Peregrine

Occasionally an opportunity seems to present itself from nowhere that is so unbelievably convenient and yet special that it is easy to become immersed and intertwined into the lives of the subject. We became aware of a Peregrine family using the local church (outside our bedroom window) as a plucking post, stripping down pigeons before taking them to the nest which was high on another building about a further 1/2 mile away.

I scoped the nest from a distance and could see two large young and one smaller chick. With time the adults brought the youngsters to the plucking ledge on the church which enabled me to spend some time working out the best spots depending on light and which ledge they would choose. Several dead pigeons later and I was enraptured by these magnificent falcons, literally on my door step. Some mornings they would wake us up screaming as they brought in a new kill as early as five in the morning

A kill would be brought in and one of the two youngsters would fly up and take it from the female and bring it down for consumption. By early August the two bigger juveniles left, but to my delight and relief the female continued to bring in food to the 'runt' and over time he moved to the plucking site. As he was smaller and weaker he couldn't take the kills as high up the church which meant I could now try and get some shots. The time spent in the previous months was now invaluable as I knew where I could go without disturbing him. I agreed access to a higher location with one of the local restaurants (up their fire escape) and whiled away many afternoons and evenings waiting and watching these wonderful birds.

Alas, it's hard not to become attached and the day finally came when this last, weak Peregrine went out and caught his own Pigeon. My hair was standing on end in the excitement when he brought home the kill - panting and barely with the energy to pluck the prey. It was a bittersweet moment because I knew that he would be away soon, but I was utterly delighted that three Peregrines had fledged and I had the privilege to share this with the Peregrine family - occasionally with a beer in one hand!

Thanks for reading all that!

1/200s, 500mm + 1.4x, f6.3, IS400

Lots of images over the weeks on the blog

http://ebirder.net/blog.aspx

Well done, you've obviously put a lot of time and effort into this project
Good work.

Geoff.

Hi Marcus, I know exactly how you feel. On the rare occasions I have witnessed events like this, the taking of pictures often becomes of secondary importance! Luckily you have managed to do both. Look forward to seeing some more.

Scott

Fantastic experience, with an excellent shot as a result of your fieldcraft.

Wonderful tale, wonderful shot.

Great tale, fantastic experience, and a 'natural' background that you don't see very often.

David

Enjoyed reading the story and a great shot

an interesting read and I'm sure we can all relate to your excitement. It must have felt like a real privilege to experience a brood growing up like this and you've got a very nice image as a bonus.

Matt

Hi Marcus

Thanks for the background on the image - as so many of our Peregrines now nest and hunt in our towns and cities it is very much a bird in it's natural habitat. I would like to have seen it showing even more of the church. That said still a nice image.

David

What a great time you are having here Marcus, what an honour for you to witness this amazing bird so close,good luck

Hi Marcus,

Great way to spend the Summer isnt it !! . I love Peregrine's and could watch them all day, thanks for sharing a great story and a superb image.

Regards

Rob