Hole 14
PEREGRINE FALCON
While proceeding up the 14th fairway you may see a Peregrine Falcon in the Cypress Pines on the left-hand side. This is its favoured roosting spot in the early morning sun or surveying its territory for its next victim.
Peregrine Falcons are approximately the size of a crow but can fly at speeds of up to 300 kph when diving in its hunting “stoop”. Peregrines are highly efficient birds of prey that kill and eat other birds. Their favourite prey are feral pigeons but they also prey on galahs, lorikeets and sometimes ducks and other waterfowl
Peregrine Falcons have a dark hood as part of their distinctive body markings, almost like an executioner’s hood and to many birds , that’s exactly what they are! When hunting Peregrines will fly near where birds are roosting or nesting and try to flush them out. When the birds leave their cover, adult or experienced birds will fly upwards to gain height, but young birds will often stay low. The Peregrine goes high, picks its victim, goes into its high-speed stoop and strikes its victim with a lethal blow. It then goes to the ground and enjoys its meal.
Peregrines occur all over Australia but are not common anywhere. So, when you are going around the course keep your eyes open for our Peregrine Falcon, you may even be lucky enough to see it hunting.
