Sight to behold at Dovestone

MAJESTIC birds of prey will be soaring through the skies around Dovestone Reservoir this summer.

Lucky visitors will be able to catch a glimpse of the awe-inspiring Peregrine falcons, the fastest birds on earth, at the Saddleworth beauty spot.

Following the success of last year’s Date With Nature scheme, staff at the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) will once again be manning a special viewpoint, kitted out with telescopes and binoculars to make them easier to spot.

Breeding pairs have made the craggy cliffs their home for the past 15 years.

Site manager Dave O’Hara, said: “Last year, the Peregrines had a really good breeding season, fledging four chicks.

“We are all looking forward to what we hope will be another successful season at Dovestone and will be keeping a close watch on the Peregrines over the coming weeks for the first signs that the female is ready to lay eggs.”

The viewpoint, at the picnic area at Ashway Gap, is staffed every Thursday to Sunday, 10am-4pm, until the end of August.