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Subject:

PEREGRINE FALCON, College Park

From:

Ryan Farrell

Reply-To:

Ryan Farrell

Date:

Fri, 15 Dec 2006 11:30:23 -0500

I rarely feel that my observations are noteworthy, but this is an
obvious exception.  On my way to campus today via the Paint
Branch Trail, I saw what I believe to be a juvenile Peregrine
Falcon, perched on a snag atop one of the tall trees furthest
north, yet adjacent to the swamp (for those familiar with the
trail, the stretch of trees extending north from the swamp
alongside the USDA field, there's not infrequently a red-tail
perched there).

I observed the bird for nearly 30 minutes hoping to see it take
wing, but it sat rather patiently, at times preening.  It is a
somewhat distant look, but field marks I saw included the
streaked chest (no white chest/throat patch, hence my
belief that it's a juvenile), wings extending at least the length
of the tail, large yellow feet, dark gray wings/back and of
course the distinctive thick "sideburns").

What a great bird to see on your way to you last final exam ;)

Ryan Farrell,
College Park