As we are walking along the top of the cliffs, in Holyhead, I am keeping a eye on what birds might be hiding or nesting in the cliffs or rocks. I spied this incredible, huge bird on the rocks, before Debbie, but she is farther ahead of me and took this picture from above it.
What is it????
You can barely see him, in the middle of the photo on the green mossy cliff.
How did I see him? I have keen eyes. I guess.
At first, I thought it was a penguin? But I took my photo, that was still on my camera, back to the Visitors centre and this is what the expert identified this amazing bird as.
A 'Peregrine Falcon.' Somewhat rare in these parts.
He is a strong, powerful.....bird killing falcon?? Famous for high speed diving that he uses to maim, hitting the wing of his prey, midair. The expert at the Visitors centre told me that it is the fastest bird in the world. Clocked at over 200 mph or 322 km/h? The highest measured speed of this bird was 242 mph or 389 km/h. Wow!
It's diet consists not only of medium size birds, but also small mammals and reptiles. Their life span is up to 15.5 years.
These birds cause distress amongst birds when it is high above. It preys on injured birds as well. In my bird book, it says that if there is a sudden commotion amongst sea birds, look up because the peregrine is probably above in the sky.
The wing span of this adult bird can be 74-120 cm. Weighing up to 1.5 kg. It's length is about 34-58 cm. I was so excited to get these pictures. I can't wait to get out there again.
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