Bird behaviour's predictable. Right? No. Just like people, birds are always doing odd things. The week before last, I was excitedly relating details of Bert the peregrine who was apparently mating with two females. I wondered how he'd cope trying to feed both females and their young. It appears that prospect daunted Bert too. He's ended his new relationship with a young peregrine he'd courted near Regent's Park and has settled back with Misty, who's now happily incubating some eggs.
London has a growing community of peregrines. They mostly cluster around the Thames, but a pair have broken this habit and settled in Croydon under the watchful eyes of members of one of our local groups. Peregrines are the world's fastest creatures, capable of reaching a speed of 200 miles an hour when diving on prey for food - usually a pigeon in mid-flight.
We'll be showcasing Bert and Misty in July on the Southbank outside the Tate Modern. I'll post times, dates and details here closer to the event.
Right now, we've got staff and volunteers near the boating lake in Regent's Park showcasing herons - oh, and anything else that comes along. These are FREE events where you can have a look at the dinosaur-like herons through our telescopes and find out more about them. Baker Street is the nearest tube station, but do remember to take along a camera and submit any bird snaps to our Mind the Bird photo competition.
Now, April has sprung and the breeding season's upon us. The dawn chorus is rowdy with birds seeking mates, marking territories and just welcoming the rising sun.
They'll be your mates for life if you put out some food to save them exhausting themselves seeking it out. Seed's great. Scraps of unsalty cheese will help as will fruit, cake crumbs or left-over breakfast cereal. Try to avoid bread. This fills their stomachs but doesn't provide a great deal in the way of nutrients or protein. Don't forget clean and regular supplies of water.