Battersea Power Station

 

September 20th



The Saturday was earmarked to be a decent morning, usual early a.m arrival, however it soon turned very grey with very poor light.

However, for the first time, I recorded 32 species on or over the Power Station.

Highlights were Kingfisher, a little blue flash heading upriver, 3 Meadow Pipits over south, Goldcrest, and the Kestrel was seen again.
The Kingfisher was only the 3rd site record in 25 years, just a pity it didn't land so I could try and get a photo.

The Kestrel, given that it has now been present for a few months, looks to have become territorial, what it also means is that the enhanced new habitat everywhere is also providing prey species like Mice/Small Birds which is fantastic.

Once a site breeder in an old vent preconstruction when the site was derelict, I am now wondering if we can take it a stage further and give it a chance of attracting a mate by installing a nest box. Obviously as a prey species for Peregrines, it has to keep an eye out for the Peregrine, however, I monitor 3 sites where they co-exist and breed near each other.

Black Redstarts were again prominent with the established pair active and feeding for themselves, no sign of any juveniles so I would suspect these have now gone their own way.

However, we did have a 3rd male singing over beyond the Refuse Centre, it's possible that it could have been one of the dispersing juveniles trying its voice out, however it is very interesting given that we are in September.

With 2 broods this year, it is no coincidence that the increased foraging/habitat, with more sedum/green roofs available, has played its part in breeding success.


In regard to our Peregrine female, she took a Feral Pigeon from the Refuse Centre as I walked out into the Northern Park, it was just after 6.10a.m, too dark for a photo.
The question remains is how long can she hang on? with the male gone since May and given the density of single birds looking to challenge for territory, it is surprising that she has held on for this long.

The last successful breeding by her was 2021, since then she has failed to produce eggs.

On other Peregrine sites, the pressure from singles, has led to changeovers, either male or female, this is the norm, peregrines will fight for prime sites. I am just a bit surprised that it has not happened at the Power Station, a prime site, even at around 15 years of age, possibly even older, she must still be too strong.

Hats off to her.

                                                                            Falcon

                                                                   Black Redstart

                                              Old Kestrel nest site pre construction 2011

                                                                 Male Black Redstart

                                           Old girl - hanging on well - stuffed as well!