When looking at visible migration from the south point of Po Toi early yesterday morning (October 26th), I saw the resident pair of Peregrines attacking a larger raptor, which responded by flying upside down and showing a fearsome pair of talons. Unfortunately, the birds disappeared around the cliffs and I saw nothing more and did not identify the other raptor.
This morning (Friday October 27th), I saw both birds attacking the larger raptor again, so I climbed to the lighthouse to get a good view. By the time I reached the top, the two resident birds had gone and only the larger raptor remained. I was very surprised to see it was another Peregrine, but as it was at least 10% larger than the local female I watched and took some photos. The bird was not only larger but also much more lethargic, flying slowly around in circles. I attach photos with a Black Kite, I estimate it's wingspan about 90% of the Black Kite, making it about 130cm according to BHKSC.
Is it a northern Peregrine, subsp calidus or something similar?
[ Last edited by wgeoff at 18/08/2010 17:21 ] Author: oLDcaR Time: 27/10/2006 19:43
Hi geoff
For your information
i also got two record photos last sunday. (22-Oct-06)
Wish can give u more information about that.
regards
oLDcaR
Author: wgeoff Time: 27/10/2006 20:32
Thanks Kenny
I think your first bird is the resident Kestrel on the SE peninsular, and the second bird is probably one of the resident Peregrines.
Geoff Author: kmike Time: 27/10/2006 21:36
Hi Geoff
I think your larger peregrine is the migrant race calidus, which is known to be larger and paler then the resident peregrinator. Paer birds also have a tendency to look larger which probaby enhances the actual size difference.
I've never seen both races together, and I certainly envy you the sighting!
Cheers
Mike K Author: wgeoff Time: 28/10/2006 06:17
Thanks Mike. I hope the bird may stay around so I can get some photos of the two races together, maybe others will also see it.
A final shot of the resident male Peregrine dive-bombing the intruder.
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