Peregrine falcon chick in Glasgow Uni tries to soar on its first flight with limited success

Daily Record

2 days ago

Recently hatched Peregrine falcon chicks Jack and Victor, nesting at Glasgow University, are starting to test their wings.
High drama has unfolded atop one of Glasgow's most iconic landmarks, as a pair of peregrine falcon chicks nesting at the University of Glasgow's tower are beginning to test their wings, with mixed success, Glasgow Live reports.
The chicks, affectionately named Jack and Victor after the beloved Still Game characters, hatched earlier this spring in the nest of proud parents Bonnie and Clyde.
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Since their birth in April, the duo have captivated followers of the Glasgow Peregrine Project, which has been closely documenting their progress high on the Gothic spire of the Gilbert Scott Building.
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The project, led by the RSPB, the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, with support from several other groups, has offered bird enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the lives of these elusive raptors.
In recent years, they've even held public watches, allowing people to see the birds up close through scopes and learn more about their behaviour.
Now, as fledging season begins, the chicks are preparing to take the ultimate leap, quite literally. But Victor's first attempt at flight proved anything but graceful.
In a social media update posted on Sunday morning (June 8), the team behind the project revealed: 'And lo it came to pass! Victor made his break for freedom this morning by accident or design at 0630hrs.
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'As we predicted, it didn't go as planned. He ended up in the Quad and thankfully he was spotted and the protocol was followed. University Security was alerted and Clarke Elsby coordinated the effort of Toby Wilson and Paul Baker.
'The team attended, inspected Victor and got him up to the nest box we use for such occasions. He's looking a bit sheepish now.'
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Thanks were extended to the photographers who had been keeping a watchful eye and were first to notice Victor's mishap. 'They followed the protocol and that helped with a successful rescue,' the post added.
The team say this is one of the most thrilling and unpredictable periods in the life cycle of the peregrines, as the fledglings leave the safety of the nest for the first time.
To help protect the young birds, the University has a specific protocol in place for members of the public who may come across them grounded.
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The team stresses:
Do not attempt to pick them up. Peregrines may be injured, and handling could worsen their condition. Their talons are also extremely sharp and can cause injury.
Cordon off the area and keep a respectful distance, ideally a few metres away.
Kindly ask others to stay back.
Alert University Security immediately by calling 0141 330 4282. The Security Team have direct contact with trained and licensed specialists who will assess and care for the birds.
These remarkable raptors are among nature's finest hunters, able to reach speeds of 200mph in a stoop, making them the fastest-moving animals on Earth.
With a height of up to two feet and a wingspan nearing four feet, they are awe-inspiring birds that can be found across the globe.