Yesterday afternoon, driving across the American Legion Bridge, from
Virginia into Maryland, in the far right lane, I noticed both of the adult
peregrines perched on the same snag where they have been before. I often see
one peregrine, but rarely both birds on the same tree. Around the holidays
I twice got down to the water's edge under the bridge to look for the birds
up closer. On the first occasion one bird, probably the female based on
size, was clearly perched in clear view on the first bridge abutment on the
Maryland side. It is a very pretty bird, with a very heavy, dark malar mark
on the head. I only had binoculars, but could see a silver FWS band on the
left leg, and black and red bands on the right leg, indicating it was banded
in Eastern United states. I could not see the numbers on the colored bands.
On the second occasion, a single bird flew into the snag, which is
farther away than the bridge abutment. It appeared to be the same bird I
had seen before. I have not had a good look at the other bird, nor seen the
two birds up close together.
I hope to be able to get back with a scope and see the other bird and also
see if it is possible to read the numbers on the bands. Some clever
digiscopers were able to do this last spring with the peregrines on the
Woodrow Wilson bridge.
It would seem that these birds are likely to try to nest on the abutments
for the American Legion bridge. The bridge is supported by concrete
pillars topped by large, flat concrete slabs. There is lots of flat and
mostly dry area for a peregrine to nest. I suppose we shall see.
I accessed the area from the towpath on the C&O canal. It appears that
there is a trail on along the river on the Virginia side as well. If anyone
can get down to that area on either side of the river and provide any info
on the color banding on the other (male??) bird, or read the numbers on the
bands, please let me know.
In any event, if the birds nest there, it should be fun watching that
process and perhaps watching the young peregrines fledge as well.
--
Donald Sweig
Falls Church,Va.
