Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Halifax Peregrines?

Press release from Calderdale Council - I assume it is accurate though I haven't seen them myself.

http://www.calderdale.gov.uk/council/news/pressreleases/detail.jsp?id=16884&ref=index

Peregrine falcon chicks are taking their very first flights around the Piece Hall in Halifax.
The stunning birds of prey became local celebrities in May, when a breeding pair joined the growing number opting for urban living and nested in the Square Church spire next to the Piece Hall, central Halifax.
The proud parents hatched chicks, which have now fledged and can be spotted swooping down to the Piece Hall as they learn to fly and hunt for food.
Some fantastic aerial displays could be in store for Piece Hall visitors over the next few days as these magnificent birds teach their young the awesome hunting and flying skills that peregrines are renowned for.
The birds are easily identifiable by their striking black hood, black 'moustache' and flying speed of over 100 miles an hour - making them the fastest creatures on the planet.
Michael Devereux, Piece Hall Operations Manager, said:-
"The birds are a magnificent sight and now the chicks have fledged, we expect them to be gone in a week or so, once they learn to fend for themselves. The best time to spot them is in the early mornings or evenings in the Piece Hall, when they swoop over on the hunt for food."
Until recently, peregrines were purely associated with wild crags or sea cliff faces, but changing landscapes and a general increase in numbers mean they have adapted to living in more unlikely places and have broadened their options. To a peregrine, a tall building has the same benefits as a cliff face - its high, safe and has plenty of food in the surrounding area.
The RSPB will be keeping an eye on the falcons and is running a campaign to raise awareness about illegal killing of birds of prey like peregrines.
The RSPB's Matthew Capper said:
"It's fantastic news that peregrine falcons are rearing their chicks in Halifax. Not that long ago these awesome birds were very rare but the fact that they are now successfully nesting in towns is a great sign their numbers are recovering. It's just totally unacceptable that in some part of the UK these birds are still illegally killed."
Peregrine populations hit an all-time low in the 1950s due to pesticides in farming but they are increasingly thriving in urban areas. Breeding pairs dropped to just 360 pairs in the UK but the RSPB believes there are now 1500, making their appearance in towns and cities even better news. For more information on how to help birds of prey like the peregrine falcon visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey

7 comments:

Nick Carter said...

I haven't been down to look so can't comment but i know one of our members went down when they were first reported to be breeding there earlier this year and found only kestrels. Anyone been down to confirm this report?

David Sutcliffe said...

We have regularly seen a pair of Kestrels on Square Church spire this year - but no Peregrines!

Nick Carter said...

Several people have only ever reported kestrels from the PH this year, no-one has recorded peregrine other than the council that I know of.

Steve Blacksmith said...

Last night, Weds 16th, there were three young kestrels, ready to fledge, in niches half way up, facing the Piece Hall.
I would have thought no self-respecting Peregrine pair would allow such a situation to develope.
The Council and Courier often get things wrong. Piece Hall manager drumming up trade?

Jim Welford said...

There's a chunk missing fromone of the stone louvres on the side facing PH. Last time I was there it looked as though Kestrels were using it to access a nest sit.

Matt Bell said...

The last time this story 'broke', it was just before a school holiday / peak visitor period (Easter, or May Bank Holiday). A cynic would say it is simply publicity before next week's summer hols start.........

Andrew Huyton said...

Funny you should say that Matt as I visted today after work and there is some big school holiday event starting this weekend!! Only bird of prey on show......yes you guessed it a single Kestrel, sat just as the guys described. I'm dismayed that this year they have used the RSPB to comment as well. Other birds showing incl 2 Swift 2 BHG and 2 Goldfinch all fly overs.
Pigeons very relxed family flying around the piece hall.
No wonder whoever released the info didn't involve the countryside unit.