speed machine

A huge thank you for the incredibly generous comments on yesterdays baby water vole. I had as much fun watching the vole as I did reading your reaction. It was easily my most popular blip.

Today the cute image is replaced by this killing machine, the peregrine falcon is the fastest bird – and in fact the fastest animal on Earth. Over 60 mph in horizontal flight and over 200mph in a hunting dive. The contrast with the water vole couldn't be greater but they make up the fantastic diversity of wildlife that is around us.

This splendid male is currently supporting a female who is sitting eggs and they are luckily just 5 minutes from work so make for great lunchtime watching.