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Thursday 29 February 2024

This is how it all ended

Well you saw how it all started well this is how it all ended. Well almost, in fact later in the year I found the nest just a short distance away.
There were two youngsters in it. I watched them grow until the day they took to the wing.

A pair of handsome young peregrines. I only wish I was fit enough to visit the site this year.

 

Tuesday 27 February 2024

Friendly peregrines

I was watching a peregrine high in a tree when it was joined by another and to my surprise they became very friendly.
They started to make a lot of fuss of each other. 
I had witnessed the start of a pairing. they were two young birds that eventually mated and produced a family. I shall check in the next couple of weeks to see if they are still together.

This happened two years ago.


 

Thursday 15 February 2024

Peregrines at play

Although peregrines sit around much of the time when they move they become extremely active.
This one I  estimated to be doing about 80mph.
They love play fighting and are often seen scrapping in the air.
This one is for adults only.




 I have seen as many as five birds playing together. This activity can go on for hours.

Wednesday 7 February 2024

Peregrine nest

As I promised here is some more nest shots. 
As you can see the youngsters were quite happy with my presence.
This pair are from an earlier brood of a previous year.
The  youngsters would wander around the nest ledge the other side of the ravine from me.
One visit Dad landed just a few metres behind me on my side of the ravine I grabbed this shot before he realised I was there.
They often flew close over my head. These photo's were taken a few years ago but I understand the site is still in use.
 

Tuesday 6 February 2024

Welsh peregrines

Having made many trips to Wales over about 25 years I learned of many nest sites. This was my favourite hidden in the Elan valley. A river runs through a deep gulley in the side of a mountain and on one side was a nest. It was possible to get within 20m across the river, ideal for the camera. The birds soon got used to my presence and enabled me to get good pictures.
I spent many hours watching these birds dashing past.
They flew over my head and soon got used to me.
It all went well during the winter months and the birds got to ignore me.

 The nest was about 20m below this perched bird so you can see why I visited the spot many times.

More to follow.

Saturday 3 February 2024

Chichester Cathedral

Selection of perches favoured by the peregrines of Chichester Cathedral.
They can be seen clearly during daylight hours
The courtyards are open to the public so photography is unlimited.
Visitors are most welcome and one can sit and enjoy a cuppa whilst watching the birds.




Well worth a visit even on a rainy day.
 

Mike Attwood - Photographer

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About Me

My photo
Evacuated during the second world war to a village in Yorkshire where I lived in the home of a good photographer for more than five years who taught me the basics and a great deal about nature. Well past retirement age I have been a wildlife photographer for more than 30 years. Red Kites have been my speciality for much of this period. I did spend several years snapping wheelchair athletes and organizing the British Road Race Championship. In the year 2000 I was awarded a distinction by the Royal Photographic Society for my portfolio on wheelchair athletes. Most of my pics are digital, using Sony cameras and Sigma lenses. I used to spend many weeks each year with friends in Wales which is close to the Elan Valleys where I got many of my raptor pics. I now get these pictures more closely to home, specially red kites and peregrines. I support my pension by selling my pics, cards, coasters, fridge magnets and key rings etc. at craft fairs, something I wish I had done much earlier in life. I give illustrated talks to clubs and societies on wildlife and other branches of photography that I have been involved in.