Nature features

Peregrines kill their prey on impact

Monday 8th June: Names needed

Come along to Exchange Square and see the peregrines! We will still be there for the next month (Wednesday to Sunday 11am - 6pm) and the views of the family will be better than ever as they perch around and fly over the square. And what is more, get your thinking caps on. As yet the chicks do not have names so we have launched a competition to resolve this. So, have a think, come and see us, watch a peregrine, and then give us your entry. See you soon!

Saturday 6th June: final lift off!

We can finally confirm that the last of the peregrines chicks has taken off on its maiden flight. Rather reticent in comparison to its siblings, the final chick took several days of watching the others flying over the city before trying it for itself. The flight marks the end of another successful breeding attempt by the Manchester Peregrines. However, the hard word is far from over. The adults will continue to provide for the family for some time and the young birds face a hard first year if they are going to make it to adulthood.

Friday 5th June: Taking a ride

Today we witnessed a rather extraordinary spectacle as one of the young birds launched off a nearby building and promptly landed on one of the cars of the big Wheel in Exchange Square. Undaunted, it sat there for ten minutes as the wheel went round twice and passing just feet from nearby visitors. Luckily Adrian Dancy was around to capture the moment. All the fun of the fair for our peregrines!

3rd June: Another flees the nest

Yep, two birds have now gone. The second went first thing this morning. Both giving excellent views around exchange square. The other two are looking like they will go either later today or tomorrow at the latest.

2nd June: First flight

Well, all bets are off. The first bird had flown. And far earlier than even we had imagined. This is a full nine days earlier than in 2008 and whopping 19 days earlier than in 2007. Why? Well, many birds are nesting earlier and earlier with the onset of climate change and that will have something to do with it. But 19 days in two years? Even climate change can't explain that. One additional factor might be the parents getting more experienced and capable parents. Next year, who knows but we will watch with interest that is for sure!

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