[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

Peregrine Falcon, Downtown Columbia, SC



This afternoon (Sunday, December 14) my daughter, Rachel, found an immature
Peregrine Falcon on the western ledge of the top of the Affinity Building in
downtown Columbia. We watched him for two hours.

To find him, I recommend that you find a parking place on the western
(downhill) side of Assembly Street somewhere on or near Gervais Street. The
Affinity Building is the tallest building in Columbia and is just across
Gervais Street from the Statehouse (you know, with the flag and everything).
Public parking is available at the corner of Assemby and Washington Streets
and along Assembly Street itself. There might be Martin Luther King Day
activities nearby if you come to see him Monday. You'll need a scope.

I first saw the bird on Wednesday as he flew past the window of my
10th-floor office in the First Union Building. I did not have a chance to
try to find him until this afternoon, and the view on Wednesday left me
excited but not totally convinced of what I'd seen.

Rachel and I had watched him for only about five minutes when we were
disappointed to see him fly off. But to our amazement the reason he flew off
was to catch a mockingbird in mid-flight high above the Strom Thurmond
Federal Building. He spent the rest of the afternoon eating his catch.

We were able to see a band but could not make out the number. He appears to
be a good-looking immature (belly showed well-defined streaking and a tan
wash but a chocolate-brown back and a somewhat splotchy head and nape).

I think this is the first Peregrine seen in Columbia in about 20 years, but
I'd love to hear if I'm wrong.

I'm working Monday, but call me if you're conming and maybe I can set up my
scope.

Bob Wood
2421 Owl Circle
West Columbia, SC 29169
H: (803) 791-3833
W: (803) 771-7900
bobwood@ix.netcom.com