Peregrines over the Colosseum

Bucknallbear · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2008, 04:19 PM

I was in Rome last week for a conference and we had a guided tour around old Rome including the Colosseum. While listening to the guide I spotted afalcon going over the Colosseum and then saw it from an even further distance round the other side. There are plenty of pigeons there and the facade is a bit cliff-like so I wondered whether any WAB users know if there are Peregrines in the middle of Rome?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2008, 05:36 PM

It might have been. I don't know the status of Peregrines in Rome, but it is one of the most widespread birds in the world.

Another possibility would be a Kestrel.

Kev-B · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2008, 06:23 PM

Why not ?? .. they're already living in Central London & in Liverpool ..

Given the choice .. I'd prefer to live in Rome .. if only my pension would stretch that far ...

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

Hobjob · #4 (**permalink**) 27-09-2008, 03:17 PM

Yes they do
Was a wildlife photo of one chasing starlings some years ago that one a prize
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Peregrine swoops to photo prize

I've been idly noting reported localities in UK so for info:

Ipswich Orwell Bridge - Bred this year - ist breeding Peregrines in Suffolk
- for 201 years
Bolton
Reading
London
Portsmouth Harbour
Birmingham's Bt Tower
Chichester Cathedral
Derby Cathedral
Plym Bridge
Tate Modern
Cardiff city Hall Clock Tower
Birmingham Dunlop Factory
Exeter
New York city Jack & Jill 55 Water St
Brighton (Sussex heights) and west pier in 02
Berlin
Worcester St Andrews Spire (called The Glovers Needle)
Manchester Town Hall – Arndale Centre & Premier Hotel Roof
Sheffield (Cooling towers)

60 cities in USA
Taiwan

Wild-Woman · #5 (**permalink**) 28-09-2008, 06:14 AM

You could add Canterbury to your list David.
Read an article saying that Peregrines were heavily persecuted during the war as it was thought that they were killing pigeons carrying vital messages from the 'war front'. That's one reason why the population in Kent (being the next stop from France) has taken so long to recover. Then in the 50's and 60's the poor things had to deal with the chemicals being used in farming etc.
They've done well to recover thus far.

Kev-B · #6 (**permalink**) 28-09-2008, 08:55 AM

Plus ....

St Jame's Church, Louth, Lincs ... (tallest Church steeple in England)

Grimsby Dock Tower

Lincoln Cathedral

and of course .. Symond's Yat, Gloucestershire .. (well worth a visit if you haven't already been) .. I was there earlier this year .. stunning views of the Wye Valley .. and a great "performance" by the resident Peregrine pair ..

Bye for now ..

Kev ..

Bucknallbear · #7 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 08:26 AM

Well I was pretty sure it was a peregrine and as that BBC link shows pictorial proof they are there then I'm happy. I suppose the Colosseum would seem very nice for a peregrine with all those arches full of prey. It was my first visit to Rome and it was very nice!

Hobjob · #8 (**permalink**) 29-09-2008, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the extra sites - added to my list
(though now that they are all on WAB they will be easily googled!)

willing to learn · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 04:27 PM

The Peregrines at Derby Can be seen over the city centre, all year in the breeding season you will find the at and around the catherdral. Pics are at the
highest point of the Catherdral. Their ledge is some 100ft lower.
Regards
Colin