Introduction.
The sight of a peregrine falcon in mid-flight is amongst the most exhilarating experiences. Supreme predators, peregrines are widely admired as spectacular aerial assailants. Peregrines are renowned for their steep dive or stoop, where they can reach speeds of up to 200mph.
Peregrines are the largest of the falcons. Female peregrines are one third bigger than the male. The adults are slate grey with white underparts and barred black on the breast. They have broad, pointed wings and a short square tail. They have a prominent ‘moustache' and their strong, hooked billis bordered near the nostrils by yellow. Their loud calls include haak-haak-haak-haak and kee-keee-eeeeee.
Where are they found?
Peregrines are very adaptable and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They live in a wide variety of habitats including mountain and urban environment. In winter peregrines can be found around coasts and estuaries.
Where can I see them in Scotland?
About 1,500 pairs of peregrines breed in the UK, with nearly two-thirds of them occurring in Scotland.
The Falls of Clyde affords superb, close-up views of peregrines breeding in the Clyde gorge. The Falls of Clyde ranger service coordinates Operation Peregrine; a 24 hour protection programme for the birds. Our friendly rangers and volunteers are always on hand to answer questions, and high-powered telescopes and binoculars are provided to enhance the general public’s viewing experience.
Peregrines at the Falls of Clyde
In 1997 a breeding pair made Falls of Clyde their home and since then a pair have nested on the cliff face each year.
The nest is called an ‘Eyrie’ and is a shallow bowl scraped into the ground of the cliff face
How do the birds develop?
Three or four eggs are laid in early April. Incubation lasts approximately 30 days and the whole clutch will hatch over a two to three-day period. After approximately six weeks from hatching the young birds take the first hesitant flight. It is not long before the young start to learn to hunt. Within a month, they should all be able to hunt for themselves.
Why do they need our help?
Past persecution dates back to World War II, where the killing of peregrines was encouraged in order to protect carrier pigeons carrying important messages.In the 1950s, the introduction of pesticides like DDT resulted in a huge drop in peregrine numbers as the toxins accumulated through the food chain.
Today the threats faced by peregrines are more obvious –the illegal theft of eggs and young peregrines from the nest, and illegal shooting and poisoning of the adults.
The peregrine falcon is legally protected through the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Nature Conservation Act (Scotland) 2004. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb, harass or obstruct peregrines, their eggs or nest sites.
How can I help?
The Scottish Wildlife Trust is determined to protect peregrine falcons at the Falls of Clyde reserve, but we need your help. Donations to Operation Peregrine are generously received, and these funds allow us to maintain a high standard of protection for years to come.
In addition, why not consider membership of the Scottish Wildlife Trust? As a member of Scotland’s leading conservation organisation, membership entitles you to free entry to all Scottish Wildlife Trust reserves and Visitor Centres and three issues of the highly rated Scottish Wildlife magazine per year. Membership subscriptions are used to fund wildlife conservation projects throughout Scotland, including Operation Peregrine at the Falls of Clyde reserve.
Year / Court-ship / No. eggs / First egg laid / last egg laid / First egg hatch / Last egg hatch / No Juv reared / Ist fledge / last fledge / No. chicks fledged. / ringing date-chicks1997 / Mar / 2 / 1 / 1
1998 / Mar / 4 / 06-May / 3 / 18-Jun / 20-Jun / 3
1999 / Mar / 4 / 30-Mar / 02-Apr / 02-May / 02-May / 2 / 0
2000 / mid Mar / 4 / 31-Mar / 31-Mar / 05-May / 07-May / 3 / 12-Jun / 18-Jun / 3 / 27-May
2001 / mid mar / 4 / 23-Mar / 28-Mar / 29-Apr / 01-May / 4 / 07-Jun / 09-Jun / 2 / 21-May
2002 / mid mar / 4 / 24-Mar / 30-Mar / 30-Apr / 02-May / 4 / 11-Jun / 11-Jun / 4 / 25-May
2003 / mid mar / 4 / 31-Mar / 04-Apr / 07-May / 08-May / 3 / 17-Jun / 19-Jun / 2 / 25-May
2004 / Late Feb / 4 / 26-Mar / 03-Apr / 04-May / 04-May / 2 / 15-Jun / 16-Jun / 2 / 23-May
2005 / Mar / 4 / 26-Mar / 29-Mar / 29-Apr / 01-May / 3 / 07-Jun / 10-Jun / 3 / 18-May
2006 / Late Feb / 4 / 20-25th mar / end mar / 01-May / 05-May / 4 / 09-Jun / 14-Jun / 4 / 20th may