It would appear that two of the juveniles have now fledged (40 and 44, both males). These had both flown before the last few days of rain, and I had hoped that the young ladies wouldn't be too far behind. I would think they will fly before long.
A number of reasonable photographic opportunities were had, with some successes.
One of the adults flew in just as I headed towards the cathedral cafe for a top up of Earl Grey, but managed a few shots of the landing.
The female arrived back with a meal of fresh racing pigeon (complete with leg rings). One of the young girls spent some time trying to pluck the prey, but further practice is still required. The juvenile visible here on the turret is 40, and clearly excited by the arrival of the next meal.
I always have liked gargoyles, and the peregrines do display so well atop stone pinnacles.
As usually occurs when we have our camera gear setup, many passers by stop to ask what is happening/watched. I have no problem talking to people about the peregrines (so long as I don't get distracted and miss the goings on!), but two people did irritate: "oh for the poor little songbirds that get eaten in my garden" "such cannibals"?!?! "of course I like to eat meat, but these birds shouldn't eat pretty birds"... Of course it is not pleasant for the individual items of prey to be consumed, nor will it be particularly pleasant for their friends and family (or the guardians of the racing pigeons!!), but to have such an opportunity to view nature is such a wonderful event. And don't get me wrong- the pigeons on the cathedral are as much of a joy to watch, and I like to think that the young blackbird we watched hopping across the few remaining gravestones was the offspring of the female blackbird we saw picking beakfuls of worms from the grass on our last visit.
Hopefully we will get to visit the more local birds soon, but on our last visit the young do appear to be a few weeks behind.
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