Gloucester Peregrines - Oct. 16, 2011

A pair of adult Peregrine Falcons are back on the Gloucester City Hall clock tower. Hopefully they stick around and entertain us through the winter months, though I'm certain the Pigeon population would rather they winter in sunny Florida!

The male with breakfast.

and the female with her full crop from eating a bit earlier in the morning.

A brief video of the two with several gulls and crows harassing the female from a distance.

A stop at Salisbury Beach State Reservation on Monday, Oct. 17 found a Blue-headed Vireo foraging along the sunny edge of the pine grove.

and a Double-crested Cormorant preening at the boat ramp

The Parker River NWR had many roosting shorebirds at various stops along the beach like the pair of Dunlin below.

Along with many dozens of Northern Gannet foraging just off shore.

With the one captured below just prior to entering the water with its wings folded back. I'd hate to be the fish that sees that coming!