Photo courtesy of US Fish & Wildlife
Usually at home in the mountains the tall buildings of the city of Winston Salem seem like a good substitution. The hunting is good with plenty of pigeons to feed on the young bird seems very comfortable in the city.
As of earlier his week, the falcon was still hanging out on the top of downtown’s high-rises. It uses the perch to chase after pigeons, starlings and other smaller birds.
Peregrines are considered the fastest creatures on the planet. During their steep hunting dives, the medium-size raptor can reach speeds of nearly 200 mph.
Because of Winston-Salem’s ample population of pigeons, this bird probably hasn’t had any problems finding enough to eat. Haire said he has seen the falcon feeding on pigeons it has hauled back to its roof top perch. But he has yet to see it catch one.
Although peregrines are known to live in cities in the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions, they aren’t residents or even regular visitors of cities here. The closest peregrines spotted in recent years were a nesting pair at Hanging Rock State Park in 2004
It seems birds of prey are finding North Carolina as a place that has suitable habitat for them. They are an important piece in the control of other bird and rodent species to keep their populations in check. Unfortunately from time to time case like the Bald Eagle shooting take place and these masters of flight are taken so we can no longer enjoy observing them. I hope anyone in the Winston Salem area gets the opportunity to get out and see this rare sight.
Additional Links
South East Climbing Webpage on Falcons including areas closed because of Falcon activity.
NC Zoo Info Page on Peregrine Falcon
NC Wildlife Non Game Species – Peregrine PDF Great info on the bird in the state
