The Local Peregrines

A rather exciting time was had this afternoon, and surprisingly close to home.

We have confirmed the location of a Peregrine Falcon eyrie, and both adults were regularly showing well, flying overhead and perched near the chicks.


One of the adults was being exceptionally vocal- and both were most happy to dive bomb the nearby corvids, who just screamed back at them!





Not sure which crop I prefer, no doubt I will remove one of these in the near future.



A number of perches are evident, with some looking more comfortable than others!

This shall obviously be a site for regular visits, although there may be limitations on site access (safety) in the evenings, which may rule out weekday visits.

Sunny afternoon at The Hawk Conservancy Trust

A very warm day at The Hawk Conservancy Trust, but providing plenty of good photographic opportunities.

One recurring theme was the male Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus) (half of the wild pair who nest every year to the side of Reg's Wild Flower Meadow in a 'barn owl' nest box...) who was defending his territory no matter who he considered to be intruding.


The male about to stoop upon the unsuspecting prey...


...who turns out to be "Othello" the African Fish Eagle...


...and then a wild Red Kite (Milvus Milvus).



I was quite pleased with this (either "Test" or "Avon", the most common Barn Owls (Tyto Alba) flown at the trust)


"Achilles" the Little Owl behaved himself for a while


"Troy" the rescued Tawny Owl (Strix Aluco) was also reasonably proficient


and it was pleasant to see the bluebells out, despite their best condition being long gone!

6th May 2010 - Southsea

After the obligatory visit to the polling station, we took a turn along the promenade that is the seafront: hoping my friends had not yet departed for more northern climes.


The tide was right in, but sure enough- the Purple Sandpipers (Calidris Maritima) were still around, although only 8 seen.


As the tide headed out they began to hunt around in the freshly revealed weed...


Allowing the 300/2.8 to demonstrate performance- and very pleased I was too.


And the dozens of Crows (Corvus Corone) taking a break on the common were too good to miss on the way back.

5th May 2010 - Farlington

Last night we took a gentle walk at Farlington, with a few moderate successes.

A first proper airing of the 300/2.8, with pleasing results- although am looking forward to retiring this ballhead, for large telephoto work at least.


A number of Little Egrets (Egretta Garzetta) were about, with a few flying gently by in range.


This Common Tern (Sterna Hirundo) kept fishing along the same stretch, creating a silhouette against the setting sun.


...and a first for us- this Shoveller (Anas Clypeata) loitering in the distance.


But it would be wrong to not comment on the female Lapwing (Vanellus Vanellus) with her pair of chicks. Anything that breathed near them was chased off- except when she disappeared for a while!