Proof of peregrines hunting at night

The evidence at last - 100% proof to support Ed's work on on the diet of peregrines, in particular that they hunt birds such as woodcock at night:




Friends Nick Brown and Nick Moyes of the Derby Cathedral Peregrine Project have captured this amazing footage of a peregrine bringing back a live woodcock back to the cathedral at night. More more details available at their blog:
http://derbyperegrines.blogspot.com/

further info on the Swedish-ringed peregrine

Some feedback so far on the young peregrine found in Somerset. It was ringed as a nestling female on the 8th June 2009 at Arvika, Varmland, southern Sweden. She was one of four at the nest. I wonder how many other peregrines here this winter are actually from Scandinavia!!

Swedish-registered ring (you can just make out the name Stockholm as part of the return address) placed on the bird's leg in June this year.Rupert Griffiths, RSPCA, Westhatch

Spring is almost here!

Female Peregrine feeding on a Collared Dove, Bath. Simon Mackie Feb 08

As we edge closer to spring, the Peregrines in Bath will be laying eggs towards the end of the month.

The pair in Bath are frequently near or on the nest box and may be seen calling to each other or mating.

For live footage of the Derby Peregrines check out www.derby.gov.uk/peregrines

Bath Peregrines in winter 2007/08

During autumn 2007 and winter 2008, the pair of Peregrines at St John's Church, Bath have been using the church and nearby buildings daily. One of the young birds that fledged earlier last year has also been using the site.

During the autumn the falcons have been feeding on many different types of birds. Highlights have included a Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus, a Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis, a Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur and at least three Bramblings Fringilla montifringilla. The Manx Shearwater, a young bird only recently fledged from its nest, was far inland from the nearest breeding colony on Lundy Island in the Severn Channel. This was probably a disorientated individual.

The Bath Peregrines will hopefully breed for a third year running in 2008. During late January and throughout February the pair will begin displaying. This will include spectacular flight displays over the city and lots of calling to each other. The young bird from last year may also stay around and help with feeding the chicks. See if you can spot the colour ring (blue with black letters) on its leg.

Left to right: Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus feathers and leg; Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis primary wing feather; Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur wing feathers.