Stu, don't worry about that muppet. Any issues with him, let me know and I'll sort him out. No problem.
Ha I guessed that,lmao,but mate, apology was deserved and it wouldn't matter who it was,if I'm in the wrong I'll own that,it's how I am in life I'm no different on this ruddy machine
. .To be fair the best example of a muppet is actually sat here kiddo,Ade's been very kind with his time and thoughts to a total stranger (me) so I'm going to bow out a bit on this one,I've dug meself a big enough hole already!!!
To the matter in hand:
Guy's we are midlands based at the foot of the Cotswold escarpment,we oft go up there taking pictures. A couple of weeks or so back we spotted some great action between a Kez Buzzard and a couple of kites,but too far from the road for any meaningful pictures. So duly we sought out the farmer told him something about us and our passion for wildlife and blurry pictures and asked for permission. Mr Farmer was very kind gave us permission said come back anytime,again I asked the question to yield said answer(farmers always appreciate us being polite and asking,even a complete scruffbag dressed in camo like me,do ask one simply doesn't know where it might lead,as in this particular case). Unfortunately all the birds of prey had moved on, once we got back,so after a goodly while we made our way back to the car,to be instantly quizzed by another guy. We explained we had just that morning got permission,mentioned the farmer's name and the guy was cool. He then set about telling us some wonderful local info. Part of that info was a regular breeding site of peregrines,actually a place I know and have always muttered what a cracking place that would be for them to breed.Not only that but a barn owl site another farmer to ring relating to that,jees it's always worth just asking for permission.
My knowledge with regards to Peregrines and nest sites and photography is lacking. My first priority is da birdz,wellfare. Obviously we are talking next year now,but I thought why not start the ball rolling and try and gain some knowledge now. So that's why I asked Ade for help and advice and that is why this thread is here. I've been lurking a long time here and felt Ade not only had some obvious experience to draw on ,but very important to me felt the same way as me about not disturbing them.
I'm going to be a bit cagey here in that I'm not terribly keen on specifying any site details,I guess I worry for the birds,it's not so much selfishness just due caution. This is the predominant reason I asked Ade in private too. I do know of another site,it's known on fora, and we have seen the family at some considerable distance I might add. Ade mentioned observing and looking for favourite perches etc which he has illustrated above and already I can almost see a tie in to the site where we have seen fledglings,I say almost because I am very unsure if i'm reading things correct. I have a long history with birds and have worked with them,but never birds of prey,mainly poultry wildfowl and the like and have been bumbling about in the countryside since a kid like to many of us here I guess. So I have somethings to draw on with fieldcraft and bird behaviour,which I suppose are at a much higher level than my togging or computer skills for that matter.
Ade ,both parents are pictured on ash any significance? The date on the female says Stu'sday
the fella a bit later any preference for bare tress buddy,obviously buds haven't broken too early,do they still favour the same perches once the trees are in leaf.Of course not knowing the site it might be impossible to be sure once the buds have broken The ones we saw were actually favouring a dead tree,but it's scant info to base anything on ,one lucky chance, just curiosity on my part really..
Ade that's all I have at this time,i'm wasted from trying to earn a crust at price rates without having yet aquired properly the skillset I need, hopefully I'll come back with more in time. But at least i've got something out to you,sorry it's not more.
take care both
Stu
Solitary sentry by wildlifenorthwest.co.uk, on Flickr
Peregrine April 1 by wildlifenorthwest.co.uk, on Flickr
Peregrine juvenile 6 June 14th by wildlifenorthwest.co.uk, on Flickr
Peregrine Family June 14th by wildlifenorthwest.co.uk, on Flickr
