Reports of peregrine activity in downtown Seattle have slowed dramatically. The last reported sighting of both juveniles was on August 3, when the whole family was in view at one time; the juveniles chased a bird and then chased each other, while the adults perched on their home cliff. This was during a Blue Angels' practice flight in preparation for the annual SeaFair event. On August 8, the juvenile female was sighted flying around clutching a white
pigeon wing; on August 21, her raucous screeches of food begging attracted the attention of an observer at street level. We have had no confirmed reports since. Juveniles in this area disperse randomly, so they could be anywhere, including elsewhere in Seattle.
The adults have been spending time near the nest box and nest ledge, which is typical of late summer and early fall. This "fall courtship" period is believed to be triggered by photoperiod, at the approach of the equinox. They fly together, he brings her food, and they display at the nest box, just as they would during courtship in the spring. Then, as the days get shorter, darker, and wetter, the birds settle into winter.
The adults are past the "ratty" stage of molt and sport bright new feathers. Stewart, in particular, has a rufous tint on his breast and belly that makes him look like a feathered peach, when he's facing the early morning sun.
We have had a few sightings of the adult female at the West Seattle Freeway and scattered reports of an adult at the I-5 Ship Canal Bridge. We believe the latter bird may be the same young female that has been in the area since late last fall; she is now in adult plumage. In the next couple of months, we should see wintering birds arrive and occupy areas that have no peregrines right now. So, we look forward to winter.
