Meet the 24-hour falcon

摘要

Long after the sun has set, the world's fastest bird still brings terror to Britain's skies. ED DREWITT reveals the new research that proves urban peregrines have learned to hunt at night. IT'S AN EARLY winter evening in the bustling, bewitching cityof Bath and I can see my breath in the cold air. Even though I'm in a hurry to catch my train back to Bristol, I automatically look up as I pass Bath Abbey. Peering into the icy night sky, I spot a swiftly moving bird disappearing over a row of Georgianhouses. Even in the dim orange glow of the streetlamps, its flickering wingbeats are familiar. It's a peregrine. With a smile, I silently revel in observing this extraordinary behaviour - a day-flying raptor hunting at night.