Birds of Prey today

I was out and about early this morning as the best part of today's weather was forecast for early AM.

With a blue sky over mounts bay and a few dramatic clouds near the horizon the sunrise over Newlyn harbour was to die for.

I travelled along the south coast looking for birds of prey along the cliffs.  The first bird I found was a local female peregrine which by the looks of the pale blood stains on her chest it suggested that she had already taken prey but I sat and watched her preening in the morning sunshine in her usual relaxed manner.

Next up was a male Sparrowhawk that flew out over the clifftops above the Peregrine.  This bird was hungry and anything but relaxed as it skillfully and swiftly swooped up and down the cliff shrubs and vegetation looking to surprise any small unwary birds to attack.   It moved on back up and over the cliff tops just as quickly as it had arrived.

Next to show in flight was a more relaxed but perhaps just as lethal hunter: A female kestrel that treated me to a lovely close hover that was totally devoid of any head movement.  What a contrast in hunting styles to the male Sparrowhawk that had gone before her.

Sparrowhawks although common are not an everyday sighting along these cliffs so I was a little surprised when a little later another Sparrowhawk arrived on the scene.  This time it was a female but just like the male before her she was in a hurry as she skillfully worked the up-draughts while looking for prey,

By this time the winds were rising and clouds rapidly filling the southern sky in front of a storm forecast within a few hours so it was time to head for home having very much enjoyed this early start to my day.