Peregrine Falcons

[PeterD]

The Peregrine Falcons have arrived back at their nesting site again two weeks ago. They have used this nest site for the last 4 years.


The male uses the electricity pylon as a lookout.


The female was also on the pylon when they first arrived. When she is hungry, she called out and the male dutifully flew off to catch birds for her.


She flew over to the nest site and waited.
When the male returned, he called out and she joined in. The male then flew up to the nest site to drop off a bird it had caught.


After dropping off her meal, he flies off back to the pylon and she screams out her thanks (I think).


The size difference between the male and female is obvious in this image.

These images were taken over more than one day but have been compiled to illustrate the story.

Comments etc welcome as always.

[Ian]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A lovely set of images, Peter. I like the documentary style and I think I learned a lot about these beautiful birds. Many thanks! (Sorry the 'thank you' function doesn't currently work here on DPNow).

Cheers,

Ian

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A lovely set of images, Peter. I like the documentary style and I think I learned a lot about these beautiful birds. Many thanks! (Sorry the 'thank you' function doesn't currently work here on DPNow).

Cheers,

Ian

Thank you Ian. Your kind comments mean a lot to me.

[Pol]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A wonderful series, Peter. I love the way you capture and present these very informative, educational sequences.

All of them good, clear shots too.

Pol

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A wonderful series, Peter. I love the way you capture and present these very informative, educational sequences.

All of them good, clear shots too.

Pol

Thank you Pol for your very kind comments which are, as always, greatly appreciated.

A camera is such a wonderful tool to learn about what is around us.

[Barr1e]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

Super set Peter, I'm quite jealous of your situation.

Keep them coming.

Regards. Barr1e

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

Super set Peter, I'm quite jealous of your situation.

Keep them coming.

Regards. Barr1e

Thank you Barr1e.

You could always come down here for a visit

[Pops]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A real pleasure to see these. Good of you to put the sequence together

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons

A real pleasure to see these. Good of you to put the sequence together

Thank you Pops, glad you like them

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons - Update 31 March 2011

The Peregrine have settled down completely following the disturbance when they first arrived. They are still spending a lot of time on the pylon but the breeding activity is now in full swing.



They have a 'larder' where they place and eat their prey. This is a ledge on the cliff face.



Note the feathers surrounding the Peregrine.

I shall keep this thread going throughout the breeding season by posting updates.

Comments etc welcome as always.

[Pol]

Re: Peregrine Falcons - Update 31 March 2011

Note the feathers surrounding the Peregrine.

I shall keep this thread going throughout the breeding season by posting updates.

Comments etc welcome as always.

This is all so fascinating, something I'd never have the chance to see if you weren't photographing and sharing so thanks for that!

Why are all those feathers surrounding the bird?

Pol

[PeterD]

Re: Peregrine Falcons - Update 31 March 2011

This is all so fascinating, something I'd never have the chance to see if you weren't photographing and sharing so thanks for that!

Why are all those feathers surrounding the bird?

Pol

Thanks for your reply Pol

I am afraid to say that they are the feathers of the birds captured and eaten by the Peregrine. They capture their prey in-flight and I believe hold the bird world record for speed and agility in flight. They normally catch pigeon and other similar sized birds.

[Pol]

Re: Peregrine Falcons - Update 31 March 2011

Thanks for your reply Pol

I am afraid to say that they are the feathers of the birds captured and eaten by the Peregrine. They capture their prey in-flight and I believe hold the bird world record for speed and agility in flight. They normally catch pigeon and other similar sized birds.

Thanks for the explanation.

I should've guessed about those feathers, wasn't thinking it through properly!

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I have to admit I won't be losing any sleep over the loss of a few more feral pigeons.

Pol