Peregrine Falcons and Kingfishers at Verulamium Park

2nd December 2025

During the winter months Kingfishers used to be seen regularly on the River Ver at the eastern end of the main lake, but were absent last winter and very intermittent this winter. They are sometimes seen further along the Ver east of the Fighting Cocks pub, although today a look along this stretch of river also drew a blank.

There was, however, a very entertaining male Kestrel which was perching up high in the trees and staring down at the ground looking for prey, just begging to have his photograph taken.

And then he was off.

I then decided to walk up to the Cathedral to see how the Peregrines were getting on. Recently both adults and one of the youngsters have been seen on or around the tower, but today I could only find one adult which was initially perched on a lead overflow pipe on the north side of the tower, and then gave an impromptu flying display.

So finally the Kingfishers. Still no sign on the River Ver by the lake, so off to the boating lake which appears to be the favourite spot this year. Here a juvenile male has taken up territory and likes to perch on a Weeping Willow which overhangs the lake.

Then, for a change of scene it will perch on overhanging trees on the Ver next to the lake.

One of the most photographed Kingfishers in Hertfordshire at the moment.