Thanks ...it was initially thought that the bird had been concussed but this however was not the opinion of Nigel Fowler of the Three Owls Sanctuary. It is believed that the bird was just simply starving. I think the bird's bill is OK .The bird had been fed and food particles arestuck to the bill may give the appearance of damage.
I too have seen the birds (adults too) fly low in the street though not when it has been busy. The most remarkable sight I ever got was an adult peregrine chase a pigeon around the cathedral at shoulder height. Both birds shot by me so close I could have literally put my hand out to touch them. Quite a sight!
just had a look at he pics in the gallery - nasty break to it's beak. :(
hope it's ok in the future. do they have any idea of what it collided with? when you actually think about how many cable/wire and moving hazards there are in the city it's a scary.
i watched one of the juveniles chase a pigeon across deansgate just above car height - thankfully there wasn't a truck or a bus.
Judith Smith (County Bird Recorder) rang me yesterday afternoon to say that one of our peregrine chicks (darvic ring No B3) had been found in Manchester having sustained concussion. It was taken to the Three Owls Bird Sanctuary and Reserve in Rochdale where it was given treatment and a good feed by Nigel Fowler. I was told it was ready for release and it was agreed by all that the best place for release was from the Town Hall Tower. I made arrangements for access to the Town Hall clock tower for the release of our special VIP. It was released shortly after 10am today. I am happy to say that peregrine B3 took to the air successfully , a little stiff winged, but well able to fly and after alighting on the peregrine nest tray it took off east. Many thanks to Colin Fowler and the Three Owls Bird Sanctuary and Reserve and many thanks to the Town Hall Building Management Staff who gave us access.
The bird when initially checked over had an empty stomach and was considered to be close to death. I hope this bird has the ability to hunt but in my view the prospects are a little grim. I hope I am wrong. The bird was left with a three day supply of food so let's hope the best for it.
It goes without saying that I took some pictures of the bird and it's release and I have sent these over to Ian. I dare say Ian will put these on the gallery. There are some cracking close ups and wide angle shots which I hope have not suffered from processing very quickly. As always the sun came out half an hour after the shots were taken....I'm never happy!!!
