Our previous blog post explained how one of our young peregrines fledged earlier today, but couldn't be found. It was assumed he was somewhere safe on the nave roof, or a nearby building.
However, at 18:45 we took a call from one of the Cathedral volunteers who reported that a young peregrine was wandering across the road and was holding up traffic on nearby Full Street. Apparently, a passer-by had already grabbed it by its legs (not a sensible thing to do, of course) and had moved it to safety. We advised not to attempt to capture him, just let him find a safe and quiet place until we got there. So we set off into town, ready with a large cardboard box and an old piece of towel, hoping to rescue and return him to the tower.
Luckily, the Cathedral was open late this evening to allow people to visit the wonderful display of hundreds upon hundreds of 'Peace Doves' hanging down from within the building. Meanwhile, we arrived to a scene or perfect tranquillity on Full Street. Young male (Orange ring XJ) was sitting calmly on a wall, with about half a dozen caring people keeping a discrete distance, helping to ensure it wasn't disturbed by anyone or anything.
We slowly approached with the box from behind, and the cloth from in front, and soon had him captive and calm. We carried XJ up the stone spiral staircase and placed the box on the tower roof. Tilting it so he was slowly encouraged out, he simply stood forlornly and watched us warily.
The parents were by now circling the tower and calling. So, after the obligatory quick photos, we quietly left him on his own, knowing there was little more we could do for him, and that he'd probably be OK to fly tomorrow. We could see no obvious signs of injury (drooping wing etc) and no doubt he'll be brought food by one of the adults and he'll make his way to the tower parapet and fly off in due course.
There is little more that we can do for these wild birds - the parents will undoubtedly take an interest sooner or later, and he'll try to fly again later. Better luck next time!
Out thanks to everyone who has helped locate and rescue XJ today. Should you encounter a downed peregrine in Derby in the next few days, don't attempt to capture it. Simply make sure it's able to stay in a quiet place, away from cars or people, and get someone to call in to the Cathedral - they have our contact numbers. Or reach out to us via Twitter at @derbyperegrines, or by leaving a comment on this blog. Unless obviously injured, we don't advice contacting the RSPCA helpline. The last time this happened, our bird ended up in Lincolnshire before we knew it, and it took quite a while to resolve the situation. We'd prefer to rescue and return it ourselves, or take it to a local vet if it needs treatment.
Very glad to hear that the fledged juvenile is ok. There was no sign of him this afternoon but it was very windy so perhaps not the best conditions for a first flight.
ReplyDeleteThanks for update on XJ, hopefully parents will bring him food. He’s certainly had an eventful day and very lucky not to be run over. Thanks to all concerned with his eventual capture, let’s see what tomorrow brings!
ReplyDeleteHas the second chick just gone?
ReplyDeleteUnless it is sunning itself out of sight of cameras.
ReplyDeleteIt was sitting on the edge about 06.25 and gone when I came back at 06.35
Hope it has a better day than XJ yesterday!
It was perched on the rim of the scrape, went out the room to make a cup of tea came back and it was gone. Unless it is out of shot, but can't really see where it could be!!
ReplyDeleteIt was perched on the edge of the scrape, went out of the room to make a cup of tea when I came back it seems to have gone, unless it is out of shot, but can't really see where it could be.
ReplyDeleteYes it has fledged I watched it fly off hopefully it's all ok
ReplyDeleteIt was XL that fledged. XK is preening her feathers at the moment
ReplyDeleteThanks anonymous
ReplyDeleteand Jean.
My previous post has gone AWOL Doh!!
Love how those left on scrape always rune back into the centre, as if saying 'Ohhhhh'
The watch point volunteers will be down this morning so hopefully they will be able to locate the fledged birds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the alerts and calls everyone. It's a calm day today (unlike yesterday) and he'll have a lot of people out on Cathedral Green looking out for him, and XJ.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwww the remainin juvineile looks so lonely :(
ReplyDeleteMale XL fledged and landed in the River Derwent! We’ve just caught and released him back on the tower roof, no worse for wear. XJ is probably on Jury’s Inn, with feisty XK still on the scrape. Nick M.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness this year’s juveniles are landing in the most dangerous places, glad XL rescued and back on roof. Let’s hope final one fledges in a more secure spot. Looking rather forlorn all alone, don’t know if been fed yet.
