Cool, gonna head over on sunday to see if we can spot white heads in the nest box.. Fab news, Thank you Adrian
Karen Clewer said
Thu May 24 5:51 AM, 2012
Be interesting to know how that is actually done.
Adrian Dancy said
Wed May 23 10:42 PM, 2012
Two chicks ringed today ...one male and one female.
Steve Bostock said
Mon May 14 5:49 PM, 2012
Ivan Ellison wrote:
. He said he would take action and kill the birds. I told him that he would be committing a serious offence and he may get 6 months in prison if he did in fact kill a protected sch 1 bird. I then produced my warrant card and identified myself as a police officer explaining that I used to be a wildlife liaison officer.
-- Edited by Ivan Ellison on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 08:57:21 PM
Is threatening to kill the birds not grounds for arresting him ? at least a caution might keep him quiet for a while.
steve
Julie Bennett said
Mon May 14 3:20 PM, 2012
I visited yesterday as I have done most sundays for a few weeks, Dad was on the tower overlooking the nest, mums head was clearly visible in the nest box. About 4pm dad went off for food and fetched it back to mum who appeared to be feeding chicks.
I love these birds and would love if somebody could confirm there are chicks and if so how many
Jill Brown said
Wed May 2 11:59 PM, 2012
Any news on chicks?
Ivan Ellison said
Tue Mar 6 8:53 PM, 2012
Both birds present today. I saw 1 mating effort take place. A request for all Rochdale birders to be vigilant( and other GM birders). Whilst taking sdome pics of the birds a middle aged male came up to me. His opening gambit was "these things ate one of my racers yesterday." I tried to explain that they not only eat racers but a whole host of other birds. He said he would take action and kill the birds. I told him that he would be committing a serious offence and he may get 6 months in prison if he did in fact kill a protected sch 1 bird. His wife was with him and he tried to enter into a pissing competion with me. He puffed up his chest- like one of his pigeons and said he would be watching them carefully.As though it may mean something to someone from Rochdale he then said " I'm Jacko". I asked for his first name but he didn't answer. He repeated his threat to harm the birds. I then produced my warrant card and identified myself as a police officer explaining that I used to be a wildlife liaison officer. I made sure he understood the serious nature of what he was threatening and his pissing comp can to an abrupt dribble. He wandered off muttering that if there was a war on they would be killed anyway!. I didn't have the heart to tell him we now use more secure ways of sending messages to our fighting troops half way around the world. Anyway, keep your eyes and ears open and any more info on" Jacko" can be passed to me just in case any harm befalls the birds. A magpie just escaped by the skin of his beak. He had the audacity to fly onto the top of the tower only to be attacked x the female. Good flying skills and keeping close to the building saved him
-- Edited by Ivan Ellison on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 08:57:21 PM
Ivan Ellison said
Mon Feb 13 4:23 AM, 2012
Both birds looking fit and well on Thursday a/noon. Would say they are the same birds as last year. Both unringed and head patterns seem the same from the pics I took. Very hopeful for another sucess this year.
Robin Parker said
Sun Feb 12 9:54 PM, 2012
Sightings are intermittent now from College Bank but one was feeding on a ledge this morning. Couldn't be sure of sex because no size comparison and viewing sideways on, but may have been male. Last sighting two weeks ago was definitely female.
Michael Hood said
Tue Jan 17 10:54 PM, 2012
Was in our Rochdale office today, there's at least one bird around as it flew between the town hall and the "black box" a couple of times. Presumably both birds are there but I didn't get a chance to see that.
Robin Parker said
Mon Nov 14 8:24 AM, 2011
One day last week, both sitting together on top shelf right (from College Bank) facing me. Looked later and one had turned its back. Later again both had turned their backs. Must have been something I said!!
steven burke said
Sat Nov 12 10:30 PM, 2011
both adults showing well on the town hall, female above the clock between 4.15-4.45pm then flew off, circled then back on ledge below clock & 5 mins later male flew in on ledge above female
steven burke said
Fri Aug 19 10:32 PM, 2011
spent an hour here 4.45- 5.45pm just 3 peregrines about all juvenilles, 2 on the town hall & 1 on the bus station building. no signs off the others.
Robin Parker said
Thu Aug 4 11:48 AM, 2011
From my side (College Bank) they are much more frequent as they tend to use the back shelf of the clock tower to pluck and dissect the kills. There is one in sight now.
