A lone peregrine falcon has been hanging out on the UND water tower since Thursday, but local birdwatcher Dave Lambeth said it's not a member of Grand Forks' resident breeding pair.
"The band color is wrong," he said, referring to identification bands placed around the bird's leg.
Lambeth hasn't been able to get a good picture of the band so the falcon's identity remains a mystery.
"You have to wait for the bird to stretch its leg or scratch (to get a good shot)," he said. With the falcon perched on the top of the water tower, the task is made even more difficult, he said.
It's likely the bird is just passing through and stopped at the water tower for a break before continuing its journey north, he said. "These birds love water towers."
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Peregrine falcons frequently use a water tower on the north end of town for pit stops, according to Lambeth.
Roosevelt and Terminator -- the breeding pair who have raised young on the UND water tower for the past three years -- aren't around to chase off the visitor.
The pair arrived at their nesting site this time last spring, but a late thaw could be behind the delay in their appearance.
Call Jewett at (701) 780-1108; (800) 477-6572, ext. 1108; or send email to bjewett@gfherald.com .
