long shot bird of prey id opinions please

[Naturenutz]

Saw this bird of prey circling high up today,was joined by another and they preceded to dive and scream together and other noises.I have my own idea ,would like your opinions on what it is .Was taken with a compact camera so i was lucky to get a shot at all.

[aeshna5]

Definitely looks like a falcon, though details not discernible. I would tentatively say a Peregrine.

[Madonplants]

I was thinking the same, a Peregrine.

[nigel_b]

I think it looks like a falcon probably a peregrine.

[Naturenutz]

These birds appeared to be displaying,could they have been sparrowhawks as there are no records of peregrines in this area.unless they display well away from breeding grounds ? I only thought sparrow hawk because ive seen them around at low level.Ive no idea how to tell peregrine from sparrowhawk when circling very high up which these were until engaging in a fast fall together .

[Fieldfare95]

You can tell its a falcon because of the very sharp wings whilst a sparrowhawks's are more rounded.
I think it could be a peregrine too

[Naturenutz]

hi fieldfare,i know what your saying, but are the wings pointed when circling ,rather than on the move as i think this one was starting too.

[RKB]

Shape looks perfect for Peregrine. There's not a lot else it could be - it's definitely a falcon and it's not a kestrel or a hobby (too early, for one thing). Looks too bulky for merlin. There's plenty of peregrines around Bristol, and they do over fair old distances to hunt (5 miles easy). They sometimes hunt in pairs, too, so could easily be a pair on a jaunt or a duo having an argument.

[Naturenutz]

Thanks for your input rkb,i know where there are peregrine in bristol nesting,but ive just remembered one in the local papers last year and after a search on route planner its only 4 miles away .These two were not fighting and were acting as if displaying together,the screaching was more display than squabble and when they flew off together there was more of a contented chatter.A few overwinter on the river severn which isnt far.It appears it is around the displaying time of peregrines.I will go along with peregrines and keep an eye out.There are quarries local and coastal cliffs not too far away.You never know i guess . but ive a feeling they belong 4 miles away.

[nigel_b]

We've been watching them on the cliff face today, as we often do, and flying past below us. Here's one my son took with a compact camera:

and here's one I took on the walk back. This one flew over a farm yard about 1 mile from the cliff. I didn't have time to get the camera up, set correctly and focused so just did a point and shoot:

You should see a basic similarity? I like to think we're pretty good at spotting them.