Yesterday's Watch Point Report from Helen:
We were pleased to see all four birds during today's watchpoint. The two juveniles spent most of the time on the tower, often sitting in the shade, resting and preening. They made some short flights earlier on in the morning and it was particularly good to watch them interacting with each other and engaging in a 'play fight' mid-air, almost
locking talons. As usual the adult birds kept a close eye on them, especially the female who was perched on top of one of the pinnacles for several hours, before finally moving to a shadier spot lower down on the tower. The male bird was also around for some time before flying off later in the day. We had lots of interested children, including some from the cathedral choir, who were keen to look through the telescopes and asked some great questions. A big thank you to everyone who came down to today's watchpoint, especially regulars Barbara and David whose continued support is very much appreciated.
July 7th Watch Point
Next Saturday is the last Watch Point of the year so if you have not been down yet - or even if you have - do come along! We will be joined by people who are booked on the Cathedral Tower tours that are running that day. By agreement, and to save any disturbance to the recently fledged young, the tours will not go out on the top of the tower on that day but instead come down to the Watch Point to see the birds from Cathedral Green.
As always we are grateful to the Cathedral authorities for their continuing support for our birds and the project that underpins them.
Update 29th June: Lesley reported that, despite treatment, the male died last night. We must now hope the two juvenile females survive OK.
Update 27 June: the male came to ground again today so was taken to a local vets to be checked over. It was certainly underweight. The vets couldn't keep the bird having no special facilities so it was taken to Lesley and Dave who have looked after other peregrines for us (eg 'Cathy' for those with long memories).
They immediately diagnosed a disease problem and began to treat him. He seems unable to swallow at the moment so the prognosis isn't brilliant. We'll keep you updated via this blog.
Monday's Update
Half an hour after we had posted this (9.30 am Monday 25th), a call came in that a peregrine was down. It turned out to be the little male that we think had been flying for over a week and not the last juvenile to leave - one of the two heavy females (they were later spotted sitting close together on top of the Silk Mill tower).
The male was taken back to the top of the tower. He seemed OK when he was checked over so hopefully won't come to ground again.....
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| Do you have to? |
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| Safely in a box before going back up the tower |
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| How did I get back up here? |
Hi to everyone who's been following the progress of our Derby birds, some of you so assiduously that you;'ve neglected the housework, gardening, decorating etc - and by your own admissions!
The final juvenile fledged today (Monday 25th) or possible late yesterday (anyone see it there last night?).
So now is the time each year that we ask if you would be willing to make a donation towards the project.
Donations from online and 'on the Green' watchers has kept the project going since 2006 so we really do rely on you for our income!
We need over £1500 each year just to get the pictures out to you and above that there are other costs including some Wildlife Trust staff time (from Matt Robinson and Marc Whitlock) to organise and help run our Watch Points.
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| A Watch Point - next ones are on Wednesday 27th and Saturday 30th June |
So, anything you can give, however small, will be much appreciated.
You can pay online, make a bank transfer, send a cheque or bring money to a Watch Point.
All is described in detail on the 'Donations' tab on the blog.
If you have any problems then email enquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk for finance issues or peregrines@derbyshirewt.co.uk for queries about the project or the birds themselves .
Many thanks in advance!
The Project Team
