I've spent a couple of mornings volunteering with Fish and Wildlife to point
out the peregrine nest to Snoqualmie Falls visitors. Lots of birders and
others who have heard about the nest show up not knowing where to look, so I
thought I'd post some info.



The nest is in a horizontal crack on the rock face to the right of the Falls
as seen from the upper viewing platform. Locate the full-length vertical
crack toward the middle of the face, follow it up almost to the greenery at
the top, then trace left along a slightly downward sloping horizontal crack.
The nest is visible to the naked eye as a gray blob above a green patch.
Binoculars will reveal the two chicks, but a scope is needed for best
observation.



The parent birds are very active now, feeding every couple of hours. When
not feeding or out hunting, they can be spotted perched on the rock face to
the left of the Falls (where there is a very well used prey plucking area)
or hanging out in the trees within attack distance of the nest. One is
always on guard, although sometimes difficult to locate if you don't see a
fly in. They seem to prefer bare branches embedded in dense maple or fir
trees, although the male can sometimes be seen up on a lone snag on the near
bank. They often sit in one spot for up to an hour, making for great photo
opportunities.



The chicks are getting much more lively now, walking along the ledge and
generally engaging in scary behaviors. I think I heard they were hatched
about April 20th. The Ehrlich book says fledging takes 35 to 42 days, so
that would mean they should fly somewhere between May 25 and June 1.



It's well worth a trip up to the Falls to see this very accessible nest. If
you go, please consider offering views through your scope to other visitors
to the Falls. It is a great opportunity to educate the general public about
birds and their behaviors. I've found the "Wows", "Oh mys", and ensuing
conversations very rewarding.



Jan



*****************************

Janet P. Ray

Preston, WA

janetlaura at earthlink.net