Peregrine Falcons

[PeterD]

Although these birds are not nesting on the island, they (and their offspring) probably fly overhead. These images are taken at their nest site and, if you would like me to, I shall post updates of this pair on here.

Firstly, I must point out that these birds are protected under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act which means it is a criminal offence to disturb them at their nest site. All photographs that I have taken are from public areas that the birds have accepted the passage of people and do not consider it a threat. A large part of my time over the last couple of weeks was to ensure the act was being followed.

The sequence below was taken over more than one day but I have put them together to compile the story so far.

The birds use a pylon as a perch and lookout. On Monday last week, they were both perched there for a large part of the day.


The male.


The female.

The size difference is very noticeable. The female being about 1/3 bigger than the male. This is more apparent in a later image in this series.
When the female is hungry, she calls out and the male calls out in reply. He then dutifully flies off in search of birds to feed the female. This happens both on the pylon and at the nest site.

The female flies over to the nest site and waits.



The male returns with prey in his talons and calls out.



The female responds.



The male then flies to the nest site......



......drops off he prey and flies back to the pylon.



I think she is saying thank you as the male flies off

Comments etc welcome as always.

Peter
http://www.imageinuk.com

[badger]

Originally Posted by PeterD

...I think she is saying thank you as the male flies off

Comments etc welcome as always.

Peter
http://www.imageinuk.com

Brilliant pics, Peter, thank you very much for this insight into what's going on around us, unseen by me and probably by most of us!

Just one thing though - she's not saying "thank you", she's saying "more, and make it quick OR ELSE ... !".

.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by badger

Brilliant pics, Peter, thank you very much for this insight into what's going on around us, unseen by me and probably by most of us!

Just one thing though - she's not saying "thank you", she's saying "more, and make it quick OR ELSE ... !".

.

Thank you for your reply and comments badger.

[andyw]

I guess this is the Paulsgrove chalkpits pair, Peter?
Good shootin'.

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by andyw

I guess this is the Paulsgrove chalkpits pair, Peter?
Good shootin'.

Good morning Andy, Yes that's the location and thanks for your comments

[peterb]

Great photos!

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by peterb

Great photos!

Thank you Peter for your kind comment

[haylingpete]

Originally Posted by PeterD

Firstly, I must point out that these birds are protected under schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act which means it is a criminal offence to disturb them at their nest site............

That catch all clause often makes me laugh, what about the likes of the Peregrines in Chichester Cathedral, do the congregation have to sing quietly? do they muffle the bells?

Hp



PS. as usual great pictures Peter, (nice name )

[PeterD]

Originally Posted by haylingpete

That catch all clause often makes me laugh, what about the likes of the Peregrines in Chichester Cathedral, do the congregation have to sing quietly? do they muffle the bells?

Hp



PS. as usual great pictures Peter, (nice name )

Thank you HP for your reply and comments.

These birds have become used to people moving about under them. This, I think is their fourth year here. I guess the Peregrine in Chichester have become used to the activities and sound around the church. If either pair were nervous, they would not return each year.

[Merlot]

Now that everybody knows the location, good luck to those watching. Success to the falcons. Thanks for wonderful photos.