A peregrine falcon has been snapped on camera by a member of the Dorset Echo Camera Club.
The bird of prey perched itself on St John’s Church in Greenhill near to Weymouth Esplanade and looked down at the passers-by below.
The falcon – which can reach a top speed of more than 200 miles per hour when diving – was spotted by keen photographer Fiona Lawrence.
Peregrine falcons are the fastest member of the animal kingdom based on top speed.
This bird in Weymouth looked like it was scoping out a place from which to catch prey.
Peregrine falcon on St John’s Church, Weymouth (Image: Fiona Lawrence)
You can see more pictures like this and share your own at the Dorset Echo Camera Club Facebook group, which you can find here.
The lightning fast bird is the UK’s biggest falcon and wildlife charity the Wildlife Trust says the bird can be easily identified through its white throat and cheeks.
It also has a very distinct black moustache and mask, with a dark slate-grey above and white underbelly.
The birds typically nest on sea cliffs and rocky areas, though they have also used tall buildings as an alternative home.
They often nest in the north and south west of England, but are being increasingly seen throughout the UK.
It is not unusual for peregrines to eat ducks, rabbits or bats.