Ivan Ellison said
Thu Jul 28 6:33 PM, 2011
They are spending less time on the town hall now, but I still see them in the evening coming in to feed and roost. I would say very early in the morn or after 6pm.
Joe Wynn said
Wed Jul 27 9:05 PM, 2011
Went this afternoon after going to Dovestone. I did get brief views of them over drake st, but they didn't land on the town hall. Does anyone know when'd be the best time to see them on or around the town hall?
steven burke said
Fri Jul 1 9:44 PM, 2011
went to see these peregrines for the first time today,been told you get really good views and now i know what i have been missing out on excellent views and some good pics too. both adults came in with kills (never seen that before) female with 2 juveniles and male with 1 juvenile whilst they were feeding for themselves, not sure where the fourth was at the time sure it was there somewhere. really good views off them flying overhead,awesome be back soon. thank you to roy, jill & ella.
Dennis atherton said
Sun Jun 26 10:12 PM, 2011
4 birds flying and calling tonight causing a bit of a raucous with the local pigeons, chased a few around but did not seem to be trying too hard, they seem to fly for fun, also chasing eachother round a bit tonight,
Dennis atherton said
Thu Jun 23 8:48 PM, 2011
Sorry ignore original typos caused by fat fingers on small keypad on the phone, cant edit from phone and fat fingers and predictive text keep catching me out
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 23rd of June 2011 09:36:49 PM
Dennis atherton said
Thu Jun 23 8:45 PM, 2011
4 bird's happily perch up at present Thursday night after 3 having a fly about and 1 sat in the evening sun happy for the last few hours.
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 23rd of June 2011 09:35:26 PM
gary mills said
Thu Jun 16 11:16 PM, 2011
The bird in question is a juvenile and fortunately was only concussed. The bird was re released on the town hall roof 10am today. So far so good. Many thanks to Judith for her great work.
Robin Parker said
Thu Jun 16 9:02 AM, 2011
It must have been a chick. Two adult birds are together as I write (9.00am) dissecting a kill.
gary mills said
Wed Jun 15 9:41 AM, 2011
There was a peregrine found by the public in Rochdale town centre at about 9pm last night. The bird may have had a broken neck but was taken to Pet Medics. I've spoken to them who inform me that the bird was taken by a Barbara Royle who treats birds of prey. Pet medics could not tell me if it was a young bird or whether it was ringed. I'll try and find out more.!!
Jill Brown said
Sat Jun 4 6:24 PM, 2011
Between 11 and about 5. I'm a volunteer and am on holiday the next 2 Fridays - but there will be friendly staff there anyway. The adults perched quite a bit on a shelf of the grey middle bit of the black box yesterday, and were there today as I came home from a day with the Manchester peregrines Date with Nature!
Steve Bostock said
Sat Jun 4 6:22 PM, 2011
5.00 pm saturday saw 1 parent plucking kill on one side of tower , then flying round carpark with plucked bird ,then taking it to the chicks. also saw chicks flapping wings before adult arrived. steve
Robin Parker said
Sat Jun 4 11:38 AM, 2011
That's good news. What time are you there and I'll come and introduce myself? My scope is sighted from College Bank on to the rear of the tower, behind the nest, on what we call 'the larder'. This is where the kills are brought and dissected, presumably prior to being fed to the young.
Jill Brown said
Sat Jun 4 8:52 AM, 2011
For the next few Fridays, the RSPB are doing a Date with Nature on The Butts. There was quite a bit of interest yesterday, and of course with the telescope, great views.
Ivan Ellison said
Sun May 29 6:31 AM, 2011
Just for info, the chicks were ringed last week, there are 4. They are a bit small at present but they have been put down as all males.
Michael Hood said
Wed May 25 12:54 PM, 2011
Wrong, I've now seen three chicks. I'll try and see if there's a fourth when mum & dad come back to the nest - presumably with some grub.
I hope this lot don't try and get out of the box like the Manchester chicks, bit of a slide/drop and no easy way back in.
Michael Hood said
Fri May 20 9:30 AM, 2011
Feeding time at the zoo
The chicks must have grown significantly from 2 days ago as they're now clearly visible when being fed. There are definitely 2 chicks, I don't think there's a 3rd but it is possible with all the movement going on during breakfast (or is this brunch).
2nd time I've seen mum with a white pigeon - maybe they're easier to target than grey ones.
