The Peregrine Falcon is one of the rarest birds of prey in Britain and we are lucky to have a handful of breeding pairs in Pembrokeshire. Peregrine’s like tall cliff and tall buildings so the sea cliffs of Ramsey Island make an excellent place for nesting. Numbers fell dangerously low during the 60’s and 70’s as a result of pesticides present in the food chain. Luckily with restrictions on pesticides and the Peregrine’s protected status the birds have made a slow come back in the decades since.
Peregrine Falcons have distinctive yellow beaks and talons with blue grey plumage and white underbelly. They are about the same size as a crow, weighing between half a kilo and kilo with a wingspan of over a meter.
The Peregrine flies high and spots its favourite prey of pigeon below diving in a ‘stoop’ travelling at up to 240 miles per hour. They catch their prey in mid flight, more often than not killing it instantly. This high speed stoop makes the Peregrine Falcon the fastest moving animal in the world.
Rarity makes a sighting of a Peregrine for avid birdwatchers and the public alike. Why not book a stay Galwad y Mor St Davids and see if you can spot one one a boat trip to Ramsey Island.
