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Peregrines
in the City
by Steve Botham
____________________________________________________
Posted: 29th June 2007
Peregrine nest site -
Lincoln Cathedral
Photo: Steve Botham |
Peregrine
falcons are the fastest birds in the world. When they dive after prey they can zoom through the sky at speeds
of over 200mph. They're birds normally associated with rugged sea cliffs or quarries, but in recent years they are
increasingly seen in cities and urban environments, like these ones nesting on Lincoln Cathedral this week.
The photo above shows the nest site. The red circle on the left shows the place where a pair of Peregrines successfully raised three chicks this month. The window ledges
are similar to the rock faces these birds would normally nest on in more
natural landscapes.
The red circle on the right hand side shows where a nest box was placed on the window ledge for the birds. Needless to say they completely ignored it.
One of the juveniles
Photo: Steve Botham
One of the Cathedral
adults hunting
Photo: Steve Botham |
In the 1950's and 60's, the peregrine population crashed, due to the use of
organochlorine pesticides in agriculture. These chemicals built up through the food chain, causing breeding failures among peregrines. Now, thanks to the banning of these pesticides
numbers are on the up. The UK population is now estimated to be about twenty five per cent of the total European population.
If you're visiting Lincoln this month keep an eye open for the birds. All
three chicks have now fledged, and with five peregrines buzzing around the
Cathedral it's quite a show. Their hunting skills and speed on the wing are breathtaking.
While you're in Lincolncolnshire take a look at the rare Montagu's Harriers which are breeding at
Digby Fen, just up the road from Digby Village, near Sleaford. The RSPB has opened a watch point there which will be active until the end of August (cost two quid a car). It's well inland which is also unusual. The site is well
sign posted off the A17.
UPDATE JULY 2008
The peregrines bred on the side of main tower again this year and raised three
new chicks.
UK Safari News
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