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Article in: Birding

Rockford Peregrine Falcon and Other Saturday Birds

This past Saturday I was itchy to get out and take some bird photos. Birding has been slow and timing a good weather day around my ever-busying schedule has been difficult.

I had gotten info that a Peregrine Falcon was hanging around downtown Rockford, Illinois so thought I’d take the <10 minute drive in and see if I could get some photos.

Downtown Rockford

This is the building where near the top of the large tower the bird was perched in a window. I got out the digiscoping rig and while standing in a parking lot amongst the waking city traffic I snapped a few photos.

Peregrine Falcon

Peregrine Falcon

The falcon seemed content to stay perched so I decided to venture off to Rock Cut State Park and do some hiking. The sun was desperately trying to come out so it was a good choice! Birds were much more plentiful than previous outings: Cedar Waxwings, American Robins, and numerous woodpeckers were busy foraging.

Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker

Cedar Waxwing eating a berry
Cedar Waxwing

I was hoping to find one of the resident Pileated Woodpeckers but could only hear one calling and pecking and found what looks like a former nest hole.

Pileated Woodpecker Hole

It felt extremely great to get out, enjoy a bit of sun, and photograph some birds. But I still am anxious for spring!!

2 Comments or Trackbacks   ↓ Jump to add comment ↓

  1. Lana says:

    I think we’re ALL itching for Spring at this point. Unfortunately it’s sleeting here now with sn*w in the forecast (& we may have to go to Arkansas this weekend–I’m dreading it, personally.)
    Awesome on the falcon. They’re such wonderful birds!

    Posted on: February 11, 2010 @ 1:47 pm

  2. Vicki Martin says:

    “The birding display of a lifetime” – The Prairie Chicken Mating Dance, Spring is here, the birds are back on the booming ground! Reserve a private blind today for afternoon or morning viewing. Details at http://www.prairiechickenviewing.com

    Posted on: March 14, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

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