Adult male flew low over Deansgate Station just after quarter to four this afternoon.
steven burke said
Sun Jul 14 12:26 AM, 2024
A pair of peregrines have been successful at breeding in the city centre this year. They managed to raise 2 juveniles, however since fledging just over 2 weeks ago I have only been seeing just the one & only seeing the adults feeding just this one. I believe judging by the size of the juvenile that it may be a female. The adult female is a new bird & the adult male is from Rochdale who has been In the city centre for a few years now. I watched the juvenile yesterday afternoon 13th as it flew around chasing gulls & pigeons & looking good. It's nice to see a juvenile in the city centre as its been a few years now.
Male flew through Castlefield basin this lunchtime causing a Pigeon panic but just ignored them & continued onwards towards Hulme.
steven burke said
Fri Sep 1 7:25 PM, 2023
Adult female on the letter E of the arndale this afternoon it later flew off calling as a buzzard came flying over then flew onto the cis building.
steven burke said
Sun Aug 6 9:35 PM, 2023
Adult pair seen down Oxford Road this afternoon, I get the impression that these may of failed again this year ! Not seen or heard any juveniles around on a few visits.
A 2nd cal yr bird took to roosting on the Oxford Rd nest site. A double ringed bird (most likely the resident male) attacked the roosting bird and then battled with it over Oxford Rd then towards the town hall. They both disappeared over Spinningfields. I was not able to relocate them. The episode lasted about 15 mins.
Owing to a recent shoulder injury I was not able to grip and hold my short lens without it shaking or causing pain. I have attached an image of the first encounter.
Whilst stood on cathedral approach this afternoon a male peregrine flew around above me, he attempted to land on the Premier Inn a couple of times but then decided to fly off towards the cis tower where he did land. Soon after I was watching a female on the letters of the arndale viewed from market street.
Adrian Dancy said
Sat Oct 29 10:38 PM, 2022
2 pairs of peregrines attempted to nest this year but as far as I am able to tell no juveniles fledged. One pair (the pair that nested in the town Hall) spent time at checking out last year's disasterous nest site, then they wasted time with several days at the traditional nest site where there was still a broken tray. They then took to a government building. If eggs were laid then they most probably rolled thus preventing adequate incubation. The 2021 first nest site just needed a tray and was absolutely perfect for breeding peregrines. I am not sure why the Raptor group did not put up a tray...I gave them the details for contacting the building owners who at the time seemed amenable.
The second pair that tried to breed have found a hole that has no real future. The nest site is atypical and presently there is no access. The site has not been previously used by peregrines. The male bird has known provenance.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Sunday 30th of October 2022 12:36:22 AM
steven burke said
Tue Apr 19 12:13 PM, 2022
Just of interest, the injured male from last April is currently back in the city centre, I was watching him on Sunday, he may cause some trouble to the other pair who are currently at a nest site, they look to be doing ok so far but I have only spent one afternoon/evening to catch up with things.
One perched on the Mercure hotel above Portland street this pm
Tom Moody said
Tue Apr 5 4:50 PM, 2022
At least one individual hunting over Spinningfields/ Manchester Centre area throughout today and yesterday.
Three individuals all seen at once at 16:45 today.
Tom
Samglennie said
Mon Apr 4 3:22 PM, 2022
One individual flew over Charlotte/Mosley street junction at 1300, then one seen again on town hall at 1340.
Adrian Dancy said
Mon Mar 14 9:42 PM, 2022
I have been watching the birds for a while now and they seem to be spending most of their time on the town hall and on the CIS building and occasionally dropping by the Arndale tower. The male bird is the one that took over from the injured male last year and was originally ringed as a chick in Rochdale.
Late edit: I have not witnessed any mating.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Tuesday 15th of March 2022 09:26:49 AM
Karen Foulkes said
Tue Mar 8 7:13 PM, 2022
A Peregrine was patrolling the skies above the Arndale around 1720 this evening and was visible from Shudehill tram stop.
steven burke said
Sat Feb 19 9:39 PM, 2022
Both adults on view this afternoon firstly around the city tower, female perched up whilst the male was flying around being harassed by a few gulls. Then again later on both perched on the cis tower.
