Boaters passing by Lymington will be kicking themselves as they failed to realise that the world’s fastest animal was watching on behind them.

Daily Echo Camera Club member John Scamall snapped plenty of pictures as vessels cruised past a peregrine falcon.

The bird of prey – which can reach top speeds of more than 200 miles per hour when diving – was stood on a fence post next to the water.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest member of the animal kingdom based on top speed, and the bird even looked like it had spotted John’s camera as it gazed down the lens in one picture.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest animal in the world based on top speed.Peregrine falcons are the fastest animal in the world based on top speed. (Image: John Scamell) John thanked commenters on Facebook for their support as they debated whether or not the bird was a juvenile.

READ MORE: UK's biggest bird of prey spotted near Lepe in Hampshire

He also managed to capture a lapwing and a marsh harrier flying above the peregrine falcon, as the bird of prey watched on from below them.

The falcon was unbothered by the birds, probably because the species has no natural predators.

This is not the first time that a New Forest resident has managed to picture a peregrine falcon, as they were treated with a majestic flyover at the end of November.

Peregrine falcons have no natural predators.A lapwing and a marsh harrier flew above the peregrine falcon. (Image: John Scamell) The ferocious falcon used to only be found in the north of the UK, but Jordan Callaghan spotted one near Lepe.

READ MORE: World's fastest animal is spotted in the New Forest

Jordan previously told the Daily Echo: “I have seen peregrine falcons before but never managed any in-flight shots.”

He called a picture he got of the peregrine falcon in the New Forest the “best” photo of the bird he has ever managed, saying it flew “very fast” and was hard to photograph.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust note that the bird has spread south over the last couple of decades.

Peregrine falcons typically nest on sea cliffs and rocky areas, though they have also used tall buildings as an alternative home.

Winchester Cathedral has housed these falcons, which can typically live to be more than 10 years old and mate for life.

While the falcon pictured was not hunting, it is not unusual for peregrines to eat ducks, rabbits or bats.