PEFA!

I love falcons. I know, SURPRISE! It turns out I am now living in Peregrine country. In the couple weeks that I have been working in Wabasha, I have discovered the location of several peregrine nests and seen quite a few birds. One nest is visible from where I park for work. Another is within view of my apartment.

Peregrine under the bridge connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin

And a third nesting pair is up the road about 10 miles on the Wisconsin side of the river on Maiden Rock Bluff. I found this pair by accident. I pulled off at a historical marker while out and about. As I was reading the sign, I heard the unmistakable baby falcon call. After looking up for a couple moments, I saw the adults flying around. I watched them for over a half hour. They were definitely in hunting mode - I saw flocks of pigeons exploding out of trees. At one point, a Bald Eagle flew too close and had to suffer through being dive bombed by the falcon. It was AWESOME!

Maiden Rock Bluff

Found the falcon!

flying

found something!