At least 1 on Town Hall viewed distantly from St. peters Square
Adrian Dancy said
Sat Jan 15 5:26 PM, 2022
Two birds perched together on top of the town hall spire.
Adrian Dancy said
Wed Jan 5 6:39 PM, 2022
The traditional site is close to the city centre. I believe the nest tray at this site is in a poor condition and in my view should be removed to prevent the birds attempting to breed there. The area around the nest tray will also be subject to disturbance till mid June.
A pair of Peregrines were on the CIS tower today. I was not able to confirm the identity of the individual birds. I would dearly love to know which male is with the female. I have heard 3 stories about what happened to last year's male which was taken into care. Was it released, did it escape? Sadly I was in hospital so could not monitor the situation.
Images attached, a male is on the 'e' and a female on the 'c'.
Peregrine pair at the traditional site this afternoon.
Is the "traditional site" the Town Hall, or the City Centre site that's actually in Salford, or somewhere else (no need to specify)?
Adrian Dancy said
Sun Jan 2 4:53 PM, 2022
Peregrine pair at the traditional site this afternoon.
steven burke said
Sun Oct 3 6:27 PM, 2021
A look around several locations in between a bit of shopping this afternoon,
no peregrines to be seen in any usual spots, eventually had a male flying around piccadilly Gardens but soon lost from view.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 3rd of October 2021 06:28:43 PM
Adrian Dancy said
Sat Aug 28 7:27 PM, 2021
2 peregrines close to the traditional site, quite vocal, one bird feeding then had a small portion removed by the other. A near full size pigeon was later moved to a site which has not been traditionally used for plucking.
steven burke said
Sun Aug 8 11:39 PM, 2021
Adrian you are right it is highly unlikely that the juvenile that was seen is not from the nest site we observed this year. Looking back on the visits I did make I definitely would of seen something. On another visit today for just under 2 hours no peregrines were to be seen at any of the usual locations,.
Adrian Dancy said
Mon Aug 2 7:31 PM, 2021
Steve'
I am 100% sure you were not wrong and I am 100% sure the juvenile seen by an unnamed observer is not from the Manchester nest site that we both observed this year. AD
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Monday 2nd of August 2021 07:35:04 PM
steven burke said
Sat Jul 31 11:09 PM, 2021
It looks like I was wrong about the peregrines failing this year as earlier in the week a juvenile was seen on the arndale with the 2 adults. Today I spent over 5 hours to try & see the juvenile for myself but unfortunately only seen both adults on numerous occasions on & off the arndale, in all that time no food was brought in, they actually spent most of the time just sat around. Try again next week.
Adult female perched on the letter E of the arndale around midday today.
steven burke said
Sat Jun 19 8:14 PM, 2021
Both adults on view this afternoon on the arndale, this also confirms that this pair have also failed at the nest site which is a shame Photos attached, obviously by size alone the male on the letter D & female on the letter E. This male is the new male from Rochdale, have not spent a lot of time here recently but I have not had any sightings of the old male since his escape from wild wings.
Sad news about the death , but most encouraging about the nest and , presumably , eggs . Great work , Adrian . Thank you .
Adrian Dancy said
Wed Apr 14 8:40 PM, 2021
The new (Rochdale) male is now bringing in food for the female which is sitting. A second cal year bird is still around which seems to be being tolerated at the nest site. A dead peregrine was discovered and I am 100% satisfied it was killed by a peregrine.
Adrian Dancy said
Sun Apr 11 2:10 AM, 2021
I have watched the birds extensively over the last few weeks. Most will be aware that the town hall nest site had to be blocked up. If the birds were to breed this year then they needed to find a new scrape or tray. They have indeed found a new place to nest and whilst I cannot be certain it is my belief the female started sitting on the 3rd April. I found the nest only a few days before so my interpretation of events might be wrong. Since my finding the nest site I have seen several male birds casing out the location. One or more of them seemed unfamiliar with building structures and when they came low they collided with the structures and the glass. They found difficulty accessing the nest site. A second cal yr bird (juvenile plumage) was also seen. I do not know if it was a male or female but it was tolerated by one of the intruding males. I do not know if they were a pair. It managed to fly into the nest area then left. The sitting female was unmoved by the second cal yr bird (perhaps last year's juv?) I have not seen it since.
