BrandNewGuy

More peregrine falcon action at Dulwich Hospital... At 8.45, one swooped down from the tall tower and landed on the roof of the house on East Dulwich Grove that's next to the 'building' site. A few small birds pestered it and it flew up to the spire of the United Reformed Church on the corner of Melbourne Grove. It then circled around for a minute or two before flying off. A couple of pigeons on the church roof fluttered a bit but seemed unconcerned. Someone should tell them they're the staple food of urban peregrines... I'll take a camera with me on my way to the station tomorrow :-)

More nature notes... I heard a chiffchaff in the trees by Dulwich Hospital yesterday afternoon. I'm not sure I've heard one here before, though there are plenty up in the woods. And there's a toad in our garden. Let's hope s/he's hungry for slugs this summer...

With regard to the peregrines at Tate Modern, I don't think they nest there, but they use the tower as a place to teach the fledged chicks how to hunt. I think they're from the nest that's on top of an office building near the BT Tower, but the parents need somewhere high and clear of obstacles to help the youngsters learn how to fly ? it would be very easy for one to crash when practising to fly at over 180mph :-) The RSPB are usually there from July to September, once the youngsters have left the nest and start flying.

Very excited to hear a peregrine falcon as I woke up this morning - we're near Dulwich Hospital. Then I heard it again as I walked past the Hopsital on EDGrove at 8.30 and caught sight of two of them flying around the tallest tower of the hospital. They seemed to be displaying, but I suspect they were youngsters imitating adult activity rather than a pair seriously looking for a nest site... Passers-by must have been bemused as I peered through the 'building' site gate :-)

First time poster but long-time lurker here :-) I was surprised to see a grey wagtail this morning on my way to work. It flew onto a fence by the corner of Trossachs Road and Glengarry Road, and then disappeared into the garden behind. Not sure I've ever seen a grey wagtail in ED before - they prefer rivers, streams and open countrsyide, normally, though they do venture beyond their range in winter. You're much more likely to see their cousin, the pied wagtail. I've attached a pic so you'll know one if you see one... Brand New Guy