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The Londoner's Guide to London
06 September 2008
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Peregrine Falcons at Tate Modern

When
19 July 2008 -
14 September 2008

12:00-19:00

Where
Tate Modern

Nearest Tube
Southwark

Cost
Free

Age Restrictions
n/a

See the amazing peregrine falcons at Tate Modern over the summer as the resident pair have returned to nest in the iconic chimney. Raising their chicks and astonishing Londoners with their extreme flying speeds, you can see the peregrine falcons at Tate Modern until Sunday 14th September.

Not normally a place associated with wildlife, the Tate Modern has become the summer residence for a pair of peregrine falcons, who return to their original nesting site every year. Roosting 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.

The RSPB are hoping to have 12 breeding pairs of peregrine falcons in London by the time of the 2012 Olympics, and the pair that are in residence at the Tate Modern have already have four chicks, one of which sadly had to be put down. 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.

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 and bringing up chicks in their chimney based nest. 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 speed, and you can also take a closer look through telescopes to see the birds in more detail.

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.

Everyday from 12pm to 7pm, 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 peregrine falcons at Tate Modern will be in residence until Sunday 14th September 2008.

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Apple Day at Borough Market

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The Scoop Theatre

The Yoga Show

Dance Umbrella London

Great Gorilla Run 2008

Great River Race

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Britain United Olympic Exhibition

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Art London

Other Events at Tate Modern

Sep 13, 3pm-3.15pm
Sep 13, 4.30pm-5.30pm
Sep 14, 3pm-3.15pm
Sep 13 & 14, 4pm-4.30pm & 6pm-6.15pm
26 September 2008 - 01 February 2009
Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-6pm, Fri & Sat 10am-10pm, last adm 45mins before closing, closed Dec 24-26
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