From my observations of an area of Pembrokeshire
coast peregrines did well this year, three pairs producing 8 young, 9 being
the best results for this stretch of coast over the last 10 years.
Another peregrine diligently sat on presumably infertile eggs well beyond their
hatch date, the reason for her failure was probably due to the very close
proximity of a new breeding pair. One interesting observation was
that each of the three successful sights appeared to contain youngsters of the
same size and therefore probably of the same sex, that is 3 males, 3 females and
2 females. I wonder has any one else noticed a similar trend this
year?
The attached painting is based on one of the sights
and shows the excitement of the youngsters when food is brought into the
eyrie.
The painting will be exhibited in the Society of
Wildlife Artists annual exhibition which celebrates it's 50th year, and to mark
the occasion they have produced a book of members work and the show will be
opened by David Attenborough. The society was founded by Peter Scott, Robert
Gillmor, Keith Shackleton and others all heroes of mine, the exhibition is
predominantly of bird paintings and runs from the 31st October to 10th
November in the Mall Galleries, London.
If anyone is interested in seeing this eclectic mix
of the very best of Wildlife Art being produced today they should not
miss this exhibition, I have e-vites available.