A few days ago I reported to the Manchester Raptor Study Group that the male was missing and I was concerned. On Thursday night I spent time looking for the bird's body over one quarter of Manchester and on Friday morning/midday I looked in another quarter and found no dead peregrine. A member of the public who was familiar with me said that a falcon was on the floor at Piccadilly bus station and that I should go over. I raced over thinking I'd be finding a dead bird but to my delight I saw a circle of people surrounding a standing bird. He looked stunning! I was breathless! The bird had been seen by a gentleman call Zaf, A Stagecoach inspector. He had the good sense to call over some PCSO officers from Greater Manchester Police who stood with the bird for a very long time indeed making sure it came to no harm before being helped. I met and thanked Ryan King (RSPCA) who gracefully took hold of the peregrine and placed it in a box and took the bird to a vet who I understand indicated a minor fracture. I thanked the PCSOs and the Stagecoach inspector and spoke to his bosses commending his observations and actions.
When the male was taken into care another male bird (a 2018 Rochdale chick) has come on the scene. He initially found it difficult to access the ledge but on Saturday the female seemed receptive and accommodating. I did not see the male bring food in but I saw the female take some away from the nest area.
In accordance with my agreement with the the Raptor Group it would not be appropriate for me to indicate the nest site location and as yet the building owners are not aware. With regret I have now left the Raptor Group and hoping to get better respect elsewhere.
I have gathered a few photos taken recently and attached them here. I will show another in due course which shows the male in an urban landscape. I'm sure some will say ugh why did you bother take that?
Cheers Ian & Martin. Just couldnt tell from the image. In the best hands anyway.
Martin Loftus said
Fri Apr 9 7:57 PM, 2021
Wild Wings have him. Apparently he has a fractured wing but should heal fine.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Apr 9 6:07 PM, 2021
Rob Creek wrote:
Was there any indication on the Facebook post as to whether the image taker thought it was injured, or if the RSPCA was called?
RSPCA were called to the incident
Rob Creek said
Fri Apr 9 6:06 PM, 2021
Was there any indication on the Facebook post as to whether the image taker thought it was injured, or if the RSPCA was called? Presumably you meant the leg Martin, bit bloody or am I misinterpreting the photo?
Martin Loftus said
Fri Apr 9 2:28 PM, 2021
Someone just posted this pic of a peregrine on FB sat in the middle of Picadilly gardens an hour ago..looks injured
I am lucky enough to be working in the City centre on an out door job this week, today I could hear the birds most of the day and I had several sightings of the Peregrines both separately and together and also of the male flying around with prey and being harassed by the the female. They seem to be very active.
paul shaw said
Sat Mar 27 8:56 PM, 2021
A late post after being reminded by Ians, I could hear 2 Peregrines interacting at roof level near to portland Street on Thursday, they then both flew off in opposite directions, going off size the female headed towards the townhall and the male circled off up high.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Mar 27 11:43 AM, 2021
6am this morning over Cross Street, a pair of Peregrines were interacting just over rooftop height, the female of which was carrying a prey item which seemed to have quite long legs. As they moved off NW out of view they were followEd by a very fast moving male bird (on size) heading in the same direction.
James Richardson said
Thu Feb 4 8:59 AM, 2021
08:15 this morning - two peregrines flew from towards town hall direction and met a third over Beetham Tower, which they ushered off southwards. The two then returned northwards as the third drifted south.
Charles Farrell said
Sat Jan 30 12:33 AM, 2021
1 female Peregrine soaring in the vicinity of the CIS Tower before heading off towards the Arndale at around 2PM.
No sign of any birds around the Town Hall, as work was progressing towards the top of the tower.
3:15PM, 2 birds on the Arndale Tower perched on the letters D and E, viewed from the Shudehill Tram stop
steven burke said
Sun Jan 24 7:39 PM, 2021
On a short cycle around this afternoon the adult Male was on the town hall & flew onto another nearby building around 3pm & another (or the same bird) perched on the cis later on. Scaffolding around the town hall is now getting higher, just past the clock so peregrines will have to perch elsewhere soon.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 24th of January 2021 11:38:51 PM
Adult female perched high up on the town hall around 11.30am. A big mooch around looking in all other usual spots for peregrines produced none.
steven burke said
Sun Oct 18 7:06 PM, 2020
Afternoon visit.
