Nature is very adaptable and needs to be given the rapidly changing environment. Sometimes change takes place over centuries. On the other hand, comparatively speedy adaptations can occur.

A case in point concerns the peregrine falcon. Almost wiped out in the nineteen-sixties as a result of DDT crop spraying, the bird is now thriving and spreading it's wings countrywide.

Traditionally a cliff side nesting species peregrines began nesting on London's south bank a few decades ago and now, many towns and cities play host to a nesting pair.

As buildings rise ever higher, peregrines are using them as pseudo cliff tops. They choose the tallest building in a town centre from where they can survey the scene with telescopic eyesight and nest on the rooftop, especially where there is much clutter like TV and radio discs and aerials affording some shelter.

Of course, town centres attract large numbers of feral pigeons which form the peregrine's main diet although other species such as starlings, wagtails and parakeets also feature on their menu and indeed, any bird it can lay it's lethal talons on.

Being the fastest creature on, or rather above the planet, peregrines 'stoop', or dive on their prey at speeds of over 200mph, killing their victims outright.

However, it has recently been discovered that peregrines are adopting a new hunting strategy. Light pollution in towns illuminates the night sky and also the undersides of migrant birds such as teal, woodcock and others as they fly over the peregrines eyrie, so the falcons fly upwards to strike their prey from below.

Yet another adaptation demonstrated by the fabulous falcon.