Sun 24 Jan 2010
I have received reports of Merlin and Peregrine in Rockford. Both were seen within the last week. Thought that I would post them so others could be looking at these spots.
Jack and Joyce Armstrong saw a Merlin on Saturday, January 23, at Blackhawk Park. It was in a tree in the area of the parking lot by the old quarry face along the river.
A Peregrine has been seen periodically in the area of the Faust Landmark high rise residences. It was on a communications tower nearby. Peregrines show up in that area from time to time. They have also been seen flying in the direction of downtown Rockford in late afternoon. Any tall building or tower could have one perched on it.
There was another report of the Prairie Falcon along Lowden Road, about 2 miles N of Nachusa Grasslands, on Tuesday of this past week. No reports since.
January 27th, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Today (Wednesday) there was a Peregrine perched on a top floor window sill of the Faust Landmark building at 630 E. State Street. The window was a center one on the Market St. side of the building. I first saw it at 2:00, and it was still in the same spot, facing the window, at 2:30.
January 28th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
The adult Peregrine was perched on the communications tower which is just S of the Shumway Market, across the street from the Faust, this afternoon (1/28) at 4:30 p.m. I suspect that afternoon is the best time to look for the bird in this neighborhood. It was not in sight this morning around 9:15 a.m.
January 30th, 2010 at 10:27 pm
Thanks Dan for the heads up on the Peregrine, I saw it on the 29th on the upper floor of the Faust at 2:00 p.m., came back at 4:00 and it was on the radio tower. Today, same time it was again sitting on the top of the tower. I was able to get some pictures but lighting not that great so I’ll try again with some sun possibly next week. Nevertheless, thanks for helping me with a life bird, much appreciated.