Both adults on view on several occasions throughout my visit, at one point they were both perched up close to each other on the cis tower, managed a photo just as the male just flew off. Also a flight shot of the female & perched up on the town hall later on. No signs of the juvenile on a search around so presumably been moved on by now !
both adults on view on the town hall this afternoon, female high up getting her feathers blown about in the wind, male wisely sat lower down out of the wind. the juvenile was seen in flight high up gliding around.
Juvenile very vocal today....perhaps annoyed with itself for dropping a prey item in the street. The birds, including the juvenile, have regularly perched on the Arnadale letters facing Exchange Sq recently.
The adult female is a new bird & the adult male is from Rochdale who has been In the city centre for a few years now.
I watched the juvenile yesterday afternoon 13th as it flew around chasing gulls & pigeons & looking good.
It's nice to see a juvenile in the city centre as its been a few years now.
Male flew through Castlefield basin this lunchtime causing a Pigeon panic but just ignored them & continued onwards towards Hulme.
Not seen or heard any juveniles around on a few visits.
A 2nd cal yr bird took to roosting on the Oxford Rd nest site. A double ringed bird (most likely the resident male) attacked the roosting bird and then battled with it over Oxford Rd then towards the town hall. They both disappeared over Spinningfields. I was not able to relocate them. The episode lasted about 15 mins.
Owing to a recent shoulder injury I was not able to grip and hold my short lens without it shaking or causing pain. I have attached an image of the first encounter.
A male was seen in another location later on.
3 peregrines were seen around on Saturday afternoon.
2 pairs of peregrines attempted to nest this year but as far as I am able to tell no juveniles fledged. One pair (the pair that nested in the town Hall) spent time at checking out last year's disasterous nest site, then they wasted time with several days at the traditional nest site where there was still a broken tray. They then took to a government building. If eggs were laid then they most probably rolled thus preventing adequate incubation. The 2021 first nest site just needed a tray and was absolutely perfect for breeding peregrines. I am not sure why the Raptor group did not put up a tray...I gave them the details for contacting the building owners who at the time seemed amenable.
The second pair that tried to breed have found a hole that has no real future. The nest site is atypical and presently there is no access. The site has not been previously used by peregrines. The male bird has known provenance.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Sunday 30th of October 2022 12:36:22 AM
Photo attached of the male on the town hall.
One perched on the Mercure hotel above Portland street this pm
At least one individual hunting over Spinningfields/ Manchester Centre area throughout today and yesterday.
Three individuals all seen at once at 16:45 today.
Tom
One individual flew over Charlotte/Mosley street junction at 1300, then one seen again on town hall at 1340.
I have been watching the birds for a while now and they seem to be spending most of their time on the town hall and on the CIS building and occasionally dropping by the Arndale tower. The male bird is the one that took over from the injured male last year and was originally ringed as a chick in Rochdale.
Late edit: I have not witnessed any mating.
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Tuesday 15th of March 2022 09:26:49 AM
The traditional site is close to the city centre. I believe the nest tray at this site is in a poor condition and in my view should be removed to prevent the birds attempting to breed there. The area around the nest tray will also be subject to disturbance till mid June.
A pair of Peregrines were on the CIS tower today. I was not able to confirm the identity of the individual birds. I would dearly love to know which male is with the female. I have heard 3 stories about what happened to last year's male which was taken into care. Was it released, did it escape? Sadly I was in hospital so could not monitor the situation.
Images attached, a male is on the 'e' and a female on the 'c'.
AD
Is the "traditional site" the Town Hall, or the City Centre site that's actually in Salford, or somewhere else (no need to specify)?
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 3rd of October 2021 06:28:43 PM
On another visit today for just under 2 hours no peregrines were to be seen at any of the usual locations,.
Steve'
I am 100% sure you were not wrong and I am 100% sure the juvenile seen by an unnamed observer is not from the Manchester nest site that we both observed this year.
