Peregrines on the Clock Tower
Welcome back to Peregrines on the Clock Tower 2009!
Last year our resident peregrines successfully raised 3 chicks. Fingers crossed for some more peregrine chicks this year.
From 4 April – 31 August 2009
Pop into National Museum Cardiff 10am–4pm Tuesday – Sunday to meet with RSPB staff and find out more about these fascinating birds. They'll have telescopes and binoculars for you to use to get close up views.
News
Welcome back to Peregrines on the Clock Tower 2009!
Last year our resident peregrines successfully raised 3 chicks.
However, it wasn’t an easy year for them as two of the chicks left the nest a bit early. As a result they were mobbed by gulls and were rescued from the roads around City Hall by members of the public. Now it seems they have finally left home.
Luckily the parents are still with us, and they seem to be eating well judging by the pigeon skeletons that have been found.
Fingers crossed for some more peregrine chicks this year.
From 4 April – 31 August 2009
Pop into the National Museum Cardiff 10am – 4pm Tuesday – Sunday to meet with RSPB staff and find out more about these fascinating birds. They'll have telescopes and binoculars for you to use to get close up views.
About the peregrines
Peregrine Falcons
The fastest birds in the world!
Peregrines like to nest in high, undisturbed places. Cardiff City Hall clock tower is an ideal location. Perched on the clock tower they can easily spot the birds they prey on.
They eat a wide range of birds, from thrushes to pigeons. When chasing after prey, they can reach speeds of up to 180kph (112mph). Peregrines will normally stay together for life. The female lays 3 to 4 eggs and the chicks usually leave the nest after 4 months.
If the City Hall peregrines breed then we should expect to see signs of new chicks in the nest during May.
A threatened bird making a comeback
Peregrines have long been under threat from humans. Their eggs have been taken; they have been shot and even poisoned.
Pesticides, used during the 1950s and 1960s, killed the adult birds and caused eggshells to weaken and break during incubation. Better legal protection and control of pesticides have helped the numbers of peregrines in the UK to rise from a low of 400 pairs, in the 1960s, to almost 1500 pairs today.
However, they still need our help. Every year birds are shot or poisoned and nests robbed.
More work is needed to ensure the protection of this amazing bird. For more information on how to help, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdsofprey
Upcoming RSPB events at National Museum Cardiff
Peregrines Springwatch with RSPB
A weekend of fun activities, wildlife walks and talks.
Cardiff Wildlife Explorers
Come and join...
Cardiff Wildlife Explorers is a monthy wildlife club where you will get the chance to learn about the wildlife that's all around us, from bumblebees to bluebells and daisies to dormice, whilst taking part in lots of fun games and activities.
When?
The last Saturday of every month from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Who's it for?
Anyone between the ages of 5 and 12. You must join the group first.
Join the group
If you would like to find out more or join the group please contact Claire Pooley, the group leader on 07730 510131 or claire_pooley@hotmail.com
Photos from Flickr
View photos related to ‘peregrine,cardiff’ on flickr
New!
Visit the peregrine display in the Museum to see the new web camera, which gives great close-up views of the peregrines!
Would you like to volunteer?
If so, please contact Sarah Lewis, sarah.m.lewis@rspb.org.uk or Craig Leitch, craig.leitch@rspb.org.uk, or phone 029 2035 3276.