I was at Pulborough Brooks reserve the other day, and was thrilled to see a peregrine catch prey for the first time - except that the method used wasn't at all what I'd expected, having read much about the 200 mph "stoop".
I was watching the female peregrine who, seemingly, is around the reserve most days in the winter months, perched in her favourite willow tree on the edge of the Brooks. She made a sortie over a large group of dunlin and lapwing at the nearest pool, which got them all in the air, but didn't catch anything, and returned to the tree for about 15 mins. A couple of pigeons flew past, but she didn't go for them.
Then, she flew off again but immediately, dipped down very low over the wetland. I briefly lost sight of her, but then spotted her on the ground with prey, probably a lapwing. She must have approached at very low level, possibly gliding, to take out a lone bird in the pasture, without alerting the others in the pool only a few feet away, who carried on as if nothing had happened.
She ate her meal on the ground, and was approached several times by crows trying to steal morsels from the table - I couldn't see if they were successful.
Anyone seen similar things? My camera isn't good enough to have photographed this sequence, but I've put a shot of the general scene, plus distant peregrine, in my gallery.
Can't answer your question as I know very little about peregrines! I would have thought though that like any bird of prey (or perdator for that matter) would use whatever technique works best according to surroundings and circumstances! Must have been something to witness! Can see her sitting in that tree in that photo!
Have seen peregrines a few times, mostly in quarries (I do mineral collecting) but they are usually either perched or just flying around. I did once however hear the most extraordinary noise in a disused quarry and looked up to see a peregrine doing one of its famous 'dives'. Never heard a sound like it which was no doubt amplified by the quarry faces!! Shall never forget it!!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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In their normal terrain the prey is thinned out so gaining the hight and speed is needed. On a reserve and especially in winter it is easier just to keep testing the flocks looking out for the weak and injured. I bet it was great Its always a thrill to see, nice one and thanks for sharing.
John
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Hi Sue,
Yes I've seen quite a few peregrines hunting at ground level, more often than seeing the vertical stoop which seems to be reserved for when birds are already in the air and there's plenty of room beneath them. However, to witness the kill itself is pretty rare!
I remember in particular watching a juvenile making a low-level approach at Titchwell years ago. It actually seemed to use the tidal creek as a line of approach to stay hidden until the last second. I didn't even realise the knots were there (down in the saltings) before the peregrine crashed in amongst them and nailed one. The survivors made themselves scarce pretty quickly!
What makes this of special interest is that I retreived the decapitated head of the knot once the peregrine had gone (yes, I know I'm wierd!) and when the skull was cleaned up I discovered the knot may have been suffering some kind of old cranial injury or bone tumour - because the front of the skull above the bill was all swollen and deformed. I always wondered if that knot was marked out of the flock because it was too slow or sick - perhaps it was blinded in one eye?
Thanks for your replies everyone. After a bit of googling, I've found far better photos of this bird than mine - it seems she's pretty much regarded as a member of staff at Pulborough Brooks! There are some at the top of this page:http://www.davidshawwildlife.co.uk/photography/ukGallery/pulborough/gallery.htm
There are some lovely photos on this site, but please respect the photographer's copyright. He runs a separate site about the peregrines of Chichester Cathedral: http://www.chichesterperegrines.co.uk/
I have seen a peregrine catching a pigeon like this at the Tate Modern. Like most predetors they are opportunists. I have just finished reading The Peregrine by J A Baker which is a fantastic read and really sets the scene on how peregrines hunt and live.
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Sue C, we often visit Pullborough Brooks reserve when visiting family and had heard of the resident peregrine but never caught it in action. We have seen peregrine elsewhere catch their prey from both positions (ie. high and low). Still spectacular to witness. Must add, we love the tea rooms at Pullborough and they are a welcome sight on a cold windy day, having spent some time on the reserve. Thanks for the lead to the photographs. They really are excellent.