Swimming Peregrine

[RG Paul]

An unusual sighting today at Back Saltholme.
There were two Peregrines both showing very well, a large female and a smaller male. As I watched the female was stood on a fence post close to the edge off the pool. As I continued to watch the female took off flying fast and low across the water. The bird then plunged its feet and legs into the water to grab a bird below the water surface. The Peregrine made several attempts to takeoff carrying its prey, but was unable to lift it clear of the water. At one point the Peregrine seemed to be trying to swim to the edge of the pool with its prey. Suddenly the Peregrine decided enough was enough released its prey and flew clear of the water. Just moments later it landed on a fencepost and stretched out its wings giving a very good impression of a Cormorant.

[noelg]

A once in a lifetime experience 

[steve ly]

Not quite the same But I once saw a Wood pigeon drop out of the sky vertically and land on the water. It spread its wings and stayed for a few seconds before flying up out of the water and then flying away,
I have no explanation as to why it would do this.

This happened down in Cambridgeshire, at a gravel pit on a hot day.
the gravel pit had steep sides so it might just have wanted a drink!

[Richard Brown]

A couple of years ago me and a mate had a close encounter with a Peregrine. Stood talking by the edge of the sea a flash of movement caught our attention and we turned to see a Peregrine rapidly climbing above our heads as if it had just stooped very close to where we were standing. It then stooped again and skimmed the sea a few yards from where we were stood before again climbing and flying off. A second later a Common Sand popped out from under the water and swam to the rocks next to us where it stood and preened. It looked relieved!