Rappenstein Peregrine Falcon Nest

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) belongs to the falcon family (Falconidae). He is one of the largest representatives of the family and is the fastest animal on the planet with a top speed of 320 km / h. The Peregrine Falcon is a cosmopolitan and the most widespread bird in the world; it populates all continents except Antarctica. Peregrine falcons are primarily rock breeders and primarily inhabit mountainous landscapes of all kinds as well as cliffs. In the past decades, the species has also populated cities and industrial plants with their numerous "artificial rocks" in many parts of the distribution area.

Peregrine falcons are highly specialized bird hunters; the food consists almost exclusively of small to medium-sized birds that are hunted in the open air. The dives from great heights while hunting and the high speeds reached are spectacular. The slump in the population caused by the insecticide DDT and the subsequent recovery with the settlement in many cities have made the peregrine falcon one of the world's best known raptor species.

Great rocks and rare birds

typical limestone rocks on the southern edge of the Alb