Introduction
The Glasgow Peregrine Project brings together a series of conservation bodies in an exciting and imaginative initiative to bring one of the planet’s most dynamic species to the people of Glasgow and through the SOC Clyde Branch website, the world.
The project is led by The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, University of Glasgow and the RSPB. Other organisations support the conservation effort, The Glasgow Natural History Society, Scottish Wildlife Trust, Glasgow City Council, Friends of Glasgow’s LNR’s and the Scottish Raptor Study Group. The fascinating life of the Peregrine pair are brought to the public through engagement events at a dedicated watchpoint and all social media platforms. |
Thumbnail image courtesy of George Smith / Scottish Raptor Study Group
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Peregrine Timeline 2026:
Egg laying
Fourth egg - March 25th
Third egg - March 23rd
Second egg - March 20th
First egg - March 18th
Egg laying
Fourth egg - March 25th
Third egg - March 23rd
Second egg - March 20th
First egg - March 18th
Since our Autumn update, Victor our 2025 juvenile with the colour ring 34R, dispersed from his city centre haunt and decided to take the brave but natural step to move on. The Peregrine Falcon’s scientific name is Falco Peregrinus which means the ‘falcon wanderer or pilgrim’. He’s off to pastures new, away from his parents and the regular food supply in the city. Hopefully Victor will find a new territory and hunt successfully - and perhaps he’ll return to the city one day like we’ve seen from one of the 2024 brood. More on that later!
Our fieldwork observations in the new year saw us studying Bonnie and Clyde as they continued their routine in the city centre. Our pair were still seen regularly in January and February on the City Chambers and the Cineworld building through the winter months. The pair were visiting the Gilbert Scott Tower at Glasgow University less frequently and it was clear that they were likely to nest this year at a new box installed at the City Chambers in the city centre. Everyone at the University wishes Bonnie and Clyde well and a successful breeding season. Whilst Glasgow’s peregrines have chosen an alternative nest site for this year, the Glasgow Peregrine Project remains the primary conservation collective who are monitoring the birds.
Our fieldwork observations in the new year saw us studying Bonnie and Clyde as they continued their routine in the city centre. Our pair were still seen regularly in January and February on the City Chambers and the Cineworld building through the winter months. The pair were visiting the Gilbert Scott Tower at Glasgow University less frequently and it was clear that they were likely to nest this year at a new box installed at the City Chambers in the city centre. Everyone at the University wishes Bonnie and Clyde well and a successful breeding season. Whilst Glasgow’s peregrines have chosen an alternative nest site for this year, the Glasgow Peregrine Project remains the primary conservation collective who are monitoring the birds.
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Nest change over © John Simpson
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Clyde on guard duty - © John Simpson
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Clyde - close up - © John Simpson
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Through March, regular copulating was observed and egg laying was not far away. On March 18th , we heard from Glasgow City Council that the first egg had been laid. Egg two was laid on March 20th , followed by a third on Monday 23rd and a fourth on the morning of March 25th . These dates are similar to the egg laying in both 2024 (4 eggs) and 2025 (3 eggs). So as Bonnie and Clyde take turns to incubate the 2026 eggs, the wait for hatching starts. We expect this to happen early in the last week of April. It’s no coincidence that the last weekend is also when our first Peregrine Watch of the year will be held. It’ll be conducted in a new location, and we would like to thank the University of Strathclyde who have given their permission to hold the events on their property this year. We will set up with a range of quality optics, telescopes and binoculars, courtesy of our valued partner Viking Optical Ltd. Swarovski Optik UK will also support our special events throughout the summer. Expert representatives from all our conservation partners will be on hand to show you the birds and answer all your questions. Please join us if you can! (Map) We’re looking forward to continuing to study the activities of peregrines and along with the University of Strathclyde, we are delighted to welcome Abodus Student Living and AC Hotel Glasgow to the team. Each organisation is supporting the study of peregrines and wider ornithological research in what is a dynamic and innovative approach to birding and science. We are delighted to have their support. |
Clyde - basking in the spring sunshine © John Simpson
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We study peregrines throughout the city and much further afield in the Clyde area. There’s been a number of peregrines arriving in the city over the last few months, with some passing through. In early March a new female was seen prospecting at the Gilbert Scott Tower at the University of Glasgow but appears to have moved on. An additional boldly marked male appeared and continues to frequent the Finnieston and Govan areas, returning to roost occasionally at the Gilbert Scott Tower.
Peregrines continued to be seen regularly across the area with sightings from Hogganfield Loch, Ruchill, Stobhill, Toryglen and Greenock. We know that birds have been seen regularly at Ardmore, Inchinnan, Balmore, Millichan and Baron’s Haugh too – but one in particular has caused real excitement to the Project team! Over the years we have ringed the chicks with colour rings and this technique (as opposed to satellite tagging) requires direct observation or an image from a camera to follow their movements. Over the last two weeks, we’ve been monitoring one which stood out! As best as we can work out, we’ve had our first re-sighting of one of Bonnie and Clyde’s offspring. We’re sure that this bird we’ve been watching is one of the male juveniles from the 2024 brood - Z66 has come home! We could only get the last two digits (66) but with some investigation by fellow raptor workers, we believe we’ve narrowed it down to Z66. During February and March, peregrine’s push through the city heading to breeding territories. Some are looking for a mate and to form new territories. Some are heading to the hills, but changeable weather pushes them back. We monitor a number of mountain territories, and none are active yet. The conditions can be freezing, nesting crags covered in deep snow and most importantly, there’s little or no prey. So, the wandering nature of the species takes over until the conditions stabilise. It sees them investigate all suitable habitats both urban and rural. Bonnie and Clyde like most urban peregrine’s, enjoy the consistency and continuity of food supply. The heart of the city is warmer and it’s no wonder that the pressures of raising a brood in a rural environment sees the UK population resort more and more to an urban life. So, stay tuned to read more about their incredible story throughout the year! Regular information is posted here on the website, as well as on Facebook and Instagram too @glasgow.peregrine.project |
A pristine Z66 perched on the University chapel spire in 2024. © Brian Gallagher
Bonnie preening - © John Simpson
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This is the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and Scottish Raptor Study Group outlet for The Glasgow Peregrine Project. All our other valued partners have their own outlets, so please Follow and Share.
On behalf of all the partners involved in the project, thank you for visiting the website and we look forward to welcoming you at one of this year’s Peregrine Watches!
The Glasgow Peregrine Project is brought to you by:
On behalf of all the partners involved in the project, thank you for visiting the website and we look forward to welcoming you at one of this year’s Peregrine Watches!
The Glasgow Peregrine Project is brought to you by:
- The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
- RSPB Glasgow
- University of Glasgow
- University of Strathclyde
- Glasgow City Council
- Glasgow Natural History Society
- Scottish Raptor Study Group
- Abodus Student Living
- Viking Optical Ltd
- Swarovski Optik UK
- City Sightseeing Worldwide
- AC Hotel Glasgow