Niederkrüchten-Elmpt, Germany Peregrines

[AlisonL]

There is a peregrine nest in the area of Niederkrüchten-Elmpt, not far from the Dutch border.

At this time of year, I see the resident female visit the nest from time to time. The nest has been cleaned in preparation for the breeding season, and fresh gravel supplied. There is a full nest box, with a deck, and even a canopy over the entrance to the nest so that the birds can sit there and still be protected from rain, snow, or being visible to predators above.

I was about to shut down the site today when a dark shape suddenly landed in the middle of the deck.

A large Great Horned Owl; not something the peregrines want to see at their nest under any circumstances. The owl appeared to adopt a threatening posture a number of times.







The GHO stayed for a good 20 minutes before leaving.

Webcams:

http://falke.amikom.de/

[Bobbie Ireland]

What a surprise, Alison! Let us know what happens.

[MAK]

Not good for the falcons! 

[AlisonL]

Not good for the falcons! 

You're right, MAK! Not good at all. The peregrines are no threat to the GHO, but the GHO is a major threat to the peregrines.

I have not seen a peregrine at the nest since I posted about the GHO. However, the GHO came back to the nest a few minutes ago and appears to be in hiding on the other side of the nest box, so that only a very small part of the bird is visible. Still there right now.

[AlisonL]

Lurking . . .

[AlisonL]

Had to leave for a while. When I came back, the GHO had moved into the tray.



The owl has now either left or gone back into hiding. It's after 12:30 a.m. at the site.

[carla]

This is very interesting.I put the cam in my favorits.This Owl is bigger then a GHO.It's an Eurasian Eagle Owl.Bubo bubo.I wach the cams GHO Allessondra and EAO every year.(Volg de oehoe)
http://www.volgdeoehoe.nl/
Thanks for posting.

[Bobbie Ireland]

This is very interesting.I put the cam in my favorits.This Owl is bigger then a GHO.It's an Eurasian Eagle Owl.Bubo bubo.I wach the cams GHO Allessondra and EAO every year.(Volg de oehoe)
http://www.volgdeoehoe.nl/
Thanks for posting.

Wow!

[Donna]

Falcon there now 9:05am

[Shaky]

A bit of a size difference between them.

[Carol P.]

Yikes!  Not good at all.   

[Kris G.]

           

[AlisonL]

This is very interesting.I put the cam in my favorits.This Owl is bigger then a GHO.It's an Eurasian Eagle Owl.Bubo bubo.I wach the cams GHO Allessondra and EAO every year.(Volg de oehoe)
http://www.volgdeoehoe.nl/
Thanks for posting.

Great observation, Carla, thank you! Of course, you are right about this being a Eurasian Eagle Owl.  At one time I used to watch one of the Eagle Owl webcams.

[AlisonL]

The owl continued to visit the nest at night, and even during the day. The peregrines occasionally paid a visit; the little male even ventured into the nest box one day.

Over the last week, I have seen the owl less frequently. This morning, the resident falcon visited the nest, and went into the nest box.

[AlisonL]

But tonight, things are not so good. There are two Eagle Owls in the nest, the first time I have seen two. Very bad news for the peregrines, who have nested at this location for years.