ReplyDeleteSaw a tweet with pic showing it being fed!
ReplyDeleteTwitter link
ReplyDeletehttps://t.co/K3bzTEB13W
They really are having some adventures aren't they. The remainder has more space now to flap her wings and hopefully stay away from the edge until she's ready to go.
ReplyDeleteSorry meant remainer
ReplyDeleteWill the parents know where the young ones are? Will they still be feeding them?
ReplyDeleteXK has just been given a pigeon, but has made no attempt to eat it
ReplyDeleteMeals on wings have delivered lunch to our remaining female chick, not that she's interested at mo!
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/hYqGUVRisso
Now enjoying being fed
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/sV5iJXqHyKQ
Mum has come back and given a lesson in pigeon plucking!!
ReplyDeleteThen went on to feed remaining chick and herself.
Well, we’re still stuck here in the city centre, with XL now on a low wall (but out of our reach), looking very sleepy. Unsure if he’ll fly off ok, or if he’ll flutter to the ground when he next tries to fly. A bit frustrating for all of us. Photos on our Twitter page. Nick M
ReplyDeleteOh no. Now my camera number 1 not playing. What a dramatic weekend we're having.
ReplyDeleteShe is currently on cam #2 fast asleep & as far away from the ledge as she can get!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried Chrome or Puffin browsers anonymous?
ReplyDeleteThank-you Wendy. I have always used chrome with no problems until earlier this evening. Just switched off and came back later. Working fine now! Just seen remaining bird being fed. Hope the other two are OK.
ReplyDeleteParent just arrived with yet another feast.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Dad taking prey away
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/G0cvJA1Ab-0
Tucked up asleep in slate scrape, see what tomorrow brings, hope the other two are safe!
ReplyDeleteIt was so lovely to meet other "watchers" yesterday on the green, and to see the 2nd juvi had perched on top of a roof after his swim, cant believe how big they get so fast, STUNNING birds, but the juvi thats left looks so lonely n sometimes scared to go near that edge now
ReplyDeleteHavin a good feed at 6.30am this morn
ReplyDeleteNow on the edge lookin about as mum flew off
ReplyDeleteLots of runnin back n fourth on the platform wing flappin n lots of head bobbin whats that for? Also hear the other juvis close by probs sayin dont bother yet sis haha
ReplyDeleteXK Female still on nesting platform 07:30 29.05.22. Fed this morning.
ReplyDeleteXL Male first to fledge (maybe a slip), rescued to tower, latest seen on Silk Mill, fed yesterday evening.
KJ Male landed in river Derwent, rescued to Cathedral tower.
Is this summary correct? - their genders seem to change in various reports.
XJ was the first to fledge. XL fledged yesterday and gave us the run around. Both male. XK is the female. It was a very full on day yesterday so things had to be posted in haste. Hopefully there will be less drama today!
ReplyDeleteXL spent the night on the substation wall near the museum. Just got a text from Ian this morning who has reported that both fledged juveniles are now on roof, being fed by both adults. Meanwhile female XK is still on the platform, in view of the webcams.
ReplyDeleteIt was a long and tiring day on Saturday, trying to make the best judgement calls as to what to do. But it’s turned out ok. I suspect XK will fledge just fine. (Nick Moyes)
Good to wake to better news of the two who fledged yesterday & here's a clip of our big girlie still on scrape watching the world go by
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/9LvKqIxvhw0
Great news. Thanks for all your hard work, Nick and team
ReplyDeleteMoved to front now for better view
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/lTVvfx6sh_U
Very glad he was okay I can't believe it was just wondering around in the road and didn't get killed they go like bats out of hell down there respect to the man who grabbed it although probably not a very wise thing to do but well done you got it out of the road
ReplyDelete