Peregrine falcon seen in Ruscombe valley

A Peregrine falcon has been seen in Ruscombe valley - the confirmed siting occurred about two weeks ago. I suspect he or she is a visitor to the valley rather than making a home here? Certainly quite a sight to see - they eat medium-sized birds like pigeons and small ducks and usually need a rocky cliff or high point to nest - maybe Whiteshill Church?

Down in Exeter there is a webcam on a Church there where there is a Peregrine nesting - see here.

Photo: Above Peregrine falcon and left the award winning photo by Italian Manuel Presti

One of the best photos I've seen of them was the 2005 Wildlife Photography winner - infact several lucky friends got postcards of the picture - a swirling image of the falcon after a flock of starlings. It is very sad that this great photography competition has been sponsored by companies with dodgy environmental records - see press release from 2006 and this year one of my blog items on 30th January re Twigworth exhibition.

Photo: Swans in Bibury and duck at the Garden Centre in Nailsworth

And talking of wildlife....these swans in Bibury a week or so ago - and have you seen a duck has made her nest on one of the raised beds directly outside the front of the Nailsworth Garden centre - car park and tarmac all around - she has at least 4 ducklings now and staff put an umbrella up to give some protection from the weather!