A pair of Peregrine Falcons have nested this season under the Casco Bay Bridge between Portland and South Portland. The birds have apparently been seen regularly from the pier at Thomas Knight Park off of Waterman St in South Portland when they – especially the adult male – roosts under the bridge. I had some errands to run in Portland and SoPo today, so I figured I’d drop by and have a look.

From Knight Park, I spotted the female roosting below the bridge. I decided to stop and ask a bridge employee if he knew anything about the nest. I am certainly glad I did!

As it turns out, the bridge employees have been keeping close eye on the events down below, and a state biologist has monitored the nesting. The gentleman was kind enough to point out to me where the nest was (in a stairwell), and where the youngster has been sitting – which is exactly where she was today. And, apparently, she took her first flight just this very morning!

While I was there, I had a great time watching the fledgling exercise its wings, and stumble around the stairwell, clearly still unsure of itself. It sure didn’t look like the champion flier that she’ll soon become! It was most entertaining watching her try and hold onto the handrail of the stairs, only to continually slide back down. She would scramble back to the top, and slide back down again. I was hoping to see a test flight, but for now a little exercise was all that was called for. Vibration from the traffic, and a gusty northwest wind hampered my digiscoping success, but it was still a great show.

The bridge employee also pointed to where the male (the tiercel) often sits, on a light only about 15 or so feet below the walkway. It apparently has become quite tolerant of the workers – as this is where they step out to smoke - and they often get to observe him closely, as he brings his meals here to eat or break up to bring to his kid. And, on cue, the tiercel soon appears in flight overhead, and glides in to land at his favored spot. No prey on this trip, but this was certainly the closest I have ever been to a Peregrine that I had not caught in a net (for banding purposes)! (These photos were taken through my binoculars).