Peregrine falcon spotted throughout Southampton city centre

Peregrine falcons have been snapped on camera by members of the Daily Echo Camera Club, as the bird of prey has perched itself on top of tall buildings in the city centre and looked down at the passers-by below.

One of the falcons – which can reach top speeds of more than 200 miles per hour when diving – was spotted by Ricky Wallis at the start of March in the middle of Southampton.

Peregrine falcons are the fastest member of the animal kingdom based on top speed, and the bird almost looked like it was scoping out a safe space to dive in Ricky's photo.

Ricky Wallis saw this peregrine falcon in Southampton. (Image: Ricky Wallis) The lightning fast bird is the UK's biggest falcon, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust says the bird can be easily identified through its white throat and cheeks.

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The peregrine falcon also has a very distinct black moustache and mask, with a dark slate-grey above and white underbelly.

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

That was where fellow Camera Club member James Leslie-William Oliver saw one of the birds at the end of January, as he caught the falcon getting ready to fly from the top of Grenville House.

James Leslie-William Oliver saw this peregrine falcon on Grenville House. (Image: James Leslie-William Oliver) The five-storey building erected in 1977 overlooks Southampton Central train station, and the world's fastest bird was making himself at home as it rested high up on the building.

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A peregrine falcon was previously sheltering from the rain on top of the Southampton Clock Tower.

Graham Snelgar also caught a fantastic photo of a peregrine falcon in Gosport, where he managed to see one of the birds mid-call.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust notes that the birds often nest in the north and south west of England, but are being increasingly seen throughout the UK.

They usually make coastal cliffs their home though they have been known to also use tall buildings.

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