Peregrine Falcon hotspots

[Hedgehoggy]

Just wondering if any of you knowledgeable folk here would kindly let me know of any known definite hotspots for PFs anywhere in the West Yorkshire area. Failing that, anywhere in Yorkshire at all!

My 10-year old son has told me that what he’d like more than anything for Christmas is to see a PF in the wild. He’s been obsessed with PFs for a good 2 years and what he doesn’t know about them you could write on a grain of rice! I’ve taken him to many Falconry centres and displays over the last few years so he can see the PFs, but we’ve never had the good fortune of observing a free flying wild one.

Due to sensitivity of citing PF locations on a public forum, a PM would be preferable.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can give

[~T~]

Originally Posted by Hedgehoggy

Just wondering if any of you knowledgeable folk here would kindly let me know of any known definite hotspots for PFs anywhere in the West Yorkshire area. Failing that, anywhere in Yorkshire at all!

My 10-year old son has told me that what he’d like more than anything for Christmas is to see a PF in the wild. He’s been obsessed with PFs for a good 2 years and what he doesn’t know about them you could write on a grain of rice! I’ve taken him to many Falconry centres and displays over the last few years so he can see the PFs, but we’ve never had the good fortune of observing a free flying wild one.

Due to sensitivity of citing PF locations on a public forum, a PM would be preferable.

Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can give

Theres a quarry near me that you have pretty much a 99% chance of seeing one during the summer as they nest there every year. Though not sure about this time of year as I don't go there much when it's colder. It is a bit out of your way unfortunately.

[Boddie]

Malham Cove is excellent and not too far from you

[Hedgehoggy]

Brilliant! Cheers Boddie Do you know if they're there all year round?

[Hedgehoggy]

Thanks ~T~, but that's a wee bit too far for a day trip for a 10-year old ! Fantastic that you get to see them locally to you

[Boddie]

Originally Posted by Hedgehoggy

Brilliant! Cheers Boddie Do you know if they're there all year round?

There is a good website with up to date details

About the peregrines at Malham Cove

[Hedgehoggy]

Now how come my earlier google searches didn't throw up that informative website?! Apparently there's even a viewpoint to observe the PFs and RSPB wardens are on hand during the breeding season there. I'm going to email them to enquire about the chances of sighting them at this time of year.

Thanks soooooo much for your help x

[Boddie]

No problem. Its an excellent site, and like you say there are plenty of wardens (the only reason I mentioned it on here directly)

[Dogghound]

Failing that you are guaranteed to see them on the coast between Scarborough and Flamborough (inc. Filey and Bempton). At least 7 pairs breed (and winter) along this stretch of coastline and utilise the seabird colonies.

A bird which is perhaps easier to track down when breeding, breeding birds tend to be largely sedentary through the year, but if surrounding habitat is poor (i.e uplands) or hey are 1styear birds they often move into better wintering habitats (i.e. coastal marshland), this is also true of adverse weather conditions when birds often move to lowlands or coastal habitats. I would also go on a nice sunny/clear day early/mid moring when they are going to be more active. They usually have a lul mid afternoon and also tend not to be as active in heavy rain, snow, wind etc. Additionally look for how other birds behave. If a field of lapwings of gulls for example suddenly take off look up to the skies. They have excellent vision so dull clothes and keep low/or against cover, when viewing them.

Good luck.

If you want info on finding roosting birds PM me (dont want to post in public). This can be a productive method at known sites when birds are not active.

[rossy]

yes mallam cove is a good place, but if you have a car pop down the m62, to rochdale, the pair here are present all year round, i know its not in yorkshire, but ill guarantee, you and your son wont be disapointed. rossy.