Peregrine Falcons at Tate Modern

See the amazing peregrine falcons at Tate Modern over the summer as the resident pair have returned to their perching site on the iconic chimney. Astonishing Londoners with their extreme flying speeds, you can see the peregrine falcons at Tate Modern once again over the 2011 summer holidays.

Birds of prey
Not normally a place associated with wildlife, the Tate Modern has become a favouite summer hunting spot for a pair of peregrine falcons, who return to their original nearby nesting site every year. Perching up high on the art gallery and former power station's chimeny, the pair of birds of prey are always a sight for sore eyes.

RSPB guides
The RSPB are hoping to increase the breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in London by the time of the 2012 Olympics, and the pair that are in residence close to the Tate Modern are a welcome addition to the population. More peregrines live in London than in their more traditional nesting spots in the uplands, due to the illegal shooting of the birds on big hunting estates.

Hunting machines
Astonishing onlookers with their amazing turns of speed, the birds are here once again for the summer holiday, where they will carry on their normal routine of hunting pigeons from their chimney based vantage point. You will be able to see the peregrine falcons at Tate Modern over the summer as they chase their lunch through the air at breakneck speeds of up to 200 miles per hour, and you can also take a closer look through telescopes to see the birds in more detail.

Queen of the skies
Eating mainly pigeons, of which there are plenty in London, the peregrine falcons also hunt small birds and mammals like voles and shrews. The females are bigger and much faster than the males, so if you see one speeding around the Tate Modern chimney, it is probably the female.

Take a closer look
Members of the RSPB are on hand to lend you a telescope, help you spot the birds, and tell you a little more about the nesting habits of these part time city dwellers. Free to all and a fascinating chance to see some of wild Britain on show in the heart of London, this is a unique event and one not to be missed.

The telescopes and RSPB guides to the peregrine falcons at Tate Modern will be in available from 12pm - 7pm daily, Saturday 16th July - Sunday 11th September 2011.

Other London events

Summer Holiday London

Free Summer Festivals in London

Outdoor Film Events

Summer at Vauxhall City Farm

Gorilla Circus Flying Trapeze Classes

Summer at Museum of Childhood

Empire Big Screen London

Bank Holiday Family Events London

Free Films at The Scoop

Thames Festival

London Mela

Liberty Festival London

Greenwich Comedy Festival

Malaysia Night at Trafalgar Square

Real Food Harvest Festival

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