Welcome to the Bird Blog
Portland is fortunate to have the world’s fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon, nesting on many of our local bridges. During the past week young peregrines have fledged (taken their first flights) at several of these sites.
Young Peregrine Falcons beneath Fremont Bridge (June 2008) ©Sallinger
Welcome to the Audubon Society of Portland “Bird Blog.” We plan to use this forum to provide you with information about great local wildlife viewing opportunities, breaking conservation news and opportunities to protect birds and other wildlife in your backyards and beyond. Check back often—much of what we post on this blog will be fleeting opportunities. If you have comments, questions or ideas about topics we have or should cover on the Bird Blog, please send them to Bob Sallinger at bsallinger@audubonportland.org
June 11, 2008
Great opportunities to see Peregrine Falcons learning to fly in downtown Portland!
Portland is fortunate to have the world’s fastest bird, the Peregrine Falcon, nesting on many of our local bridges. During the past week young peregrines have fledged (taken their first flights) at several of these sites. The viewing will be spectacular and the falcons easy to spot over the next couple of weeks as they practice their flying and hunting skills. The best viewing opportunities include:
- Saint John’s Bridge: View from Cathedral Park
- Fremont Bridge: View from Willamette Greenway on West Side of River beneath Bridge on Front Avenue
- Marquam Bridge: View from Springwater Trail behind OMSI
Young peregrines will often dogfight with each other and chase just about any bird the wanders into the area. Their parents will also be very active hunting to provide food for their young and increasingly energetic youngsters.
