent and there is a male and female Peregrine Falcon with a nest living in our backyards. They have been seen for about 4 or 5 days now. They have a very distinct bird call that drives our cats and dogs crazy. Is there anyone we can contact to ensure their safety or just let them do their thing. In my 12 years in London, Ontario, this is the first time I have ever seen one. I didn't even know they lived here.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Nest
by: Anonymous

There is a nest on Clark Road, near the Fanshawe Park Road intersection.

Thanks - the nest there is huge and I believe it is an Osprey nest, there have been lots of sightings of Ospreys there and I have seen them myself, when they were building the nest.

Thanks for writing to us!

If you copy this link you will see several pictures of the nest at the corner of Clarke and Fanshawe Park Road http://www.ascattering.blogspot.ca/2014/05/update-on-london-osprey-nest.html
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Dead Falcon in backyard
by: Alicia

I live in St Thomas and found a dead Falcon in my back yard. I have seen one Falcon hunting my birds at the bird feeder occasionally over the past 2 years. So sad, to find it dead, no signs of obvious trauma like blood, I have a feeling it may have smashed into our fence while hunting at high speeds and possibly broken its neck. Not sure what to do with it, I have taken pics of it and tried to call MNR, but they are not open on weekends.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Falcon sighting Aug 14 2013
by: Anonymous

Saw peregrine falcon swooping over our house which backs on to green space (woods) in North London. Also hear a lot of loud screeching type noises coming from the woods, so think there are young ones nearby. Amazing birds! We also have a bird bath and feeder with all kinds of finches, cardinals, nuthatches, humming birds etc.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Four sightings
by: Lynn, London

I live in the Pond Mills area, in S.E. London, Ontario. Saw a peregrine falcon stop by our tree in the back yard about 3 weeks ago. Have seen it 3 more times in the area around Commissioners and Veteran Memorial Parkway. Got a good close up yesterday when it was on top of a road sign. Beautiful bird !!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Peregrine Falcon in Oakridge, London, ON
by: Anonymous

We had a Peregrine Falcon visit our backyard for 2 days last week.
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starstarstarstarstar 		2012 Peregrine Falcon
by: Anonymous

I live on South Sreet & I just saw a Peregrine Falcon in my back yard. They are early this year I think.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Peregrine city bird
by: Erwin Butikofer

On the shores of Lake Superior at Mink Mountain the Peregrines are breeding like rats. Last summer within an afternoon I counted 6. For a territorial bird they are very accomodating to each other.

According to COSSARO, a top secret Ontario government initiative and the MNR, our presence within 1 kilometer presents a threat to the Peregrine.

I suggest to the MNR they move the birds under the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor and turn them into more adaptable city birds.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		You're lucky!
by: Anonymous

You're lucky to see a Peregrine Falcon!

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