Peregrines and Kestrels

On a couple of sites over the years, I have been lucky enough to observe close proximity breeding, of both Peregrines and Kestrels to each other.

Like Feral Pigeons, Kestrels will not move from a traditional nest site just because Peregrines are present closely, it can obviously be dangerous/hazardous for the Kestrels as I have recorded them, along with Sparrowhawks at a few sites as prey.

Battersea Power Station was where I first came across both species nesting within 40 metres of each other in an urban scenario ,since then, although not common, I have seen it on at least 4 other Peregrine sites that I monitor.

                                                                    Kestrel Young

                                                                       Mobbing

                                                                        Mobbing

I visited one site recently, which fledged 5 juvenile peregrines, this coincided exactly with the nearby Kestrels – 60 metres between each nest site, the Kestrels fledged 3 juveniles at the same time.

Obviously, the last thing you want to see is the adult Tiercel/Falcon targeting the Kestrel young, a couple of times they received the full attention of the adults, but thankfully no response even fairly close.

Its quite obvious the adult Kestrels are aware, plenty of alarm calls every time a juvenile peregrine flew near, also some mobbing but thankfully no targeting, although at times all 3 Kestrel young appeared to be pushing their luck in front and close to the adult Peregrines.

Battersea Latest - June

The usual dawn arrival, I firstly I checked on the Peregrines to see where we are with them, and to see if our female is still with us at the grand old age of 14.

Initially I couldn't locate either but presently both appeared and started to sunbathe, enjoying the weather. After checking her head markings and eventually seeing her BTO leg ring on her right leg, it was apparent that our usual Falcon is still present and holding on.

Despite their crops being flatish, hunger was not kicking in and both were making the most of the weather and just lazing around enjoying the sun, after a while both retired to the north east chimney to continue the sun worshipping.

Elsewhere I started to have a look round for smaller species, it was quite obvious that Goldfinches are absolutely everywhere. It's looking like a bumper year yet again for the species, the Power Station has become a hotspot for them with its multitude of small trees providing nest sites.

The usual Grey and Pied Wagtails, 2 pairs of each, have obviously had a good year also as both are feeding young aloft with fledgers also present at the Riverside. The Pied Wagtail males are catching Crane Flies on the lawns, and then heading up to the West and East Roof Gardens, every habitat provides, both no doubt have nests aloft.

Blue and Great Tits are being seen also, I always look forward to the Autumn check of the nest boxes to see what is revealed, basically as more and more habitat is created numbers will increase even more.

A pair of Egyptian Geese were by the Coaling Jetty as was the usual Grey Heron.

A massive well done has to go to the team of Battersea Gardner’s, for rescuing 6 Mallard Ducklings up on Boiler House Gardens. Mallards always pick the craziest places to nest unfortunately, although safe from predators, there is no way down for the Ducklings.

Parliament Latest

I can confirm that all 4 juveniles have fledged and are flying well, this is despite 2 of them 'grounding' whilst undertaking the fledging process, all thankfully were rescued and relocated to the roof of Victoria Tower.

The roof of Victoria Tower is the agreed relocation spot for releasing them back with the adults, it is high and easy for them to fly off when they are ready, no disturbance, but above all the adults will see them aloft and then feed them.

A recent visit over 3 and a half hours had both adults hunting distantly, just the one juvenile received prey during that time, this was a Great Spotted Woodpecker. With the brighter blue skies and sunshine, prey species like Feral Pigeon and Ring-Necked Parakeet etc will see them far easier as they are targeted.

                                                                 2 Juveniles

                                                                      Adult Tiercel

                                                                          Juvenile

                                                Juvenile with Great Spotted Woodpecker

I was also keeping an eye out for the long staying male immature from 2023, no sign so very possible with chicks/juveniles present, his presence may not have been tolerated.