PEREGRINE
Although I had always been interested in wildlife, it wasn’t until I arrived on Lundy, that I thought to try to capture it with photography.
I became 50 years old in my first full year on the island and treated myself to a camera. It was watching peregrines that started it.
On the Lower East path below Tibbets Point are a cluster of rocks which I would trek to before the sun came up on my days off. That spot is situated between 2 perches favoured by a pair of peregrines that nest in that area. Once there, I would pour myself some stong black coffee and wait for the sun to rise and for the appearance of the peregrines. Sometimes the sea mist would drift in and I would see nothing, other times it would be clear and bright but no peregrines.
There are no guarantees with wildlife photography, so you enjoy the view. If the tide was dropping from full, the seals below would climb on to the rocks and sing to each other, so it wasn’t a bad place to wait. When the peregrines made an appearance, it was magical.
Sometimes they would just sit and preen, other times they would soar into the air and climb on the thermals in widening circles. They could dash from their perch down across the cliffs trying to startle birds into their path, or wait for a passing flock of pigeons. They were used to me being there but one morning the tiercel took offence and dive bombed me a couple of times. I tried to get a shot of him heading for me straight above my head but he was way too quick.
Peregrines have nested all around the coast of Lundy and can be seen anywhere on the island. Walking up the main track it is not uncommon to see a peregrine circling above the plateau.
In the early mornings I have seen them harrying flocks of starlings feeding in the farmers fields. A walk along any part of the coast will usually reward you with a sighting, as they like to perch on the highest peaks and pinnacles. They can occasionally be seen over the village looking for starlings or sparrows. The Castle is another prime spot for peregrine watching and I have seen them there many times.
One memorable afternoon when I was delivering luggage to the castles, I saw 3 peregrines, 2 adults and a juvenile playing over the top of the castle. The parents seemed to be playing tag with the youngster teaching it to chase and hunt. I watched them for quarter of an hour, the luggage may have been delivered a little late.
Female peregrines are known as falcons and are about 75 to 100mm bigger than the males or tiercels. Both sexes are slate to dark grey above with a black hood and thick black moustache. They have white chests with black barring, while the juvenile birds have browner chests and head.
