Judith Smith brought the juvenile peregrine back from Stapley today and the bird was released successfully at about 2.30pm. It flew out about 150 yards , circled and returned to the roof just above us. We quickly left the site and and as soon as we left the building the adults returned. Food was brought in by them. The juvenile swooped down low over Roy Ridings and myself who were carrying on observation from the edge of the car park providing a superb view. The bird is very flappy close to buildings but otherwise seemed like a very strong flyer.
Thanks to Roy (RSPB volunteers) and a big thanks to CIS staff who have, forgive the pun, been very cooperative and a big thanks to the guy at the Crown Plazza who was persistent in getting someone to help the bird. I went to the hotel to thank him and he was over the moon to learn of the release. Finally thanks Paul Heaton for being patient with my anxiety!!!
Judith Smith said
Tue Jun 29 9:43 PM, 2010
The juvenile was successfully reunited with its parents today. They found her within 5 minutes of us leaving the roof and Adrian spent about 2 hours monitoring them. The male dropped off some prey, so all is well. Apparently the "mirror glass" is a film applied to many of the buildings in that area to minimise bomb blast damage after the explosion a few years ago. Doesn't help the Peregrines though.
Adrian Dancy said
Sun Jun 27 9:19 PM, 2010
I agree the mirror effect of the glass is likely to be the main cause.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Jun 26 11:16 PM, 2010
The Crown Plaza Hotel is not very tall though and the bird must have been flying at low level to have collided with it. The CIS stands alone in that area as a tall building and between it and the hotel in question there is nothing of particular problem structure wise which might create unexpected turbulance etc. and the bird would have basically have to have flown cross a large and empty car park. I cannot understand quite why it would have struck it other than inexperience and perhaps the illusion created by mirrored or atleast highly reflective windows
Judith Smith said
Sat Jun 26 10:39 PM, 2010
Now the remaining young Peregrine is also in care at Stapeley RSPCA wildlife hospital. It apparently hit the Crown Plaza Hotel nearby and concussed itself. From the hotel it was taken to Animals in Distress at Irlam, from where I collected it this afternoon for transfer to Stapeley. Fortunately it doesn't look too bad, and hopefully Paul Heaton will be able to return it on Monday to CIS. It's looking like very high buildings are creating updraughts and downdraughts which may be causing inexperienced birds to collide with them - we may have to take some advice about whether to continue with that box there.
Adrian Dancy said
Thu Jun 24 11:17 PM, 2010
Yesterday, I got a call from the CIS building manager who informed me that one of our young peregrines had flown into a window and died. Of course I was gutted. I went to pick up the body of the bird and it seems to me that the neck was broken so hopefully the bird did not suffer. It's a cruel and tragic fate for the bird to have died on its maiden flight. I have arranged for the dead bird to be sent to the 'Birds of Prey Monitoring Sheme' so the bird's demise will at least be useful to good science.
On a more happy note, the sibling bird fledged yesterday afternoon. It took to the air joined by its parents and shortly went back into the nest tray after doing one or two fancy manoeuvres (information provided by RSPB volunteers). Today the young peregrine spent most of the day on the lower roof of the CIS building ...in excess of 6 hours it made several false starts at flying and just before 8.00pm it shot off towards the centre of Manchester with confidence and no hesitation. I was not able to relocate it. Let's hope it survives!
Steve Suttill said
Tue Jun 22 9:49 AM, 2010
Female (I think) very agitated this morning, constantly circling the CIS tower and making a hell of a racket. Either someone is on the roof or she's trying to encourage the young to fly.
Steve
Joey Eccles said
Fri Jun 18 3:59 PM, 2010
Saw what I think was the male approach and then circle the nesting area a few times before drifting off towards the triangle area at 12.40pm
Graham Smith said
Wed Jun 9 4:21 PM, 2010
I was working late last night ,on he 24th floor of CIS right next to the nest site, both birds where flying within 10 feet of me. Saw the male come back twice with birds for tea. Absolutely stunning seeing them fly so close if only i had had my camera with me, maybe next week when im up there working overtime.
Melanie Beckford said
Sun Jun 6 8:34 PM, 2010
Great views this early evening of two Peregrines chasing in vain, a pigeon. l parked up near the CIS and there the battle was already on. They all flew and dipped and twisted as the Peregrines tea and the pigeons life was at stake.
All three ended up heading in the direction of Collyhurst/Monsall. The Raptors returned but not with their tea.
Judith Smith said
Mon May 31 10:03 PM, 2010
There were 2 chicks. It makes you wonder if it's the same pair, given that they've always had 4 before. I suppose we could always have the DNA samples from last year and this year compared.
