Now that the Oceanfront peregrine falcon is back for the winter and roosting on its favorite "rocky ledges" at the Virginia House, pigeons are scarce.
"We never see a pigeon when she's around" said Virginia House manager Cassie Gronda.
After a pigeon dinner, the female peregrine leaves the remains behind, but Gronda said she would take that mess any day over the pigeons themselves.
That's because the peregrine not only acts as pigeon control, but also is a celebrity, providing entertainment for Virginia House residents and bird lovers all winter long.
"We all look forward to her coming back," Gronda said, "and hanging out with us."
Back again for an amazing 15th year, the falcon often can be found perched on Virginia House at 38th Street and Atlantic Avenue or perhaps on The Cavalier Hotel at 42nd Street and Atlantic Avenue or the Oceanside Holiday Inn at 21st Street and Atlantic Avenue, among other places.
When it's cold, the bird often will roost on the hotels' neon signs that provide warmth.
When not perched on her favorite buildings, you might be lucky enough to see the falcon as she rockets through the sky with pointed streamlined wings
Peregrines, the fastest animal on Earth, can fly up to 200 mph when dive-bombing a pigeon on the wing. They can fly leisurely up to 60 mph.
Oceanfront residents aren't the only folks in town who have the opportunity to get to know a falcon these days. This is the fourth year for a peregrine falcon to winter at Town Center. Her hangouts are on the Armada Hoffler building, either on the sign or on the tower or on one of the upper-story porches at the Westin Virginia Beach Town Center, said local raptor expert Reese Lukei.
Lukei and fellow raptor enthusiast Shawn Padgett have been keeping tabs on the falcons' comings and goings since each bird arrived for the first time years ago.
Lukei knows they are both females, but the birds are not banded so he has no idea where they nest in summer. They usually arrive here in October and leave in March to nest. Falcons nest as far away as northern Canada and as near as Norfolk.
If you go looking for either of the birds, check the wind direction before you head out. If it's windy, they will often be found on the lee side of buildings. Also remember, that though peregrines are crow-sized, they look small up high.
The Oceanfront bird has been known to roost in the center of the "O" of the Holiday Inn sign.
When you look for one of the falcons for first time, carry your binoculars to make sure you know what you are seeing and to get a close look at the bird's handsome head with characteristic dark sideburns. Once you know what to look for, you probably won't mistake the peregrine for anything else again.
And if you think that driving while talking on a cell phone is dangerous, remember that becoming a peregrine groupie in your car is more so! So be careful.
