The Birds are back! - 29 Apr 2008

RSPB Volunteers

THE BIRDS ARE BACK!

The peregrines have again returned to nest at Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare and the female is currently sitting on four eggs.

nest site

Live pictures form the nest are being beamed to the Visitor Centre between 9am and 5pm each day so you should be able to see the trials and tribulations of the young birds as they develop and learn to fend for themselves.

cliff near Dare Valley

Peregrine falcons have been much persecuted over the years and are now a protected species with large fines and even imprisonment being incurred for killing birds, stealing eggs, damaging nests or disturbing this remarkable species of raptors.

The Peregrine Watch at Dare Valley Country Park project was initiated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) five years ago to increase awareness of the plight of peregrines and to promote an understanding of the importance of protecting this remarkable bird. This year the staff of Dare Valley Country Park are taking the lead with the invaluable assistance of project partners, South Wales Police, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Countryside Commission and invaluable support from the Forestry Commission Radio Branch and local ornithologist Mal Lambert who volunteered to monitor developments at the nest site.

The RSPB are always available for advice and former RSPB volunteers have offered to lead walks to the viewing platform over the coming weeks.

abseil

By mid-July the birds will have flown so make sure you visit Dare Valley Country Park before then.

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