Flock of Peregrines (1 Viewer)

[TimBaldwin]

I went Brean Down, Somerset today and saw five peregrines together and I was wondering whether that was unusual? I saw individuals chasing herring gulls and rooks. Could they be juveniles gaining their hunting skills or adults defending a nest? Maybe its too early for young to have fledged yet?

 

[Beverlybaynes]

While it's a matter of timing in your area, the peregrine chicks in NE Indiana fledged about a week ago. While on a 'falconwatch' atop a local parking garage yesterday morning (with great views of the skyscraper which houses the hackbox), we were able to watch 4 peregrines flying about, 2 adults and 2 chicks.

Unfortunately, the 3rd chick is very ill with an unknown infection, and is in care with a local rehabber.

 

[Adey Baker]

Welcome to Bird Forum, Tim.

This is almost certainly, as you suspect, a family party learning how to hunt.

A breeding pair would not tolerate other peregrines within their area.

The adults do teach the young birds by example and any bird will do for practice!

It's, also, not too early for young to have fledged - four young fledged from a nest that I know of, about a week ago.

Adey

 

[BlueTiercel]

I would imagine the peregrines eat lots of pigeons so the third chick probably has frounce... i have heard my friend who i s a rehabber and falconer in the U.S. saying that it is also showing up in a lot of the Gos and Coops as well now and the strain is very virulent but treatable. Hope the little guy makes it!