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 ’HOODIES’ ROAMING CITY CENTRES
By Emily Beament, PA Environment Correspondent
The sight of a different kind of “hoodie� is becoming increasingly common in the UK’s 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 Manchester’s Exchange Square through the RSPB’s Aren’t Birds Brilliant (Abb!) scheme.
The scheme, being run in a number of areas including eight urban settings, will use “nestcams�, 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 - they’re high, safe and with plenty of food in the surrounding area.
Gemma Rogers, of the RSPB, said: “More and more people are now seeing peregrines whilst walking to work or doing their shopping.
“Their 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.�
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: “It’s not just the speed and presence of peregrines that make them so special, it’s the story they tell.
“Conservation really works - we mustn’t ever forget how rare these birds became.
“Generations of conservationists have helped this special bird recover but yet, even now, birds of prey are at real threat of illegal persecution.�
He said peregrines, along with golden eagles, red kites and hen harriers were at risk of persecution by humans because of “intolerance� 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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Myra wrote...
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.
Posted by: Myra | April 1, 2008 4:44 PM