AD
-- Edited by Adrian Dancy on Monday 2nd of August 2021 07:35:04 PM
Today I spent over 5 hours to try & see the juvenile for myself but unfortunately only seen both adults on numerous occasions on & off the arndale, in all that time no food was brought in, they actually spent most of the time just sat around. Try again next week.
Photos attached, obviously by size alone the male on the letter D & female on the letter E.
This male is the new male from Rochdale, have not spent a lot of time here recently but I have not had any sightings of the old male since his escape from wild wings.
Great work , Adrian . Thank you .
I have watched the birds extensively over the last few weeks. Most will be aware that the town hall nest site had to be blocked up. If the birds were to breed this year then they needed to find a new scrape or tray. They have indeed found a new place to nest and whilst I cannot be certain it is my belief the female started sitting on the 3rd April. I found the nest only a few days before so my interpretation of events might be wrong. Since my finding the nest site I have seen several male birds casing out the location. One or more of them seemed unfamiliar with building structures and when they came low they collided with the structures and the glass. They found difficulty accessing the nest site. A second cal yr bird (juvenile plumage) was also seen. I do not know if it was a male or female but it was tolerated by one of the intruding males. I do not know if they were a pair. It managed to fly into the nest area then left. The sitting female was unmoved by the second cal yr bird (perhaps last year's juv?) I have not seen it since.
A few days ago I reported to the Manchester Raptor Study Group that the male was missing and I was concerned. On Thursday night I spent time looking for the bird's body over one quarter of Manchester and on Friday morning/midday I looked in another quarter and found no dead peregrine. A member of the public who was familiar with me said that a falcon was on the floor at Piccadilly bus station and that I should go over. I raced over thinking I'd be finding a dead bird but to my delight I saw a circle of people surrounding a standing bird. He looked stunning! I was breathless! The bird had been seen by a gentleman call Zaf, A Stagecoach inspector. He had the good sense to call over some PCSO officers from Greater Manchester Police who stood with the bird for a very long time indeed making sure it came to no harm before being helped. I met and thanked Ryan King (RSPCA) who gracefully took hold of the peregrine and placed it in a box and took the bird to a vet who I understand indicated a minor fracture. I thanked the PCSOs and the Stagecoach inspector and spoke to his bosses commending his observations and actions.
When the male was taken into care another male bird (a 2018 Rochdale chick) has come on the scene. He initially found it difficult to access the ledge but on Saturday the female seemed receptive and accommodating. I did not see the male bring food in but I saw the female take some away from the nest area.
In accordance with my agreement with the the Raptor Group it would not be appropriate for me to indicate the nest site location and as yet the building owners are not aware. With regret I have now left the Raptor Group and hoping to get better respect elsewhere.
I have gathered a few photos taken recently and attached them here. I will show another in due course which shows the male in an urban landscape. I'm sure some will say ugh why did you bother take that?
Just couldnt tell from the image. In the best hands anyway.
Wild Wings have him. Apparently he has a fractured wing but should heal fine.
RSPCA were called to the incident
Someone just posted this pic of a peregrine on FB sat in the middle of Picadilly gardens an hour ago..looks injured
6am this morning over Cross Street, a pair of Peregrines were interacting just over rooftop height, the female of which was carrying a prey item which seemed to have quite long legs. As they moved off NW out of view they were followEd by a very fast moving male bird (on size) heading in the same direction.
No sign of any birds around the Town Hall, as work was progressing towards the top of the tower.
3:15PM, 2 birds on the Arndale Tower perched on the letters D and E, viewed from the Shudehill Tram stop
Scaffolding around the town hall is now getting higher, just past the clock so peregrines will have to perch elsewhere soon.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 24th of January 2021 11:38:51 PM
Both adults on view on several occasions throughout my visit, at one point they were both perched up close to each other on the cis tower, managed a photo just as the male just flew off. Also a flight shot of the female & perched up on the town hall later on. No signs of the juvenile on a search around so presumably been moved on by now !
Both adults on view on the town hall, female high up, Male lower down eating some prey, no sign of the juvenile in a brief look around.