Peregrine falcon chicks hatch on Glasgow University tower
The University of Glasgow has named its two new peregrine falcons chicks Jack and Victor after the lead characters from BBC Scotland sitcom Still Game.The birds of prey hatched on the rooftop of the Gilbert Scott tower last month.The university said the falcon parents Bonnie and Clyde, who are officially considered staff at the university, have nested on the rooftop of the tower each spring since 2022.They were named in reference to the phrase "Bonnie Scotland" and for the River Clyde - as well as the notorious crime duo.
The university installed cameras in the nesting area at the top of the Gilbert Scott tower and saw the eggs appearing to move last month.Jack and Victor hatched on 27 April and the Glasgow Peregrine Project said it observed a "big change" in Bonnie and Clyde's behaviour at the time.The project is led by the Scottish Ornithologists' Club, the University of Glasgow and the RSPB, with support from a number of other groups.A spokesperson said: "Once peregrine chicks hatch, the adults (especially the female) become fiercely protective, chasing away any threat including birds, mammals, and even humans."The parents "worked hard" to feed the chicks over the following weeks to keep up with their growing appetites.
Last week, staff scaled the 278 feet (85m) tall Gilbert Scott tower to the rooftop so that the chicks could be tagged, weighed and swabbed for DNA.Lightweight rings were fitted to their legs which contained tiny electronic microchips that act like barcodes.This allows researchers to identify and track the birds throughout their lives so they can gather data on survival, movement and behaviour.The university previously welcomed four peregrine falcon chicks on the tower last year.
Clarke Elsby, building surveyor at the University of Glasgow, said: "We're keen that Bonnie and Clyde, and now Jack and Victor, are kept in the best possible condition while sharing their stories with our Glasgow community."Thanks to this project, we're not only preserving these remarkable residents, we're also inspiring a new generation of wildlife enthusiasts across the city."John Simpson, Clyde area bird recorder, said: "We're delighted to be able to contribute to the work of the Glasgow Peregrine Project, and today's work was vital in following the stories of Bonnie and Clyde."In recent years the Glasgow Peregrine Project has held peregrine watches at the university, allowing people to see the birds in their nest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
29 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Keir Starmer refuses to set date for UK to spend 3% of GDP on defence
Keir Starmer has refused to give a date for the UK to spend at least 3% of GDP on defence, saying he would not indulge in 'performative fantasy politics', as he prepared to launch the government's strategic defence review. Speaking at a defence facility in Scotland, the prime minister said his commitment to hit 2.5% of GDP on defence spending from 2027 showed he was serious about the issue, but that he could not go further without fiscal certainty. 'I am not, as the prime minister of Labour government, going to make a commitment as to the precise date until I can be sure precisely where the money is coming from, how we can make good on that commitment, because I don't believe in performative fantasy politics, and certainly not on defence and security,' he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Pressed again on the date, Starmer said: 'We had a commitment for 2.5% by the end of this parliament. We pulled that right forward to 2027. We showed that when we say there's a new era of the defence and security of our country, is our first priority – as it is – that we meant it. We take the same approach to 3%. 'But I'm not going to indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air until I'm absolutely clear that I can sit here in an interview with you and tell you exactly how that's going to work.' The defence review will say Britain must be ready to fight a war in Europe or the Atlantic, though it is not expected to promise immediate increases in the size of the armed forces to deal with the threat. The 130-page document will call for a move to 'war-fighting readiness' to deter Russian aggression in Europe and increases in stockpiles of arms and support equipment, some of which currently may only last days in a crisis. Asked about this, Starmer said: 'We have to recognise the world has changed, and if the world has changed, we need to be ready. What I would say, by way of reassurance, is if you want to deter conflict, then the best way to do that is to prepare for conflict.' Questioned on whether this could involve, for example, British troops being sent to defend attacks on countries adjoining Russia, Starmer replied: 'I very much hope not. And in order to make sure that that isn't the case, we need to prepare. But we cannot ignore the threat that Russia poses. 'We've seen what's happened in Ukraine just over three and a half, three years ago, those tanks rolled across a border, something I think all of us thought we wouldn't really see in our lifetimes – the invasion of a European country. Russia has so shown in recent weeks that it's not serious about peace. We have to be ready.' The review is not expected to contain any additional spending commitments. The defence secretary, John Healey, acknowledged on Sunday that any plans to increase the size of the British army, at its smallest for 300 years, would have to wait until after the next election. Speaking to the BBC, Healey said there had been '15 years of a recruitment and retention crisis in our armed forces' as he acknowledged that the size of the army had fallen to 70,860, below the government's target of 73,000.
