Despite recent poor hunting conditions for the adults, the peregrine chicks continue to grow at an exceptional rate!

This is thanks to the hard work of the adults who are bringing in a large and varied selection of prey.

On Thursday the falcon (female) nicked a starling from the tiercel (male) who had just returned to the eyrie (nest) from a successful hunting trip. Despite being stripped of his prize he continued with his normal routine of wandering up to the chicks. Their expectant cries appeared to confuse him, so he flew off and the falcon began feeding the chicks with the prey she had pinched.

This appears to be a common problem for the tiercel, with the female stealing his hard earned prey at least once each day.

Also on the menu are pigeons and blackbirds. This high protein diet allows the chicks to grow from day to day. It’s hard to imagine that they will be transformed from white bundles of fluff to lean efficient hunters in just a few weeks.

Bye for now,

Rhian – Seasonal Ranger