The nature reserves contain nearly 50 species of bird, many of which nest in the boxes we have put up throughout the woodlands. You can read about some nest box surveys in the articles below.
Find out more about the birds on the reserves in the fascinating blog written by Viv – BET member and keen bird watcher: Viv’s Blog
Read more about:
- Our last bird walk – Spring Bird Walk – April 2016
- Past nest box reports – Nest Box Survey 2013/2014 and Nest Box Survey 2015/2016/2017
- Xmas Bird Survey 2017 – Xmas Bird Survey
- Higgy’s Magical BET Visit – Feb 2017 – Higgy’s Birdwatching Visit
Peregrine
Peregrines can be seen and heard flying over the BET reserves and nest in the adjacent quarry.
Peregrines are renowned for their speed, being able to dive or ‘stoop’ at over 200 miles an hour, making them the fastest-flying birds in the world! Their wing span is 74-120 cm. The females are at least 30% bigger and heavier than the male or ‘tiercel’. Males weigh up to 1,000g and the females up to 1,500g.
Juvenile peregrines can be identified by the cream band on the tail end, brownish rather than grey plumage on the back, paler feet and the beige chest instead of the white of an adult. With a really good view, the indistinct moustachial stripe will also be visible. They can be quite vocal! They will stay around this area to the end of July – honing their flying and hunting skills. They are very vulnerable in their first year, with average mortality rates 59–70%.
Watch this impressive short video about the peregrine from Cornell Lab: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK-xuFLg8hE
In 2021, our peregrine chicks were ringed by members of the BTO. You can read the story in the Autumn 2021 BET Bulletin.