Following a report of a dead Peregrine Falcon, this morning I set out along the muddy coastpath to it’s location at the Marmolota Buttress. Departing the path, and stepping down through the scrub, the vegetation grows lower and lower as it becomes more exposed to the wind and salty sea spray. Blackthorn becomes grass, and then rock.
The Marmolota Buttress is a vertical stack of Portland Limestone which juts out as a promontory from the cliffs to its Eastern side. Just a few meters of extra width but offering half a kilometer of view back along the cliffs towards Subliminal and the Lighthouse. Full height probably 40m from it’s grassy cap to the waves crashing into the boulders below.
Many seabirds can be seen flying along the coast. Rapidly beating Guillemot, and the lofty-winged Shag passing low against the water. Herring Gulls and Black-backed Gulls patrolling back and forth, and the clattering of Jackdaw flocking in the sky above. A charming little Rock Pipit hopping along the cliff edge.
However, most mesmerising to watch is a pair Peregrine in flight together. Wings arched back, they swoop down towards the sea, before rising higher and higher, soaring up as their wings provide lift into the air. One bird returns to its ledge, whilst the other glides along the coast. At times they reunite, jostle together in flight, and separate once again.
It felt a little sad, feeling like they were watching me, when I found the dead Peregrine. Nestled between a crevice in the rocks. The bird lay face down on the bare earth, displaying the beautiful barring pattern of grey and black feathers upon its back. Turning the bird over reveals its bright yellow feet with impressively sharp and hooked talons. No signs of damage, its unclear why the bird has died.
I carry the bird back to the office, facing the bitterly cold easterly wind, Goldfinches dancing upon the downs. Hamish reporting Blackcap, and a Red-throated Diver out at sea.