Best bird of Prey

Hi Jack, if you don't already know ... my personal favourite is Kestrel!!

I have had the unique opportunity to observe them nesting in the chalk quarry where I live for the past ten years, with their nest hole & telegraph pole, where they eat their prey, opposite my double doors... the most wonderful photographic opportunity since I got my first decent cam four years ago!

They were scared off a couple of years ago & no nest in 2014/5 but have had spasmodic vists & hoping for better things this year!

I love all birds of prey but my preference must go to the osprey due to sheer familiarity.  I started watching the webcams at Loch Garten and Dyfi in 2012 - with every new season I find myself getting a greater appreciation for their characters, their abilities and their sheer likability.  My favourite osprey of all is EJ, the female at Loch Garten - she is such a dominant bird and has so much strength, but she is also very determined and protective.  I really, really hope she makes it back safely this year (she will be 19 this season) and successfully breeds.

Here she is:

Of course I will have to say Peregrine Falcon. This is a photo of me assisting the BTO ringing one of the five chicks from the nest on the rooftop at my place of work back in 2014.

This is Mum, keeping a watchful eye on proceedings.

Fantastic, Monkeycheese!  They are a very special species as well.  Mum must really trust you.

I believe we had a new female last year and they didn't reproduce (as far as we were aware). However, a female arrived on November 19th 2014, which is very early, so we have high hopes for this season as they are acting as a pair.

I'm keeping everything crossed for you and the birds.

Tricky - I haven't seen them all yet (not even the UK species) so it might change. I'll go for Hobbies, watching them hunt and eat dragonflies on the wing is something special.