Walsall Peregrines (1 Viewer)

[FalcoSingh]

(Viewed them for first time y'day. Will probably do so every 2-3 months as in-laws live near Walsall and we visit)

> 3 December '11 - 13:00-17:00
> 9º, some cloud, otherwise bright
> Walsall Bell Tower & Tameway Tower & surrounding nearby minor roads

- Pair preening in sun. Seemed fully-fit.Tiercel light-backed. Hunting then semi-snoozing it seemed. Tiercel may have been more active. Very active up to 15:00'ish.

- Plucked and ate twice between them on flat Tower Bell 'sleigh' top sections; seemingly pigeon; not sure if fresh or stash.

- Didn't look for floor kills. Some dark looking kills on Tower Bell higher ledges. Was told by @hachidori they have taken mallard, woodcock and swift previously.

- Flew between two buildings and nearby. On Tameway Tower sat on corner facing Bell Tower on top and third down windows (12th & 10th floor). Falcon I think stays higher perched on both structured.

- When I left they were both settled on Tameway Tower.

>>>

Background:

March '09
Female was nesting.seen around council HQ. fly between Council House and Tameway Tower (Bridge Street - 12th floor good spot) which has double-sided glass (Home of Walsall Housing Group)

July '10
Were very active. On Civic Centre and Town Hall Bell Tower good spot where they apparently nest. Even hunting in evening over Walsall Market

May '11
Can be seen on on tall structures inc. Town Hall Bell Tower (same as Council House Bell Tower in Lichfield Street?) 20/5/11 was peregrine watch event via @walsallwildlife. Next one is on 24/3/12.

 

[DaveJones]

Thanks for the info.

However, it would be advisable not to mention nest sites. A bird was killed not to far away, aswell as an incident in Birmingham.

Pigeons are still popular in parts of the west mids, and Peregrines not so popular with some. Just because they appear safe due to where they are, does not mean that they are

Most local birders know where pairs are located.:t:

 

[FalcoSingh]

Fair point Dave. I had assumed it was common knowledge but will not share such details in future to be on the safe side.

 

[DaveJones]

Good lad:t:

I have a pair nesting adjacent to me. Sometimes, during the spring, they overfly my garden with a pigeon clasped tightly in their talons. All the local birds go mental when they are passing over.

Even had a pair of Ravens prospecting nearby early this year, and we are only around two miles from Brum city centre, Black Reddies annually aswell!!

Just goes to prove that good birds can be found anywhere, even in the most urbanised of areasB

 

[The Snapper]

Interesting to see Peregrines have been seen in this area this winter.

During December, I went shopping in Walsall with my wife and to my surprise there was a dead winter plumage Golden Plover on the path not far from Bridge Street.

I can only assume that this was taken by a Peregrine which was disturbed/lost its grip and dropped its prey.

As mentioned previously, as Spring progresses, precise location of these birds must be kept quiet to ensure those with alterior motives are not aware.

 

[wolfbirder]

I think the Wolverhampton Peregrine has gone elsewhere now, I have not seen it for a week or two though only looked during sporadic "drive-past" visits. I presumed the vast majority of wintering birds were simply that - wintering birds. I have seen them in Wolves in previous years but come spring they disappear.