ALDERNEY RESIDENT RAPTORS

Most people know what a bird of prey is, but wouldn’t necessarily know the term ‘raptor’, which means the same thing. Yet it somehow conveys the aggressive nature of these birds, which may be elegant and impressive to us as they go about satisfying their hunger, but do so in a ruthless way that we wouldn’t like to see in a human. In order to survive, these airborne assassins need a ready supply of creatures on which to feast and Alderney, with its largely unspoilt terrain including rambling common land and windswept, unpopulated cliffs, provides a plentiful menu. The Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, can be seen soaring on rising air currents, perched on telephone poles or much closer to the ground, sitting on fence posts. Voles, mice, small rabbits and even moles are among the buzzard's favourite dishes.

The Kestrel Falco tinnunculus is actually one of the smaller and less spectacular of the falcons, albeit just as fascinating to watch as it hovers in the wind not far overhead, looking out for voles and mice. This tough character builds no nest, the female laying her eggs on cliff ledges and tall buildings or in tree cavities and man-made tree boxes.

The very name of the Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus reveals its preferred diet:  common small birds such as finches and sparrows. The female, though, is bigger than the male and can take on thrushes and even wood pigeons.  The sparrowhawk operates by flying low and catching its prey by surprise, and isn't averse to a good chase. It is also known to hide in hedges, where it ambushes birds that are themselves looking for food.

The Barn Owl Tyto alba is one of the most beautiful of a family better known for their studious, 'wise' appearance than their ruthless eating habits. Its modus operandi is to fly low and slowly and then hover before making a swift and decisive dive to the ground to grab its victim.

The aristocrat of the group, the Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus takes its name from the archaic word peregrinate - to wander - due to its tendency, outside the mating season, to pop up in unexpected places. Pigeons, thrushes, starlings and waders are all on its shopping list and it uses its speed to chase and catch, sometimes swooping upwards to effect the arrest.

Small rodents and small birds are the favourite food of the Long-eared Owl Asio otus. It takes over nests built by crows, pigeons, magpies and sparrowhawks. It is medium-sized in owl terms, smaller than a woodpigeon, and often looks long and thin, an impression increased by its head feathers which it raises when alarmed.

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