Rob Smallwood said
Mon May 31 9:06 PM, 2010
What news folks, after the earlier "will they won't they" posts its all gone quiet!
Judith Smith said
Thu May 27 6:30 PM, 2010
The ringing of the birds will be shown on NW Tonight today (Thursday) at about 1845 I guess, or after - wildlife usually with the weather!
Adrian Dancy said
Mon May 24 7:07 PM, 2010
I am able to confirm that the female bird has one alloy ring so it may well be the case that we have the same pair.
Adrian Dancy said
Mon May 24 6:58 PM, 2010
Judith Smith wrote:
You've discussed it with Craig and Colin, then?
Craig told me that he will contact Colin today. Colin sent me a message that he would be doing a risk assement/recky tomorrow since I indicated that the CIS would prefer a counterweight mode of decent.
Steve Suttill said
Mon May 24 5:45 PM, 2010
Peregrines having a bit of a "domestic" this afternoon.
At one point the female almost knocked her mate out of the sky. This was followed by much screeching. I'm not much good at Peregrine-speak but it seemed to be something like "Have you seen the state of this place? We've got those ringers coming round soon!"
Steve
Judith Smith said
Sun May 23 10:44 PM, 2010
You've discussed it with Craig and Colin, then?
Adrian Dancy said
Sun May 23 1:46 AM, 2010
Graham Smith wrote:
belive me wedensday is the day for ringing inside info
Graham...a date has not been set yet.
Graham Smith said
Sat May 22 11:07 PM, 2010
belive me wedensday is the day for ringing inside info
Adrian Dancy said
Sat May 22 10:02 PM, 2010
In order not to create any confusion it has not been decided what day the peregrines will be ringed. The steeplejack will be doing a risk assessment on Tuesday. After that it is all subject to the availability of those concerned and of course the weather.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 10:03:27 PM
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 10:04:14 PM
Graham Smith said
Sat May 22 9:36 PM, 2010
i work at the cis and know that on Wednesday the chicks will be ringed
Adrian Dancy said
Sat May 15 6:02 AM, 2010
Sad news
the female kestrel at the town hall was the target of a successful peregrine kill. I estimate the kill took place about four days ago. It is ironic but not unexpected that since I have been watching and photographing both families over recent years that their paths would cross. The kestrels had moved and nested in the Piccadilly basin area when peregrines arrived in Manchester. They were most probably disturbed by metro-link works and other building activity and forced back to the Town Hall. The female did her bit for kestrel populations and I was honoured to rescue release two of her young. Of course I am gutted but that is nature.
Steve Suttill said
Mon May 10 9:49 AM, 2010
Large breakfast item delivered at 9.20 this morning.
Interesting that one of last year's young is still around. Didn't think breeding Peregrines tolerated that?
Steve
Karen Foulkes said
Sat May 8 8:45 PM, 2010
I did a stint of volunteering today at the RSPB stand and saw the Peregrines perched on the CIS tower throughout the day, seeing both birds together on one occasion and then three on another, one of which was apparently one of last years young. It was strange to see three Peregrines flying in formation though.
Highlight though was seeing one eating prey on a balcony of the Premier Inn!
Rob Smallwood said
Wed Apr 28 11:27 PM, 2010
I'm furious that they've moved - I've just manufactured a move to a desk on Floor 13 of my office with a grandstand (if distant) view of the old ledge!
The CIS is at least 3 times further away...
Neil McCall said
Wed Apr 28 2:20 PM, 2010
Sorry if that appeared to be a negative comment, Ian, actually I'm very pleased that the nest site is in a position such that it's safe to let the whole world know of its exact location.
(I hope the CIS let their window cleaners know!)
Tim Crossley said
Wed Apr 28 1:20 PM, 2010
I know they are out of area but the peregrines just over the hill from me in Oldham get robbed every year since the RSPB left them to their own devices, I dont suppose this year will be any different, saw them the other night. The female is magnificent.
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 28 11:43 AM, 2010
Be fair Neil, their breeding location last season (and those previous to that) was kept a pretty decent secret. For whatever reason their move to the CIS this year and it's widespread publication (including on this forum) has little bearing on their safety as I really think they're quite safe on the CIS building
Neil McCall said
Wed Apr 28 9:47 AM, 2010
The pair on the CIS building which had been described as "at a secret location" last year have been "outed" by the BBC local news .
Mike Chorley said
Wed Apr 7 10:20 PM, 2010
Pair circled, then landed on, CIS building 20.00 hrs tonight. 1 bird landed on the lower ne part of the building, the other on the east-facing S.
Ollie Wright said
Wed Apr 7 10:01 PM, 2010
Peregrine wheeling around the Town Hall tower this morning, perching just under the clock face, Albert Square side.
