Tom Wells, this year’s peregrine officer on the reserve, shares his highlight of the year with the Falls of Clyde Team!

“I would like to say I had complete faith in the 2 young falcons, but when they stood balancing on the edge of the eyrie, flapping their wings I could barely watch! I am so glad I kept my eyes peeled long enough to witness the first flight (however clumsy it may have been…) of one of the youngsters. With some truly awful weather in the spring and knowing the danger peregrine chicks are in from incomprehensible persecution, I was admittedly relieved. Most of all, I felt proud knowing the serious commitment both myself and the volunteers had put in, was all worth it.

Once the eyasses had fledged, I watched with privilege and amazement at their playful nature and observed them at an astonishingly close range, as they chose the peregrine watch site as a playground! Watching the transformation of fluffy chicks to masters of the air so closely, was one of the most rewarding experiences possible.”