CAN YOU FEEL A LURKING PRESENCE OVER YOUR SHOULDER? CAN YOU SENSE A STEELY LOOK BARING DOWN ON YOU UPON HIGH? IT COULD BE BECAUSE COVENTRY’S PEREGRINE FALCONS ARE UP IN THE SKY OR NESTING IN NEARBY BUILDINGS READY TO POUNCE UPON THEIR PREY. BUT DON’T WORRY, AS LONG AS YOU’RE NOT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING…
Usually positioning themselves on high cliff ledges or quarry faces, Peregrines have now also begun nesting in tall man-made structures – such as the George Elliot building – during their stay in Coventry.
When discussing the avian food chain, the Peregrine Falcon is right up there. They’re not afraid of anyone really, but there are many – unfortunately – smaller birds that might want to think twice before making any sudden movements now the falcons have nested.
So, if you see any of the following birds flying past your head at high speed, you can probably guess they’ll be a Peregrin following closely..
GROUSE
Probably most Famous (see what I did there) for it’s long-standing appearance on the front of the Famous Grouse bottle – the average grouse’s built heavily like a chicken…but according to the Peregrines they don’t taste the same!
PIGEONS
Known best by city dwellers and park bench perchers – the standard pigeon is sometimes deemed a bit of a nuisance – however to the Peregrin Falcon these prey offer themselves up in flocks. So a pretty easy meal all in all…sadly for the pigeons that is.
PTARMIGAN
The Ptarmigan is a curious creature, flaunting a mixed coat of browns, greys and black on the back, with white bellies and wings. However as the winter draws in their coats miraculously alter to a shimmering white colour all over – nice try – but the Peregrine will still probably spot you!
WATERFOWL
I guess at least if a Peregrine tries to nab a duck or a swan in front of you you’ll be made aware of it by the awful splash it’ll make – Plus you can imagine the awful noise two birds that size would make attacking one another!
MOURNING DOVES
These beautiful creatures are the leading game-bird, with over 20 million birds being shot annually in the US alone. They are also good game for the Peregrine if it’s unlucky enough to find itself in ones crosshairs.
These little chirpers are very much in the Peregrine’s sights. Make sure you stay out of their way.