Mark Carroll said
Wed May 18 9:34 PM, 2011
Watch started at 17:45. Female sat on the edge of the tray preening before flying off. Flew right over my position low down (great views) before making a serious attempt at a passing Mallard (near miss). Both adults flew back to the Town Hall and sat for some time watching the nest. In total female left chick/s at the nest for 40 minutes. Both birds took off again and returned with prey. Female feeding young. Occasional glimpse of a chick whilst feeding. Female flew off with remainder of prey and was not back when watch ended 19:15.
Michael Hood said
Wed May 18 4:28 PM, 2011
No doubt that there are chicks there.
Mum & Dad both flew off for a while, next time I looked (less than 20 mins later), Mum was plucking and eating a kill (white pigeon) on perch above whilst Dad looked on.
They both flew off (Dad with kill) for a couple of minutes (possibly to the roof of the black tower council buildings - can't see cause it's above my head). Then mum came back to nest with some of kill and has been tearing bits off it and feeding to chick(s) since then.
The chicks are still too small to be seen over the edge but I did see a quick flash of non-Mum movement over the edge of the nest tray so there's at least one
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Wednesday 18th of May 2011 04:29:31 PM
Mark Carroll said
Fri May 13 6:39 PM, 2011
Called up this morning at 09:15. Female already had prey item on arrival and her behaviour was consistent with feeding young. Hard to be conclusive as she was stood with her back facing our position yet her head was down the whole time. After 5 minutes or so she settled back down and remained that way until watch ended approx 10:15.
Michael Hood said
Thu May 12 9:54 AM, 2011
Previously from my viewpoint it's been almost impossible to see the sitting bird.
This morning, the sitting bird was clearly sitting up, the other bird came in with a kill, plucked it a bit on a perch above the nest, then flew down to the nest with it. Both birds on the nest for a bit, then one (the male I think) flew back up to one of the perches (where it is now) and the female has settled back down - but still more visible than previously - now sitting up more again.
Anyway, from this change of behaviour, I'm fairly sure they're on chicks now.
Mark Carroll said
Sat May 7 11:03 AM, 2011
Been watching them on and off over the past few weeks. April 23rd there were 4 peregrines flying low around the tower/car park area chasing and calling. Are these last years young joining the breeding pair or are there 2 pairs in the area?
Ivan Ellison said
Sat May 7 6:56 AM, 2011
Went to look at the birds on Friday afternoon, male and female sharing either incubation duties or keeping chicks warm. Either way they are sitting on something in the nest tray, hopefully wont be long before we get some confirmation of chicks being fed- I will try to visit a couple of times/ week to see what is going on.
Charles Farrell said
Sat Apr 23 2:56 PM, 2011
Popped along on the way back from Healey Dell and was just in time to see one of the birds (presumably the male) flying around the town centre enjoying the thermals.
Jill Brown said
Tue Apr 12 8:58 PM, 2011
Judith - is it possible to find out if there are any eggs?
Michael Hood said
Fri Apr 1 1:44 PM, 2011
Answered my own questions (by observation) - unfortunately when the female settles right down in the nest tray (she just got in @1:25 and has been there for 20 mins) I can't see her, and I've now seen both in the same view so can see the size differential. The male is happily sitting on one of his favouite perches - the gargoyle (actually it's a water spout/drain) above and to the right.
Michael Hood said
Fri Apr 1 12:44 PM, 2011
At about 12 today one is sitting near the nest tray (presumably the female) and the other was on one of the gargoyles (presumably the male), a few minutes later only the one near the tray was visible and just now (12:40) I couldn't see either.
Some questions - apart from size (difficult to tell unless you can see them both together or until you get enough familiarity) is there any other way to tell the male & female apart; i.e. any distinguishing features (I know that they've nominally got the same plumage)?
Also, has the nest tray got a surround or is the "flat" bit at the top. I'm looking from just slightly below but if there is no surround then I should be able to see if a bird is on the nest (presuming that they'll use the tray) in which case I haven't seen that yet.
Robin Parker said
Wed Mar 30 2:31 PM, 2011
Seeing both regularly from College Bank but I viewed from the rear of the church yesterday (29th) 11.40am and also saw the female on the edge of the tray.
Ivan Ellison said
Wed Mar 30 12:49 PM, 2011
Seeing the M/cr birds are sitting , I went to check on the Rochdale pair today. The female was stood on the edge of the nest tray, with the male above on a gargoyle. Hopefully she may have laid some eggs, will try to get back at weekend to see if she has started to sit.
