Peregrine Falcons and a Stealth Bomber in Easton ~ February 27, 2021

I made a stop at the "Forks of the Delaware" in Easton this afternoon and found out that the rivers had risen enough to submerge the island at the confluence that the gulls like to rest on, so all of the gulls seen were 'fly-by's. I looked for the Long-tailed Duck that had been seen there for about a week, but couldn't spot it. Suddenly, I noticed a Peregrine Falcon zoom by with prey in its talons. It was a good-sized bird, probably a female.

Peregrine Falcon with prey

It eventually landed on a building in Easton where I watched through the scope and saw feathers fly as it ripped apart its catch. Soon after, what appeared to be the male Peregrine came flying over from the New Jersey side of the Delaware.

Male Peregrine Falcon

The male flew off to the west while the female finished her meal. After that excitement, a Turkey Vulture with no tail came soaring by with several others. It looked like a Stealth Bomber and seemed unimpaired by its missing parts. I had seen it a few days before, but I wasn't able to get a photo of it then.

Turkey Vulture with no tail

So, even though the potential gull search was a bust, it turned into a really interesting afternoon.

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