A High-Flying Visitor to Belmont
A Peregrine Falcon attract bird-spotters
Belmont Abbey welcomed an impressive visitor over the Bank Holiday weekend when a peregrine falcon was spotted perched high on the Abbey Church.
The magnificent bird of prey was photographed by Julie Rosser, providing a striking image of one of Britain’s most remarkable birds against the familiar stonework of Belmont.
Peregrine falcons are among the fastest animals on the planet, capable of reaching speeds of up to 200mph when diving after their prey in the spectacular hunting manoeuvre known as a “stoop.”
Once found mainly in the north and west of Britain, peregrines have become increasingly widespread in recent decades. Although their natural nesting places are high cliffs and rocky ledges, they have adapted remarkably well to buildings, with church towers and other tall structures providing ideal vantage points.
With Belmont looking out towards the Black Mountains and surrounded by the countryside of the Wye Valley, we are fortunate to enjoy a wonderful variety of wildlife around the monastery. This particular visitor, perched high above the Abbey, was an especially memorable sight.
