Peregrine falcons on "Old Joe" Birmingham University clock tower

[pjmburns]

Not sure if this is the best place to post but... bird watchers might be interested.
Near the top of Old Joe (University Clock Tower) a live stream camera has been installed. It is focused on a peregrine falcon nest - I believe there are 4 eggs.

 

[pjmburns]

Lyn and I have been keeping an eye on this camera and were rewarded today when the first egg hatched. Apologies but the only way I could find to get an image was screen capture so the "pause" and "play" button shows on some photos.
3rd image is second bird arriving with "dinner"

 

[Astoness]

thanks for posting some photos jan...i am really enjoying watching how things progress...still got 3 eggs to hatch yet but i dont think they will be long now

lyn

 

[pjmburns]

Been checking regularly but still 3 eggs and 1 chick. Food being brought in regularly and birds changing over.

 

[Vivienne14]

I've moved posts about the Peregrines to their own thread as it's an interesting piece of natural history showing how wildlife can adapt to city living !!

I think there were some nesting on the BT tower some years ago too.

 

[Keith R]

Here's one from Hollymoor Tower Northfield........apparently pigeon fancies will kill them now I have put a picture on...but apparently they won't from all the other many sites in south Brum....

 

[pjmburns]

Just read a suggestion that the Old Joe pair may only have the one chick and the other eggs won't hatch now. Apparently the eggs in a clutch usually hatch close together so the chicks remain similar in size.

 

[pjmburns]

Managed to get this pic yesterday. Mom, Dad and baby having a meal. Think they've given up on the other eggs.

 

[Astoness]

thanks jan...shame the other 3 eggs wont hatch now but at least the surviving little chick wont go hungry


lyn

 

[pjmburns]

Both adults seem to be hunting well. Think I've seen pigeon and (judging by the tail) rat on the menu

 

[Astoness]

this info is on the universities web site but just in case i am posting this info..we have a while to go yet before hopefully the little one fledges safely

Birmingham’s Peregrines​

• In the UK, Peregrines are what is known as Schedule 1 (S1) birds. This means that they are specially protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (NI) order of 1985. It is therefore an offence to intentionally disturb these birds whilst they are building a nest, or in, on or near a nest containing eggs or young; or to disturb dependent young even if not in the nest. It is also an offence to intentionally harm any healthy bird. Any visit to the nest of a S1 species thus requires a special Schedule 1 licence which has to be issued by the British Trust for Ornithology prior to any activities. The two bird ringers involved with the project possess this licence.
• When the chicks reach a certain age, (between 35-46 days from hatching), they start walking along the ledge and stretching their wings. As they do this, on occasion, they may fall and glide... finding themselves on the ground. As it’s their first flight, they often walk around the ground a bit afterwards. If you see this, inform University security and the Estates team. Keep your distance and not approach the bird without Security and/or a handler!
• Off campus, if you see something you consider to be an ongoing offence first contact the police for an immediate response. You may also contact the RSPB Investigations directly via their confidential ‘Raptor Crime Hotline’ 0300 999 0101 but note this should ONLY be used if you have sensitive information specifically relating to the illegal targeting of birds of prey (raptor persecution).