Thursday, April 25, 2013

Peregrine Falcon on Regina City Hall

High on a ledge at Regina City Hall, there is a Peregrine Falcon. The falcon likes the east side of the building, birders say, and it's sometimes seen near the south-east corner.

Although falcons aren't huge birds, this one was fairly easy to spot... I'd heard it was often at City Hall, and I saw it from several blocks away. (Then again, at about 16 inches, with a wingspan of about 40 inches, they aren't small birds, either!)

Peregrine Falcon on the east side of Regina City Hall.   © SB

Peregrine Falcons are birds of prey, hunting "mainly medium-size birds from high above in spectacular swoops," my Sibley guide says.

Pigeons — and robins — beware...

High, high - yes, almost near the roof
and sky in this urban canyon. 
© SB

For those who know Regina City Hall, the picture above shows the falcon's position on the ledge. And, for those who don't, this total building shot (taken a couple of weeks ago at the Mayor's Poetry City Challenge), shows the scale — although to see the falcon yesterday, you'd have had to walk around the corner to the east side. 
Regina City Hall. Walk around to the right,
towards the rest of downtown, to see the falcon.
(If, that is, it's there...)  
© SB
For more, the CBC last year aired a video interview about on falcons at City Hall with a bird watcher and with ornithologist, Dr. Stuart Houston.


What is this? Peregrine Falcon
Location: Downtown Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  
Photo date: April 24, 2013.

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2 comments:

  1. Funny how these birds don't mind the city. Hmm. We're off to Regina in May for a visit - I'll have to keep my eyes peeled! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I heard the falcon last Saturday at the Market, and am thrilled it is in fact a Peregrine.
    Pauken

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