Nature Watch, with Ron Freethy

WHEN I wrote about peregrines a couple of weeks ago, I knew I would get into trouble from pigeon fanciers. It is only fair that these sportsmen should have the right to reply, so I have quoted Colin Taylor's letter in full:

"FIRST of all, may I say how I enjoy your articles in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, but I am afraid in your last Nature Watch there are some statements which need rectifying.

Regarding the peregrine falcon, you say "they are a nuisance on occasions." This is the understatement of the year. They are causing havoc all over the country.

There are pigeon fanciers now after a lifetime of keeping and racing pigeons, packing up with the hobby because every time they let them out for exercise the hawks take one or two for their dinner. Every week in the magazine The Homing World you will see adverts for entire clearance sales because of hawks.

You go on to say that the peregrine's main item of food is the street pigeon. Peregrines take their food (pigeons) when they are in flight. A street pigeon does not exercise like a racing pigeon, all it does is find food on the floor then flies back up to a ledge where a hawk will not bother them. You then go on to say that they catch "older and therefore slower pigeons." What you forgot to say is that they also catch faster and younger pigeons as well, because a peregrine can travel at up to 150mph, whereas a pigeon, depending on wind, can only do 40mph. You also say that most people agree that the peregrine should be protected. I think you should get out and about a bit more and ask around. You will get a different picture altogether.

Don't get me wrong, I think the peregrine is a lovely bird and is part of our heritage, but there are just too many. Pigeon fanciers and grouse moors etc should have the right to protect their birds whether at exercise or other."

COLIN TAYLOR, Downham, near Clitheroe.

Ron replies:

THERE is some truth in what Colin writes but I based my article firmly upon scientific research. There is no doubt that there are occasions when peregrines take homing pigeons. Most birds do, however, feed on street pigeons and never ever have to stoop to speeds in excess of 70mph.

There is no way that ornithologists and pigeon fanciers will ever agree but it is only fair to let the latter have their say. We will just have to agree to differ.

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