Rare bird takes up residence at Dearne Valley nature reserve

BIRD lovers have the chance to get up close and personal with a rare peregrine falcon which has settled down to stay at a nature reserve.
Red the peregrine. Picture by Richard WillisonRed the peregrine. Picture by Richard Willison
Red the peregrine. Picture by Richard Willison

Red is believed to have been born at Wakefield Cathedral in the summer but has chosen the RSPB’s Old Moor nature reserve in Manvers for a winter staycation.

The predator, which is the fastest creature on the planet reaching speeds of 200 mph, has been practising her hunting skills on the reserve’s plentiful water birds — but has been a more popular sight with the reserve’s human visitors.

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Red has been putting herself on show as she chases other birds in front of the hides or sits on a favourite perch on the reserve’s Mere.

Matthew Capper, senior site manager at RSPB Old Moor, said: “There has never been a better chance to see a wild peregrine at close quarters and watching her twist and turn as she chases prey across the reserve is truly awe inspiring.”

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