Kestrels in London

[SpikyPhasmid]

Hi,

I didn't want to take pictures as I was afraid to disturb them, but for the past few weeks a nest of baby kestrels has been growing up in a tree outside one of our windows at work. This is in central London, with some parkspace around, but in a largely built-up area. They're apparently enjoying the local pigeon population.
Are there any other Londoners here with urban kestrels nearby? And does anyone know if the nesting site should be reported to anyone? It's a bit late now as the youngsters have grown up, but maybe they'll be back next year.

[Jason Green]

Afternoon SP, and welcome to WAB!

No, I haven't heard of any personally. Yes, report it to the London Wildlife Trust, but due to illegal persecution best not to reveal the exact location in general.

Yes, I suspect they'll return next year too. Kestrels are well-known as being urban BoP, as are Sparrowhawks. You may even see the odd Buzzard - I've seen all three in the general London area.

Take care,

Jason

[SpikyPhasmid]

Thanks for the welcome - I was worried I was being a bit paranoid, but I didn't want to post the exact location of the nest here for the reasons you stated - I know London has a lot of pigeon fanciers, and while I don't want to tar all of them with the same brush, I know there are issues with some of them targeting raptors. I will definitely notify London Wildlife Trust.
I had no idea there was a chance of seeing sparrowhawks or buzzards here! That's very exciting.

[Jason Green]

Any street with back gardens may produce a local Sprawk. I've only seen one here, but I've heard stories in my street about them being common.

Of course, the Royal Parks may produce additional BoP, and in general you may see a Hobby or two (keep an eye on groups of Swifts, or above large bodies of water home to Dragonflies that they go for).

[SpikyPhasmid]

Oh my god, I think I need a birdspotting book. I had no idea London had so much to offer, although I've been keeping an eye out since I spotted the feral ringnecked keets in Kew Gardens.

[Jason Green]

There a good range of books out there, such as those by the RSPB, AA and Collins. Any descriptions of ones you don't know or indeed photographs, post them here and we'll try and help!

[slimrbp]

Of course not forgetting the Peregrine falcons at the Tate Modern

In our old house there were Kestrels nesting in the church opposite and I often see them hunting over a local nature reserve.

I have also been quite lucky at work which is near London Bridge there are Greenfinches, Blackbirds and Wrens nesting nearby (the pub opposite has loads of ivy.) And during the recent flying ant season a couple of Goldfinches spent some time on the balcony outside my window although I am jealous of your Kestrels

[John B (NTS)]

Pigeons will be safe enough from even the most determined Kestrel. Their preferred prey is small mammals but in urban areas birds up to sparrow size are often on the menu. Even if a large female Kestrel could bring down a pigeon she'd never be able to carry it off anywhere. High speed racing pigeons are totally out of the question....

[aeshna5]

Are you sure they are Kestrels? I only ask as a Sparrowhawk is more likely to take a pigeon + is just as common in central London. The London Natural History Society is the recording society for the area (20 mile radius from St. Pauls)- the recorders are listed on their web site + will be pleased to have your record.

Kestrels, Sparrowhawks + Peregrines all breed in central London, while Hobbies + Buzzards breed in the suburbs.

[RKB]

Originally Posted by John B (NTS)

Pigeons will be safe enough from even the most determined Kestrel. Their preferred prey is small mammals but in urban areas birds up to sparrow size are often on the menu. Even if a large female Kestrel could bring down a pigeon she'd never be able to carry it off anywhere. High speed racing pigeons are totally out of the question....

A large proportion of the kestrel diet is birds, even in rural areas (as well as insects, amphibians etc). I've seen a kestrel eat an entire blackbird, and they have been recorded taking lapwings. In the large wood I frequent they ambush birds along rides like Sparrowhawks. I've also seen them take roadkill. I wouldn't put feral pigeons beyond them at all - I've seen a male Sparrowhawk kill a Woodpigeon, which are much larger.

But I agree they're more likely Sparrowhawk.