Judith Smith said
Mon Apr 5 11:11 AM, 2010
They appear to have abandoned the usual nest tray and are now sitting in the nest box at the CIS buillding (north side).
Adrian Dancy said
Sun Mar 28 11:05 PM, 2010
Birds seen copulating today...per Ivan Ellison.
Adrian Dancy said
Fri Mar 12 8:16 PM, 2010
Good views this evening of bird on cathedral, sadly really crap light. I think the bird winked at me
Thanks for your text Rob...very much appreciated. I heard from RSPB that the birds were 'at it' last week. I saw the female drive the male off her favourite perch on the town hall tower earlier this week.
I'm keeping fingers crossed for the Bolton bird.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Friday 12th of March 2010 08:17:15 PM
Rob Smallwood said
Fri Mar 12 5:24 PM, 2010
Very acive now - we have had several great views of hunting birds from the office as well as far more frequent sightings.
The birds were copulating close to a previous nest site early afternoon today.
Rob Smallwood said
Tue Dec 22 12:13 AM, 2009
They seem to have become much more visible again, and have started to show some interest in the nest site.
Best places to look for them at the moment are on the north side of the Town Hall (right at the top) or on the "E" of Arndale.
Steve Suttill said
Thu Nov 26 12:36 PM, 2009
two birds circling and swooping around CIS tower for quite some time this morning. At least one of the birds calling quite vociferously - normally the calls that you get when they are disturbed in the breeding season. Can't work out what's upset them.
Steve
Tony Coatsworth said
Tue Nov 10 6:57 PM, 2009
Adult sat on Bloom Street chimney for about an hour this morning in the rain
Dave Thacker said
Thu Jul 30 5:43 PM, 2009
2 Peregrines flying together over the Big wheel this afternoon.
Tony Coatsworth said
Thu Jul 30 2:17 PM, 2009
1 swooping down on pigeons over Chorlton St car park
gus gem said
Mon Jul 6 7:33 PM, 2009
Two peregrines flying over Whalley Range at 4.00 this afternoon - I think 1 adult and 1 young but too high up to be sure.
-- Edited by gus gem on Monday 6th of July 2009 08:50:48 PM
brandon mulhern said
Wed Jul 1 7:49 PM, 2009
edited to cover my male dominated ignorance!
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Wednesday 1st of July 2009 08:12:13 PM
Adrian Drummond-Hill said
Wed Jul 1 8:28 AM, 2009
brandon mulhern wrote:
Rach wrote:
I've just noticed how late it is having spent an awful long time looking at Binoculars !
he's hooked!
Or she, it could be Rachel.
brandon mulhern said
Wed Jul 1 7:59 AM, 2009
Rach wrote:
I've just noticed how late it is having spent an awful long time looking at Binoculars !
she's hooked!
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Wednesday 1st of July 2009 07:46:22 PM
Rachel Lewis said
Tue Jun 30 11:54 PM, 2009
Hi Geoff - yes I live high rise, I'm pretty much at the top of the tower block, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more visits! I've just noticed how late it is having spent an awful long time looking at Binoculars !
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Jun 30 11:16 PM, 2009
brandon mulhern wrote:
oops i upset the boss! I should have set the priority to manchester birding photo gallery deserve the picture first, then send it to birdguides if it gets manc approval!!!
Hardly Brandon.
I was just pointing out to those that might not already know about the article (I take every opportunity I can get!) and of course of the inferior nature of Birdguides to our own website, or rather as Geoff says 'Burdgiuds' (must be Wigan speak ).
Of course I am seriously bias on the issue
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 30th of June 2009 11:41:07 PM
Geoff Hargreaves said
Tue Jun 30 11:07 PM, 2009
I still can,t suss that quote thingy,but i can live without it ,
Rach,do you live in a high rise enviro?
Ian,sorry but just got a picture in me head ,gm birding or burdgiuds,completely differnt
off to bed now,geoff
brandon mulhern said
Tue Jun 30 11:03 PM, 2009
oops i upset the boss! I should have set the priority to manchester birding photo gallery deserve the picture first, then send it to birdguides if it gets manc approval!!!
Ian McKerchar wrote:
brandon mulhern wrote:
Pictures of the massacre by an adult and two young would have made you a hero over on birdguides and a poss photo of the week!
Birdguides? Do they have a photo gallery/article devoted soley to the life and times of Greater Manchester's breeding urban Peregrines in 2009? I think not...
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Jun 30 10:51 PM, 2009
brandon mulhern wrote:
Pictures of the massacre by an adult and two young would have made you a hero over on birdguides and a poss photo of the week!
