There was a surprise at the nest site on Saturday, one of our keen volunteers spotted a third peregrine appear near the nest site and then flew on down the gorge. The falcon was sitting in the oak tree calling and making a right racket to warn off the intruder.

A couple of hours later the tiercel was sitting in the tall pine tree and suddenly the third female peregrine swooped past him and started calling. Then, ten minutes later the intruder flew around the gorge circling the nest site and then carried on downstream. The falcon was quite wary on the eyrie. We think it could be a juvenile from last year being a little inquisitive and checking out what was happening at her old home or another peregrine trying to find a new territory.

Well, that was the excitement from the nest site over the past couple of days. We will keep you updated on the progress of our resident pair of peregrines, is a fourth egg on the way?

Tom – Species Protection Officer