BOURNEMOUTH PEREGRINES

News 9th February 2020

 

2019 was a disappointing year for the Bournemouth peregrines. A pair of peregrines were present in town during the 2019 breeding season but they had chosen a different site than the Bournemouth College clock tower. We believe the change in site was brought about by a new incoming male which had replaced the previous one. The pair were seen on St Michael's Church, approximately a mile from the college, and were behaving in every way to suggest breeding was being attempted. Dispite much observation from the ground no fledged chicks were seen in Bournemouth during 2019 so we believe the pair failed to breed unfortunately.

 

However, 2020 is looking very promising as it looks like the resident pair have returned to use the clock tower at Bournemouth College. Over the last few months either one or both birds have been seen regularly on the tower. Very recent observations by a local enthusiast and via the nest camera have shown pre-breeding courship and display behaviour. On 8th February the pair were observerd (via the nest camera) courting and scrape making in the nest tray. On the same day, from the ground, the pair were also seen flying in and around the tower while being very vocal with each other.

 

So, everything is suggesting the birds will breed in the clock tower in 2020. There is a new camera in the nesting area which will go live on this website by 21st February.

 

We expect egg laying to start 15th March onwards but it may be earlier as it has been such a mild winter....we'll see.