Meant to stick this on yesterday, prompted by the news from Bazzo that the Peregrines are getting mighty frisky round the gasometer in Southport again.
How knows, maybe they'll have another crack at breeding this year?
Anywhere, there's a Press Association take on the state of the coutnry's Peregrine population.
"Hoodies" indeed....
The superb picture is courtesy of Steve Knell/RSPB/PA Wire
Although I have to say that I think that the Peregrine is quite clearly holding its belly in for the sake of appearances - let it all hang out man, you're fast enough as it is!
Here's the PA piece, eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies....
NEW BREED OF âÂÂHOODIESâ ROAMING CITY CENTRES
By Emily Beament, PA Environment Correspondent
The sight of a different kind of âÂÂhoodieâÂ? is becoming increasingly common in the UKâÂÂs city centres - the peregrine falcon, the RSPB said today.
Changing landscapes and increasing numbers of the black-hooded bird of prey has meant peregrines, once associated with cliffs and wild crags, are becoming a regular sight in city skies.
And as the bird heads back to town for the breeding season, city-dwellers are being given the chance to spot it on landmarks such as the Tate Modern and ManchesterâÂÂs Exchange Square through the RSPBâÂÂs ArenâÂÂt Birds Brilliant (Abb!) scheme.
The scheme, being run in a number of areas including eight urban settings, will use âÂÂnestcamsâÂ?, binoculars and telescopes to give people an up-close view of peregrines and their young.
Tall buildings provide the striking bird with the same advantages as the cliffs with which it is traditionally associated - theyâÂÂre high, safe and with plenty of food in the surrounding area.
Gemma Rogers, of the RSPB, said: âÂÂMore and more people are now seeing peregrines whilst walking to work or doing their shopping.
âÂÂTheir speed, appearance and hunting ability are second to none and to think that people can see them whilst going about their daily lives is really exciting.âÂ?
Numbers of the peregrine falcon, which has a black hood and can reach speeds of 100 miles an hour, hit a low of just 360 breeding pairs in the UK in the 1950s.
But they are now on the increase and the RSPB said there were believed to be around 1,500.
Matthew Capper, of the RSPB, said: âÂÂItâÂÂs not just the speed and presence of peregrines that make them so special, itâÂÂs the story they tell.
âÂÂConservation really works - we mustnâÂÂt ever forget how rare these birds became.
âÂÂGenerations of conservationists have helped this special bird recover but yet, even now, birds of prey are at real threat of illegal persecution.âÂ?
He said peregrines, along with golden eagles, red kites and hen harriers were at risk of persecution by humans because of âÂÂintoleranceâÂ? of birds of prey.
The 12 peregrine Abb! schemes will be part of more than 60 projects showing people a range of birds from starlings to white-tailed eagles.
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Hi, My hubby and I really enjoy checking in on your blog every day.
We are regular visitors to Marshside and Ainsdale but can't always get there as often as you can.
We live near Rochdale.
So this message is just a great big thank you for the fab info and photos that you provide to keep us going between visits.
Thank You.
Thanks Myra, glad you like the blog....
Hi John,
Rather odd (for Lathom at least) but when I set off for work yesterday morning there was a duck perched on my neighbour's chimney pot.
I don't think I've ever seen a duck atop a chimney before.
From looking at my books last night, it appeared to have been a Pintail.
Dear John and all birders
Good to see you the other night and hope to meet you sometime before Christmas for a pint.
As I mentioned we have now met a bird guide in Catalunya who is working with Castells de Lleida (our agents for letting Ca la Nuria) in Montclar.
Steve West runs Birding in Spain and lives in Lleida with his Catalan wife and 2 children.
We got to know him through our agent who is very keen to add the promotion of wildlife and habitats to their itineraries which at present involve the castles of the area and cultural activities such as gastronomy and music.
Ramon and Carmen Orpinell have managed the restoration of castles and accommodation, casas rural, for the past 20 years and are a delight to deal with, as is Steve.
Steve has written 'Where the Birds are in North East Spain' which has been on sale at Martin Mere and also 'Flying over the Pyrenees' which is autobiographical and explains how he came to live in the region.
We have been on two trips with Steve and have thoroughly enjoyed both seeing areas that would have been difficult to access without the local knowledge that he has.
This year we visited Los Monegros in Aragon and in May, the drylands of Lleida and Balaguer as well as a superb new wetland reserve which is south or Balaguer. I have written up my bird diary for that trip and will send it at a later date.
He was impressed with the blog so we hope you don't mind if we encourage him to contact you.
As discussed we include the link to his website which is birdinginspain.com.
and the link to our agent for accommodation in the area which is castellsdelleida.com.
We hope this is of interest to your bloggers and if anyone is thinking of visiting Catalunya and Aragon this would be a good place for information.
Please feel free to give our email address for anyone interested in knowing more about the area and its excellent birdlife.
All the best
Alan and Margaret