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Title: Guest from the West Post by: Paul Hamilton on 26-Apr-17, 09:38:47 PM In addition to the peregrines at the American Legion bridge, there's a new bird in the area. It's a Prairie Falcon (Falco mexicanus) hanging out at an abandoned power plant along the Potomac a few miles south of my house.
These birds are normally found several thousand miles in to the west. A local expert birder described it in a newspaper article http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2017/apr/06/big-deal-bird-alexandria/ (http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/news/2017/apr/06/big-deal-bird-alexandria/), "This was an unprecedented ornithological sighting, not only for the City of Alexandria, but for all of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia and much of the eastern United States." It's about the size of a peregrine, but acts more like a really big Merlin, in that it is a pursuit and ambush predator, rather than stooping from a high altitude. It has been a great privilege to be able to spend time with this remarkable bird. Title: Re: Guest from the West Post by: MAK on 26-Apr-17, 11:16:21 PM Cool! :cool-045: Thanks for sharing Paul! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Guest from the West Post by: Donna on 27-Apr-17, 07:19:50 AM They are adorable! Paul, when did you go see him/her? Was it passing through, will it stay and are there more?
:thumbsup: Title: Re: Guest from the West Post by: Carol P. on 27-Apr-17, 09:52:32 AM That is so awesome Paul! :clap:
Title: Re: Guest from the West Post by: Dot_Forrester on 27-Apr-17, 10:35:35 AM That must have been a real treat for you and other birders in the area. Hope the visiting falcon does well and eventually finds his way back West.
Dot in PA Title: Re: Guest from the West Post by: Paul Hamilton on 28-Apr-17, 11:04:31 AM I've been to the power plant a number of times, but only saw the falcon one day. There have been no reports since April 16. Perhaps s/he has moved west.
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