Birdguides? Do they have a photo gallery/article devoted soley to the life and times of Greater Manchester's breeding urban Peregrines in 2009? I think not...
brandon mulhern said
Tue Jun 30 10:08 PM, 2009
nice first post, seems like you have just joined the birding community with an excellent starting tick for that bird book your going to ask someone to get you for birthday/xmas!! Not many can say they watched peregrines on their terrace!! Pictures of the massacre by an adult and two young would have made you a hero over on birdguides and a poss photo of the week!
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Tuesday 30th of June 2009 10:09:48 PM
Thanks to Roy (RSPB volunteers) and a big thanks to CIS staff who have, forgive the pun, been very cooperative and a big thanks to the guy at the Crown Plazza who was persistent in getting someone to help the bird. I went to the hotel to thank him and he was over the moon to learn of the release. Finally thanks Paul Heaton for being patient with my anxiety!!!
Apparently the "mirror glass" is a film applied to many of the buildings in that area to minimise bomb blast damage after the explosion a few years ago. Doesn't help the Peregrines though.
It's looking like very high buildings are creating updraughts and downdraughts which may be causing inexperienced birds to collide with them - we may have to take some advice about whether to continue with that box there.
On a more happy note, the sibling bird fledged yesterday afternoon. It took to the air joined by its parents and shortly went back into the nest tray after doing one or two fancy manoeuvres (information provided by RSPB volunteers). Today the young peregrine spent most of the day on the lower roof of the CIS building ...in excess of 6 hours it made several false starts at flying and just before 8.00pm it shot off towards the centre of Manchester with confidence and no hesitation. I was not able to relocate it. Let's hope it survives!
Steve
All three ended up heading in the direction of Collyhurst/Monsall. The Raptors returned but not with their tea.
Craig told me that he will contact Colin today. Colin sent me a message that he would be doing a risk assement/recky tomorrow since I indicated that the CIS would prefer a counterweight mode of decent.
At one point the female almost knocked her mate out of the sky. This was followed by much screeching. I'm not much good at Peregrine-speak but it seemed to be something like "Have you seen the state of this place? We've got those ringers coming round soon!"
Steve
Graham...a date has not been set yet.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 10:03:27 PM
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Saturday 22nd of May 2010 10:04:14 PM
the female kestrel at the town hall was the target of a successful peregrine kill. I estimate the kill took place about four days ago. It is ironic but not unexpected that since I have been watching and photographing both families over recent years that their paths would cross. The kestrels had moved and nested in the Piccadilly basin area when peregrines arrived in Manchester. They were most probably disturbed by metro-link works and other building activity and forced back to the Town Hall. The female did her bit for kestrel populations and I was honoured to rescue release two of her young. Of course I am gutted but that is nature.
Interesting that one of last year's young is still around. Didn't think breeding Peregrines tolerated that?
Steve
Highlight though was seeing one eating prey on a balcony of the Premier Inn!
The CIS is at least 3 times further away...
(I hope the CIS let their window cleaners know!)
Thanks for your text Rob...very much appreciated. I heard from RSPB that the birds were 'at it' last week. I saw the female drive the male off her favourite perch on the town hall tower earlier this week.
I'm keeping fingers crossed for the Bolton bird.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Friday 12th of March 2010 08:17:15 PM
The birds were copulating close to a previous nest site early afternoon today.
Best places to look for them at the moment are on the north side of the Town Hall (right at the top) or on the "E" of Arndale.
Steve
-- Edited by gus gem on Monday 6th of July 2009 08:50:48 PM
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Wednesday 1st of July 2009 08:12:13 PM
Or she, it could be Rachel.
she's hooked!
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Wednesday 1st of July 2009 07:46:22 PM
Hardly Brandon.
I was just pointing out to those that might not already know about the article (I take every opportunity I can get!) and of course of the inferior nature of Birdguides to our own website, or rather as Geoff says 'Burdgiuds' (must be Wigan speak ).
Of course I am seriously bias on the issue
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 30th of June 2009 11:41:07 PM
Rach,do you live in a high rise enviro?
Ian,sorry but just got a picture in me head ,gm birding or burdgiuds,completely differnt
off to bed now,geoff
oops i upset the boss! I should have set the priority to manchester birding photo gallery deserve the picture first, then send it to birdguides if it gets manc approval!!!
Birdguides? Do they have a photo gallery/article devoted soley to the life and times of Greater Manchester's breeding urban Peregrines in 2009? I think not...
Not many can say they watched peregrines on their terrace!! Pictures of the massacre by an adult and two young would have made you a hero over on birdguides and a poss photo of the week!
-- Edited by brandon mulhern on Tuesday 30th of June 2009 10:09:48 PM