Amazing pictures Alan! Thanks for sharing.
Sent from my U.S. Cellular® Smartphone
-------- Original message --------From: alan lenk <adlenk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Date:
3/23/17 6:33 AM (GMT-05:00) To: EMAS Listserv <emas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject:
[EMAS] Peregrine Falcon Volunteer Monitoring Program at Chimney Rock: Photos
3/22/17
Friends,
Chris Kelly led Cathy from Lincolnton and myself into Chimney Rock Park
yesterday morning to see if there was evidence of Peregrine Falcon activity
among the high cliffs. Our vantage point was Pulpit Rock providing a westerly
view of one on the major cliff faces. The wind was very strong and one had to
literally hold on to your hat, tripod, scope, camera, and whatever was not tied
down. There were two Peregrines seen, the first believed to be a second year
male, and the other an adult female. While we were there the male made two or
three fly bys along the cliff face near us. Later on a female was seen
entering the Historic Eyrie location and stayed perched for perhaps 30 minutes
and appeared to be eating. Chris did not think there was incubation occurring
at this time but pairing was likely between the two birds. I have attached a
few pictures of the male as it flew by us at fairly close range and one of the
more distant female. The photo of the young male perched on a rock ledge above
the eyrie(#1), and the female in the eyrie(#5) were much further away and lack
good detail, though provide location context. It was a great to see these
amazing birds trying to eek out a living in this rugged environment. Thanks to
Chris Kelly for the opportunity to witness this.
Photos:
#1 Male on rock ledge above eyrie.#2 Male circling over gorge#3 Male diving
beside rock face#4 Male flying directly above us#5 Female in eyrie#6 Male in
high gear formation, zoom!
Alan LenkAsheville
