Exciting news: the first of our young Peregrines has fledged.
A few days earlier than expected, one of the chicks was spotted last night perching below the nest ledge. Today has seen this newly fledged bird flying over Dove Stone rocks and sitting across from the nest ledge feeding on food dropped by one of the adults. There's still lots of calling going on, which you can hear quite loudly from ground level.
We're not sure if this bird is male or female; some studies have shown that males do fly before females. Either way, his or her flight will be getting stronger over the next few days.
Meanwhile, the other chicks continue to stay on the nest ledge and are being fed by the adult birds as well as having food left for them to tear up themselves. There's still a lot of wing flapping going on. These remaining chicks will be fledging soon ; maybe over the next few days so watch this spot. Or better still, come to Dove Stone and see them there. When all the birds have fledged we might be lucky enought to see some hunting games between the young.
It just keeps getting better and better. . .
Brought my student colleagues up to see the peregrines on Thursday. Everyone of them thought the experience was awesome and think the RSPB are doing an excellent job up there.