BBC News
36 minutes ago
- BBC News
What can we learn from Clarke's fresh-faced Scotland squad?
International friendly: Scotland v IcelandWhen: Friday 6 June Where: Hampden Park Kick-off: 19:45 BSTCoverage: Watch live on BBC One Scotland and BBC Sport website & app, online text updates, listen on BBC Radio Scotland Steve Clarke is no stranger to adapting and evolving as Scotland his six years in charge of the national team, he has chopped and changed the makeup of his squad, reaching two major finals in the process.A place at the World Cup is the next target for Clarke's Scotland, 27 years since their last appearance at the showpiece event in 61-year-old has selected seven uncapped players for this month's friendly matches against Iceland and Liechtenstein as they gear up for their World Cup qualifying campaign, which gets under way in September. Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and Sassuolo left-back Josh Doig are included, as are midfield trio Connor Barron of Rangers, West Ham United's Andy Irving and Lennon Miller of Robby McCrorie and Cieran Slicker are the other two players yet to make their full international the face of it, it appears Clarke is looking to the future, but what can we learn from his new-look squad? Blend of youth & experience One thing that stands out, in addition to the numerous uncapped players, is the volume of younger the 25-man squad, 12 are aged 25 or younger with their best years stretching ahead of Ferguson is one of them. The Bologna captain continued his superb story on the continent by winning the Coppa Italia last season, but has struggled for regular starts in the dark blue of his Kenny McLean not included and Ryan Christie recovering from injury, he has an opportunity to stake his place in midfield alongside Billy Johnston, 21, and the returning Nathan Patterson, 23, could be handed opportunities to impress with Anthony Ralston - the other right-back in the squad - second choice at James Wilson and Middlesbrough's Tommy Conway join Bowie as the other youthful striking is still a familiar feel to the spine of the squad though. Wiser heads like captain Andy Robertson, John McGinn, Kieran Tierney and Serie A MVP Scott McTominay remain, as Scotland seek momentum before the games that matter. Uncertainty remains in goal Not long ago, Scotland had an abundance of quality goalkeeping talent at their one of Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor or David Marshall were comfortable at international days, the resources between the sticks are less plentiful, to say the is now 42 and not included in this squad due to injury. It seems highly unlikely that even a man of his talent and resilience would feature at the 2026 World Cup if Scotland were to get there. Angus Gunn took the gloves at Euro 2024, but has made high-profile errors for both club and country and is now a free agent after being released by Norwich leaves the uncapped Slicker and McCrorie, both with limited experience at club must either back Gunn or put his faith in one of his untested shot stoppers. Which uncapped players might catch Clarke's eye? Of the uncapped players, Miller undoubtedly has the most hype around 18-year-old midfielder has improved at a remarkable rate since making his senior club debut aged just won the PFA Scotland young player of the year award last month after a season in which he scored four goals and assisted seven in 36 is expected to leave Fir Park for a sizeable transfer fee, one which could be bolstered should he make his Scotland bow against Iceland or Liechtenstein."I could maybe, in a couple of months, be the best player there," Miller said after his first Scotland call-up in later clarified his comments, saying the speed of that claim was a "mistake", but reiterating his desire to be the best player he possibly can be. Short of confidence, he is is another who will fancy making an impact, should the opportunity strong and imposing, he scored six goals in his first season for Hibs after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained playing for Scotland Under-21s."Any time I watched the Under-21s he always stood out," Clarke said when naming his squad. "He's big, physical and strong with good attributes to his game."Going into the summer, you've got Lawrence Shankland and Kevin Nisbet, I know what they can bring, so it was just to have a look at something a little bit different and see if we can expand the pool of players."You're looking for somebody to catch your eye."
BBC News
an hour ago
- BBC News
O'Neill urges Rodgers to extend Celtic stay
Former Celtic manager Martin O'Neill would be "really surprised" if current boss Brendan Rodgers does not add to the 12 months remaining on his contract. (Scottish Sun), external
