My previous trips had been very good for observing and photographing the interactions between the two Peregrine Falcon fledglings. These young birds grow up quickly, so I thought another trip may be worthwhile. It was!
On my walk out, I was saddened and angered to see a fair amount of rubbish that had been left by thoughtless visitors to the National Park. Perhaps left by people who are used to having their mummies clean up after them?
When I arrived at the Peregrine Falcon nest area, at first I could not see any of the birds at all. I had a look at some other possible locations where I have seen them perched in the past, but again, no luck. So I went back to the nest area and waited. After about twenty minutes one of the juveniles turned up. It flew in and landed on one the usual ledges.
About twenty minutes later, one of the parents flew past.
The adult bird disappeared for a while, but soon came back and landed next to the chick.
It had brought some food – what looks like a mouse.
The adult then flew off.
I don’t know if the juvenile has been given a mouse to eat before, because it seemed to be having trouble working out how to eat it.
Not long after, the second juvenile arrived.
It did some nice flying.
And it caught a butterfly.
Then it was joined by its sibling.
Then began a nice flying show – they were diving and following each other, and mock attacks etc.
Then they both landed for a rest.
One of them wanted to have a snooze.
It was interesting to watch what happened – its sibling seemed to show a lot of affection to it.
Then the first one went back to a snooze.
But again i twas disturbed by its sibling.
One seemed keen for some more flying. There was a nice breeze, which made photography hard – it was buffeting my lens and camera a lot. But raptors love flying in these conditions.
Soon, both juveniles were flying together again. They put on an another fantastic show – and this one was a lot longer.
After that they landed for a rest. I used the time to have my lunch. I then located one of the adults –
And later one of the juveniles.
It had been a great session once more. And there are some other birds too – some Rufous Whistlers – seen in different parts of the Park. A male with an insect. It seems to be calling for a female, and the insect is probably a nuptial gift.
And a female – collecting spider web for nest building .
Some times – I arrived around 9 am at the nest area. The juvenile appeared at 9:23. The adult at 9:49. The second juvenile appeared at 9:58. The first flying show was between 10:05 and 10:07, then second between 11:46 and 11:54. I stayed till around 1 pm.