Monday: A lunchtime trip especially to see if there was any sign of the Kestrels. Yes, one flew down to the cliff beside the nest and perched on a ledge, perhaps for five minutes, then flew off towards the Gully. The bird may have joined a mate, since I saw two birds for a short time. No sign of them in the Gully. No return to the nest.
Sunday: The first morning ride (in shorts!!!) for a long time. Sunny weather and a beautiful view from Black Rocks. The climbers were out; pairs of Jackdaws circling under the cliff, but no Kestrel. The nest site cliff has small white stains in several places, a sign that they are nesting. At the Peregrine Watch the 'watchers' were out in force with 'scopes and binoculars, and the usual banter. First a Sparrowhawk appeared and flew back over the Downland Then a Peregrine passed up the Gorge at speed, it rose in the air and started to circle, hunting, to be joined and buzzed by an irate Raven. The Raven gave up; the Peregrine circled high over Leigh Woods then up over the Gorge and river, probably 500 foot up. Then an amazing stoop at high speed towards the river surface where I lost sight. Brilliant!
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