In reply to WendyBartter:
This is the third season I've watched this pair Wendy, and I don't recall this behaviour before. She's normally a brilliant mother, very caring and tender, and always making sure each chick gets its fair share. She and the male also have a very good relationship and work really well together.
There should be a third chick imminently - probably tomorrow - and it will be interesting to see what happens then.
In reply to see gull:
Not been able to watch her today SG but have set recorder in case there's a late meal or changeover!
Should have lot more time tomorrow, she looks very miserable at mo, but it's windy/chilly weather, does that affect them?
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
She does tend to hunker down more in adverse weather Wendy, I guess to better protect her brood.
Was wondering if another hatch in progress looking at position of her wings as if to lift her body up, but she wouldn't let me see
Copyright Sheffield University Peregrine Falcons
Not much peace with these wriggly things underneath but at least Mrs P looks a lot more lively here ... wondered if she was expecting Mr P to bring food but nothing materialised
Feeding now. Still only 2 chicks but a third egg looks well worn.
Was watching the male sitting on the ledge at 16.30 with some prey & this capture shows her looking grim & him rather perplexed as no encouragement seemed to be given regarding feeding chicks
Made of vid of the proceedings, she was not at all receptive of the food & he left with it
Never saw how many chicks there are now & had to go out for a few hours
Hi Wendy there were still only two chicks when I looked in at lunchtime but a third egg was well pitted and worn. Apparently it isn't unusual for some of the eggs not to hatch, but there is still time.
On the positive side, the male delivered a pigeon just before 1pm and she happily broke it up and fed both chicks and herself. It was lovely to see her pick out the tender morsels for her babies and swallow down the less desirable lumps for herself. They really are lovely birds and incredible parents.
Thanks for that info SG, maybe she just wasn't hungry when I was watching & have I imagined the aggressive attitude? ... still a learner you know!
A pleasure to post this vid (by kind permission of Doggie) of a successful earlier feeding session & those two chicks are a delight to see ... what a relief after what I've been seeing this past couple of days