This season's highlights

The mysterious habits of Perth's peregrines were revealed over the summer, after it initially appeared the birds had abandoned St. Matthew's church.

In the first few weeks, sightings of peregrines were low as we discovered that those visiting the church were actually nesting with four chicks on Kinnoull Hill, on the outskirts of Perth.

Once the young peregrines fledged however, St Matthew's became a hive of activity! The family promptly relocated to the church, which became a second home in the city, as the falcons used the majestic 212ft spire as a place to perch, sleep, hunt, play and feed.

Many visitors got great views of the inexperienced juveniles chasing gulls, pigeons and anything they could lay their eyes on over the River Tay. Meanwhile, the adults preferred to race off behind the rooftops, returning with pigeons to feed the four hungry, and extremely noisy, young mouths!

With the peregrines returning to the nesting area to roost at night, our evening woodland walks provided some stunning views of the peregrines soaring, diving, and occassionally swooping, right over our heads!

Many residents were amazed that these spectacular birds were living in the centre of Perth, and were stunned by their beauty after getting close up views with the telescopes.

As the project came to a close, all four young appeared to be doing well, however their hunting skills will need to improve before they go it alone come early Autumn. As for the adults, we look forward to them providing similar antics again next year!

Daniel Brown, Abb! Perth Peregrines Assistant

Links to other things on the RSPB website

• Loch of Kinnordy (from our A to Z of Reserves)
• Vane Farm (from our A to Z of Reserves)
• Goosander (from our A to Z of UK birds)
• Grey heron (from our A to Z of UK birds)
• Grey wagtail (from our A to Z of UK birds)
• Peregrine (from our A to Z of UK birds)
• Sand martin (from our A to Z of UK birds)