Love is in the air in Arundel

Staff and visitors to the Reserve have been watching with delight as the pair of Peregrine Falcons displaying their elaborate aerobatics over the tree covered hanger alongside the Wildfowl Reserve.

Offham Hanger is 230 high, providing the birds with the perfect perch to look out over the Arun valley and launch into their dynamic aerial duets.

"This is typical bonding behaviour," said Paul Stevens, reserve manager at WWT Arundel.

"Peregrines mate for life and this pair are strengthening their bonds.

"Over the next month, the male will present his partner with prey items as little gifts.

"This sounds romantic but has a practical end because the feeding gets her into optimum condition it will help with egg production."

Peregrines are large and powerful falcons but have suffered persecution and the side effects of agrochemicals in the middle of the last century.

The romantic pair have been resident at Arundel for a least three years now, have been providing much entertainment with their repeated piercing cries and defence of their love nest."

There is an almost guaranteed sighting of these amazing birds from the WWT Arundel Wetland Centre.

During half term (Saturday, February 16 to Sunday, February 24) weather permitting; a telescope will be trained on the birds for exclusive close viewing

The WWT Arundel wetland Centre is open every day 9.30am-3.30pm.