Peregrination
We’re walking the coast of Westray when I see it perched there. “There!” I say to the Puffin Whisperer, as I crouch so it won’t see me and fly. There’s a Peregrine Falcon just in front of us on the cliffs. I lie on the grass near the age of the cliff. “Peregrine”.
“Where?” she says, joining me on the cliff edge. “There!” I say.
We lie watching it as it shakes its head and readjusts its feet. We both have cameras and long lenses trained on it. It has no intention of going anywhere. It’s obviously between pigeon-dinners.
As we adjust our settings, check the backs of our cameras and discuss getting a clearer view, a couple of walkers come along the coastal path behind us. The Peregrine takes flight with a swoop downwards and circles over the water. “Porca vacca!” says the Puffin Whisperer, who hasn’t seen the walkers, which loosely translates as “Holy Cow!”
Then they continue on their peregrination.
Porca vacca, indeed.
More Peregrine Falcons
Rook and Peregrine Falcon meet There's a Peregrine Flacon flying over the River Dart. The last time I saw one here it was 'buzzing' an… read more
Perching Peregrine We're on a cruise out of Brixham when we're told there's a male Peregrine Falcon perched overlooking Torbay. There are… read more
Osprey photobombed by a Peregrine We were on a trip up and down the River Dart in South Devon with Mike Langman in search of… read more
Juvenile Peregrine pursued by Arctic Skuas I hear a loud Keeeeoww; a scream coming from above me. I manage to get its source in my viewfinder.… read more
The Ogre and the Peregrine, master of peril The coast is full of anxious Guillemots transporting a single silver fish each, flying in strict convoy. There are parading… read more
Natural England: apologists for nest robbers The news came to me in a tweet: Now, I love Peregrine Falcons, and yet I rarely see them. A… read more
Peregrines v Buzzard A bit of daily exercise means a walk up the hill and back. I'm trying to avoid the Grand Old… read more
“Sentinel angel sitting high in glory.” We are heading to Exeter when I mention how much I've always wanted to see the Exeter Peregrines to my… read more
Marmaduke Tunstall and the curious case of the Sacred Ibis I occasionally have to go to London on business. In a small side street in Marylebone called Welbeck Street is… read more