Wednesday January 11th - Falcon Trifecta

 

Wednesday January 11^th – Falcon Trifecta

          This year we completed the “Falcon Trifecta” by seeing an American Kestrel which is the most common of the three falcons seen in our area.  Kestrels are often seen perched on telephone wires along country roads especially in the wintertime.  The Kestrel is our smallest falcon and has a boldly patterned head and habitually bobs its tail when perched.

          Merlins are uncommon in Ohio and are generally seen during spring and fall migration.  A small number spend the winter in large cemeteries where mature scattered trees mimic the savannas and open woodlands favored by this species.

          Peregrine Falcons typically nest on the ledges of rocky cliffs.  However, they have been able to adapt to an urban setting and use tall buildings and skyscrapers with a nest box to lay their eggs.  Peregrines seem to thrive in cities because there is an abundance of prey such as pigeons, starlings, and blue jays and not much competition from other predators.  The Peregrine is one of the world’s fastest birds and can swoop down with a spectacular dive and strike its prey out of the air or catch it in midair.  Our local Peregrine Falcons seem to prefer the bell tower at the home of the University of Toledo Rockets rather than the campus of the Bowling Green State University Falcons.  Go figure! 

                                            American Kestrel