Jill Brown said
Mon Mar 14 5:48 PM, 2011
Yesterday I watched as the male disappeared out of sight into a cloud. Then he dived back to the Town Hall at incredible speed and they mated. She must have been impressed! Today at about 5.15 she perched on the tray for a few minutes.
Ivan Ellison said
Tue Mar 1 6:34 PM, 2011
Watched the birds for 2 1/2 hrs from 1500hrs today. 2 mating efforts observed, fingers crossed for this year.
Robin Parker said
Wed Feb 23 8:45 AM, 2011
Interested in Ivan's post. I have a scope permanently on the tower from College Bank flats and usually see at least one bird each day. This is on the rear of the tower, not the nest site. This has been true all over winter. Female on show as I write. Too far away, though, to see any rings. Has anyone else seen more than the regular pair?
Mike Chorley said
Tue Feb 22 8:29 PM, 2011
Single bird (from size prob. female) on the NE parapet of the clock tower 12 noon.
Ivan Ellison said
Tue Feb 8 7:39 PM, 2011
Watched both birds on town hall today and took some flight pics. The male is a different bird this year as it is unringed on both legs, unless the regular male was away and this was an interloper trying his luck.
Jill Brown said
Sun Jan 30 2:46 PM, 2011
Both birds perched quite close together this afternoon. After one flew around a bit there was an attempted at mating, then they both flew off in the same direction.
Robin Parker said
Thu Jan 6 10:56 AM, 2011
10.45 pair on view from College Bank.
Simon Harris said
Thu Jan 6 10:37 AM, 2011
Peregrine perched on town hall tower this morning about 9.30 still there half hour later.
Is threatening to kill the birds not grounds for arresting him ?
at least a caution might keep him quiet for a while.
steve
I love these birds and would love if somebody could confirm there are chicks and if so how many
A magpie just escaped by the skin of his beak. He had the audacity to fly onto the top of the tower only to be attacked x the female. Good flying skills and keeping close to the building saved him
-- Edited by Ivan Ellison on Tuesday 6th of March 2012 08:57:21 PM
just 3 peregrines about all juvenilles, 2 on the town hall & 1 on the bus station building. no signs off the others.
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 23rd of June 2011 09:36:49 PM
-- Edited by Dennis atherton on Thursday 23rd of June 2011 09:35:26 PM
saw 1 parent plucking kill on one side of tower , then flying round carpark with plucked bird ,then taking it to the chicks.
also saw chicks flapping wings before adult arrived.
steve
I hope this lot don't try and get out of the box like the Manchester chicks, bit of a slide/drop and no easy way back in.
The chicks must have grown significantly from 2 days ago as they're now clearly visible when being fed. There are definitely 2 chicks, I don't think there's a 3rd but it is possible with all the movement going on during breakfast (or is this brunch).
2nd time I've seen mum with a white pigeon - maybe they're easier to target than grey ones.
Mum & Dad both flew off for a while, next time I looked (less than 20 mins later), Mum was plucking and eating a kill (white pigeon) on perch above whilst Dad looked on.
They both flew off (Dad with kill) for a couple of minutes (possibly to the roof of the black tower council buildings - can't see cause it's above my head). Then mum came back to nest with some of kill and has been tearing bits off it and feeding to chick(s) since then.
The chicks are still too small to be seen over the edge but I did see a quick flash of non-Mum movement over the edge of the nest tray so there's at least one
-- Edited by Michael Hood on Wednesday 18th of May 2011 04:29:31 PM
This morning, the sitting bird was clearly sitting up, the other bird came in with a kill, plucked it a bit on a perch above the nest, then flew down to the nest with it. Both birds on the nest for a bit, then one (the male I think) flew back up to one of the perches (where it is now) and the female has settled back down - but still more visible than previously - now sitting up more again.
Anyway, from this change of behaviour, I'm fairly sure they're on chicks now.
Some questions - apart from size (difficult to tell unless you can see them both together or until you get enough familiarity) is there any other way to tell the male & female apart; i.e. any distinguishing features (I know that they've nominally got the same plumage)?
Also, has the nest tray got a surround or is the "flat" bit at the top. I'm looking from just slightly below but if there is no surround then I should be able to see if a bird is on the nest (presuming that they'll use the tray) in which case I haven't seen that yet.