Hunting Peregrines

[Ben Nevis]

Does any member have knowledge on how far Male Peregrine Falcons shall hunt away from the nest site ? I saw a Tiercel yesterday in Aberdeen,well away from the know nest sites in the city and was wondering,if this could be another pair breeding within the city boundaries.

[Whitethroat]

According to the 'Handbook of the Birds of Middle Europe', (Glutz, Bauer, Bezzel, 1989), hunting grounds of Peregrines can be extensive. Hunt up to 15 km and more away from the nest site.

Eckart

[tom24]

Say c.5km as an average.Tiercels usually don't go as far as a female.Suppose it'll depend on where the prey is easiest caught.
Mind you they can be away from the nest site for quite a few hours at times.

[griffin]

There are several nest sites in Aberdeen I understand. One a stones throw from the city centre.

Linz

[RecoveringScot]

There are several nest sites in Aberdeen I understand. One a stones throw from the city centre.

Linz

Indeed. To see a female Peregrine flying straight down the middle of Union Street not 20 feet above traffic like I did is entertaining to say the least. Every July the adults and young start soaring and chasing displays over Cromwell Road sports ground, when I can see them from my front window. I believe they are lying in wait for flocks of pigeon, which continually fly on an east-west bearing backwards and forwards in small groups.

[oldgiteggy]

Followed a pair yesterday and they travelled 2 -3 miles away, dots in the scopes. Male came back with a kill so I assumed they were hunting. Young screaming in the background. Definately countryside though. Cliff side nest, birds hunting over farmland and forestry.

[CBB]

I heard that they can go up to about seven miles. I think that it also depends upon a plentiful food source and what other birds have territories in the area.

Chris

[nirofo]

I had one female Peregrine flying up to 7 miles from the nest to the sea to catch Fulmars and other sea birds. A Fulmar is quite an heavy bird for a Peregrine to carry for 7 miles back to the nest! The Tiercel (male), was content with catching smaller birds like Turnstones and Golden Plover, he also had a liking for male wheatears.

nirofo.

[Collster]

They certainly go out for miles hunting, used to enjoy seeing them take off from the crag as they spot a distant group of RP about ten minutes later back with a RP, BRILLIANT