Photo: Danny Porter
Peter Merchant and Eddie Bathgate
Peregrines at the Port This article has been compiled from reports submitted to the Port of Felixstowe’s Environmental Department by Peter Merchant in conjunction with Natural England, in order to assist them in making informed decisions in line with current legislation, regarding the ongoing needs of the resident Peregrine within the busy and developing workplace. 2012 In March 2012, two Peregrine Falcons were observed in courtship and carrying out adjustments to an old Crow’s nest within the Felixstowe Docks complex. Peregrines had previously been seen in courtship over the area but none had ever lingered. Three birds had been seen a few days prior to that, probably having flown in off the North Sea, and these two occurences marked the start of what was to be a saga of nesting attempts. It soon appeared that the adult male preferred to perch on Crane 2 whilst the female adjusted the disused Crow’s nest on Crane 1. Observers were delighted that there was a possibility of them nesting, though it was quickly discovered that both cranes were due for demolition as part of port expansion plans. Peregrines however, as a Schedule 1 species under the Countryside and Wildlife Act, cannot be disturbed without special licence and so, on advice from Natural England, the Port of Felixstowe granted a delay of demolition – to the sincere gratitude of wildlife enthusiasts.
The birds’ first nesting attempt was interrupted by a young female bird which, for some reason, possibly a trauma, had only undergone a partial juvenile moult. The outcome of the territorial dispute was that the adult female left the area in favour of this new young bird, who was disappointingly too young to breed; females only reach maturity in their third year. During a survey on April 20th a Peregrine carcass was discovered on the nest. The bird, which had been ringed in Antwerp Docks in 2010, had been predated by the young female which was still in attendance. Another survey on May 22nd confirmed that no breeding had taken place and further surveys over the summer revealed that three Peregrines were in the area. The young female, judging from her aggressive behaviour, looked intent on staying. Two of the birds were noted as ringed: one female having a red ring on the right leg and a metal one on the left; the male with a metal ring on his left leg. Her configuration indicated a Dutch female and his subsequently proved him to be a Belgian male. This male was T H E H A R R I ER – Wi n t e r 2 0 1 5
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