Yesterday afternoon, after the Mountain Rescue Team had left the top of the tower, our two adult birds returned to the nest ledge on the east side of the tower, remaining there for some hours, one on either side of the platform. It seemed as though they were reassuring themselves that their ledge was still safe.
I was monitoring the live video feed in my office, and was surprised to suddenly hear "ee-chupp, ee-chupp" noises over the loudspeaker. Looking round to check my laptop, I saw both the male and female on the same part of the platform (where they laid their eggs earlier this summer), and there was our adult male, standing absolutely still, head bowed, with the female ee-chupping away at him. This was a familiar sight and sound during their courtship phase in March (which you can watch again here), but it was a surprise to hear it again. I presume, therefore, that this ee-chupp sound together with head-bowing activity is more of a greeting and show of "respect" by the male to the female than purely a courtship display, which I had not unreasonably assumed. Typically, the DVD recorder was connected to the other camera at the time, so we can't bring you any footage of this interesting moment - and I was not able to catch any still frames from the computer in time, as they soon ceased. But interesting for all that.
On a different not, let's hope today's abseil event at Derby Cathedral is going well. Hopefully, there should be some good pictures to bring you later this weekend.
Peregrine Falcons first nested on Derby's Cathedral, England, in 2006. Our Peregrine Project is now run by a partnership between Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, Derby City Council, Derby Cathedral and the Cathedral Quarter. Here is what's happening in 2024. . .
23 comments:
The abseil event went extremely well today with early indications that a substantial amount of money was raised. After all expenses are paid the residue is split 50/50 between the Cathedral and the Mountain Rescue Team. As a definite non-abseiler I have spent the day rattling a tin and the generosity of bystanders has been wonderful. I have lots of photographs which I will upload when I have worked out how!!!!!
For those who can make it we start about 12.15 tomorrow until about 5.00 - please come and make yourself known - I am wearing my Head Vergers badge!!!!
Tony
Pax 7.31pm Can. time
falcon sleeping on nest edge, and what looks like breakfast on the other side of the nest.
from what has said above it looks like one of the pereguins had spent the night on the ledge as at 6.05 am it was still sat there!! many best wishes with the absail you guys deserve all the funds you can get
11.17 monday morning been watching the web cam for a while and im seing some very strange behaviour from one of our peregrines any idea whats she is up to anyone at the team
BIrd in the nestbox, I am not sure what he or she is doing, what seems strange?
Can you describe what the activity you saw? I only watched live for a short while and noticed an adult had gone on to the platform and had stayed in the far corner, avoiding the direct heat of the sun (or so I thought)
Unfortunately the camera has drooped slightly on its mounting, so it doesn't give the same clear view that it did a couple of months ago.
I think the bird is drowsing, not too surprising if it is a hot afternoon over there.
how lovely peregrine on the nest at 15.28 so nice to see.
Lovely peregrine still in left hand nest.. Looks a bit 'fluffy' - could it be one of this years' youngsters?
I running the risk of making myself look silly, but mum seems to be spending a lot of time in the tray over the last few days, is there any chance she could be feeling broody?
Gorgeous bird on the next box.
Lovely to see a bird on the ledge at 1230 today. Pleased the abseilers didn't disturb them. Look forward to seeing pictures of the event and hope it raised lots of money!
I don't know if Alex the parrot was known in the U.K...
http://palemaleirregulars.blogspot.com/2007/09/alex-has-died.html
pax 6.48p.m Can.
falcon in the right side of the nest
bird on the edge of the nestbox, taking a snooze.
The bird noted above was on the left side for quite awhile. I just looked again and saw a bird on the righthand side who flicked off just at that moment. Glad to see them.
Mum back and eating lunch. could not see prey species but dark feathers on the wings. The remains are tucked in the right hand corner and can just be picked out.
pax 9.00am Can. falcon in left side of nest having supper I think
1930 gmt and falcon on nest. seems ages since we last were priviledged with a look in!!
Bird on the nest, riches after days of famine :-)
pax 12.37am Can.
bird on the edge of the gravel side, and what looks like breakfast on the other side
pax 12.37am Can.
bird on the edge of the gravel side, and what looks like breakfast on the other side
I think there's a bird on the ledge under the nest box.
Post a Comment