Battersea June 26th

 

I had planned on a Sunday visit last weekend, but unfortunately the male Peregrine, colour ringed ABB got himself into a bit of trouble over on One Nine Elms on Thursday afternoon.

He was found as I understand it, on the 57 Storey Tower Block situated just down river at Vauxhall, the section he got himself trapped in aloft, was empty and had glass sides 2.5 metres high.
55 floors up, it was only by luck that he was spotted by the building's staff, how long he had been there is not known either.

Stuart from LPP was contacted, he then rescued and released him and he immediately flew straight back to the Power Station.

Glass balconies and Peregrines as we know simply do not mix, throw in 30 degree temperatures, and I doubt he would have lasted long up there without being rescued so well done to all involved.

Hence my Friday visit to confirm he was ok and indeed, had made it back.

Very glad to confirm that he is indeed safe and sound, none the worse for his ordeal and normal service resumed, providing prey for his 16 year old mate!
Hopefully he will learn from it, I would suspect chasing a Feral Pigeon, or even clashing with his father from Parliament, Vauxhall marks the territorial boundary of both pairs.

Prey was taken by the male, a Feral Pigeon, very early a.m which was immediately taken from him by the female, she then fed but as you will see from the photos, he kept the pressure on trying to get his share.

Elsewhere, the male Black Redstart was singing strongly at the northern end, singing late June often signifies 2nd brooding.
As it was June and with the extreme heat, I was not expecting a good number of birds for the day list, I ended up with 26 so not too bad. For some species now, most have fledged and that will be it for the year, but for some, like the Black Redstarts, they will usually go again 2nd brooding.

Goldfinches were around as usual, the colourful little Finch have started to flock already as many have finished breeding, if you recall we have had flocks in the winter up to 25.

                                                                      Male arriving

                                                                            Pair

                                                          Patiently waiting whilst she feeds

                                                                           Trapped!

                                                              One Nine Elms downriver

                                                                        Painted Lady