Glasgow university staff rescue Peregrine Falcon chick

A pair of Peregrine Falcons, which can fly at speeds of up to 180mph and are known as the fastest birds in the world, have been nesting at the top of the Gilbert Scott Tower on the main campus. 

But when a chick was spotted at the tower's base, building surveyors Clarke Elsby and Lynsey Paterson alerted the SSPCA, the Central Scotland Raptor Study Group and UK National Wildlife Crime Unit to come to its aid.

Photo: University of Glasgow

It appeared that the bird had been learning to fly and could not get back to the nest. 

SSPCA Chief Inspector Mark Rafferty managed to gently capture, weigh and microchip the bird with assistance from Clarke and Lynsey.

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Clarke said: “It was a very worthwhile day and I feel very lucky to have been in the right place and the right time to assist.

"There are conversations now happening around potentially installing a nest tray as this may be a chance to secure the birds at the University of Glasgow for years to come”.

Mark added: “Having the fastest organism on the planet living and breeding within the upper recesses of such an unusual and influential building seemed strangely appropriate.”Clarke Elsby with the Peregrine Falcon. Photo by University of Glasgow.

Once the bird was chipped, the team climbed the steps to successfully return it.

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Peregrine Falcons have been nesting at the university for 20 years, and regularly use historic buildings as nests. 

Staff have already taken measures to continue to care for the birds, such as blocking access to the tower, and it is hoped that a nest tray will encourage more Peregrine Falcons to use the tower.