Quick Answer
Yes, there are falcons found in the Richmond, Virginia area. The most common falcon species seen in Richmond are the American kestrel and peregrine falcon. Though less common, other falcons like the merlin and sharp-shinned hawk can also be spotted in the region. Richmond provides good habitat for falcons due to its mix of urban buildings, open fields, and proximity to the James River. Falcon populations have rebounded in recent decades thanks to conservation efforts. Birdwatchers have a good chance of spotting a falcon or two around Richmond if they know where to look.
Overview of Falcon Species in Richmond, VA
Here is an overview of the main falcon species found around Richmond:
American Kestrel
The American kestrel (Falco sparverius) is the smallest and most common falcon in North America. About the size of a mourning dove, these colorful raptors are a familiar sight in Richmond and can be found year-round in the area. Male kestrels have blue-gray wings and rusty red backs and tails, while females have brown wings and striped belly bands. Kestrels hunt small mammals, insects, and birds from perches or while hovering. In Richmond they nest in tree cavities or man-made nest boxes.
Peregrine Falcon
Now recovered after nearing extinction, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are occasional nesters and migrants through Richmond. They are crow-sized, slate blue-gray birds with thick mustaches that can attain speeds over 200 mph in their dramatic stoops or dives. Peregrines nest on cliffs and increasingly on city buildings and bridges. Several have nested on downtown Richmond high-rises and the Robert E. Lee Bridge. The species preys primarily on birds captured in flight.
Merlin
The merlin (Falco columbarius) is an uncommon but regular winter visitor and passage migrant through Richmond. This small, energetic falcon feeds on small birds often captured in mid-air. Merlins average 9-12 inches in length and fluctuate between a streaky brown and slate gray appearance. During migration they can turn up anywhere but favor open habitats.
Sharp-shinned Hawk
Though not a true falcon, the sharp-shinned hawk (Accipiter striatus) belongs to a related group of hawks known as accipiters. About the size of a mourning dove, sharp-shins are bold predators of smaller birds that migrate through Richmond each fall and winter. They have gray upperparts and rusty bars on their underparts and can be confused with Cooper’s hawks.
Best Places to See Falcons in Richmond
Here are some top sites in the Richmond area to spot falcons:
Downtown Richmond
Downtown Richmond’s tall buildings often host nesting peregrine falcons and provide hunting perches for migrating species like the merlin. The riverfront near the James also attracts hunting falcons. Check the skyscrapers along East Main Street and East Cary Street. The Federal Reserve Building and Riverfront Plaza are known eyries or nest sites.
Maymont Park
This 100-acre historical estate features open lawns, gardens, and woodlands bordering the James River. A resident pair of red-shouldered hawks often draws in migrating sharp-shinned hawks while kestrels hunt the meadows year-round.
Belle Isle
Located in the James River, this scenic 54-acre island is a great place to spot hunting peregrine falcons along its steep cliffs. Migrating falcons like the merlin also course over the river and open fields of this city park.
James River Park System
Richmond’s expansive riverfront park provides ample habitat for falcons along its trails and waterways. Check the forests and fields for kestrels and watch for peregrines stooping at waterbirds from the pedestrian bridges crossing the river.
Pony Pasture Rapids
Found within the James River Park System, the open vistas, rapids, and trails here attract diverse raptors like peregrine falcons and migrating sharp-shins. The varied terrain offers good hunting opportunities.
Varina Landing
Found downriver near the Henricus Historical Park, this boat landing set amid fields and bluffs is a good spot for spotting falcons like kestrels and merlins hunting the river corridor.
Retaining walls & highways
Don’t overlook retaining walls, sound barriers, highways, and overpasses around the city, as they provide hunting perches for American kestrels. The falcons scan for prey in the grassy rights-of-way.
Best Times to See Falcons in Richmond
While some falcons are year-round residents, viewing is often best during the fall or winter when migrant raptors pass through Richmond.
Here are some of the top times to spot falcons:
Fall Migration
Late September through November sees the most falcon diversity as migrants like merlins and sharp-shinned hawks arrive. Kestrels are also very active and vocal during the fall. Focus on parks and rivers.
Winter
December through February host all the migratory falcon species as they winter in central Virginia. Check rivers, lakes, and open fields on colder days when raptors concentrate prey.
Nesting Season
Though nests can be difficult to access, February through July are good times to watch nesting falcons like peregrines on city buildings and kestrels in parks. Adults will work to provision young.
Falcon Conservation
Here’s an overview of conservation and threats facing Richmond’s falcons:
Past Declines
Falcon populations severely declined during the mid-1900s due to DDT pesticide poisoning and habitat loss. Peregrines were even extirpated east of the Mississippi by 1970. Kestrel numbers also fell with farmland conversions.
Protected Status
With protections including the 1972 banning of DDT and the Endangered Species Act, peregrines and kestrels have rebounded significantly, though threats continue.
Ongoing Threats
Habitat development, vehicle strikes, illegal shooting, nest disturbances, and climate change remain concerns. Maintaining healthy river and park habitats is key.
Citizen Monitoring
Falcon researchers and birders help monitor nests and populations. Contact the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to assist. Avoiding nest disturbances is critical.
Ways to Help
Supporting urban green spaces, donating to research, properly disposing of pesticides, and keeping cats indoors helps protect falcons. Educating others and providing nest boxes also assists kestrels.
Falcon Facts and Biology
Here is some key information about the different falcons’ traits and ecology:
Unique Adaptations
– Sharp talons and curved beaks perfect for tearing prey
– Exceptional eyesight to spot prey from afar
– Aerodynamic bodies and long, pointed wings for speed and agility
– Strong shoulders and wing muscles to power swift flight
Diet
– Feed mostly on birds and small mammals like songbirds, pigeons, bats, squirrels, and mice
– Hunt prey in flight or snatch from vegetation while diving swiftly from above
Breeding
– Nest on cliffs, trees, ledges, and increasingly man-made structures
– Lay 3-5 eggs in a scrape nest lined with debris
– Young fledge from nests after 5-7 weeks
Migration
– Some species like peregrines stay put, while others migrate annually
– Migrants like the merlin fly south for the winter from as far as Canada
– Stopover along coasts, ridges, and open habitats during migration
Conclusion
Richmond’s mix of urban, field, and river habitats support a variety of falcon species year-round and seasonally during migration. The American kestrel and peregrine falcon are relative fixtures around the city that birders have a decent chance of observing, especially around downtown buildings, parks, and the James River corridor. With a bit of practice identifying their silhouettes in flight and awareness of the best viewing spots, locating one of Richmond’s falcons can provide a thrilling wildlife experience and opportunity to connect with these dynamic raptors.
Falcon Species | Characteristics | Habitat |
---|---|---|
American Kestrel | – Small falcon 9-12 inches long – Colorful reddish back and tail – Hunts from perches and by hovering |
Fields, meadows, suburban areas |
Peregrine Falcon | – Crow-sized with blue-gray back – Fastest animal on Earth in dive – Nests on tall cliffs and buildings |
Cities, cliffs, bridges, rivers |
Merlin | – Compact falcon with streaked brown back – Migrates annually through region – Feeds on small birds |
Open habitats, parks, rivers |
Best Viewing Sites | Notable Features |
---|---|
Downtown Richmond | – Nesting peregrines on skyscrapers – Migrating merlins and kestrels |
James River Park | – River and forest habitat – Peregrines stooping from bridges |
Belle Isle | – Peregrines and migrants along cliffs |