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 2025:
Ringing: Two male chicks - named Jack (leg ring: 33R) and Victor (leg ring: 34R) were ringed on Wednesday 21st May. One unhatched egg was also in the nest.
Hatching: from Sunday April 27th
Third and fourth egg: Due to a camera failure, dates for remaining eggs are not certain.
It was thought (based on behaviour) that 4 eggs were laid - with the clutch completed March 26 2025
Second egg laid: Friday 21st March
First egg laid: Wednesday 19th March
Jack (chick 33R) passed away - June 11th (further details below)
Ringing: Two male chicks - named Jack (leg ring: 33R) and Victor (leg ring: 34R) were ringed on Wednesday 21st May. One unhatched egg was also in the nest.
Hatching: from Sunday April 27th
Third and fourth egg: Due to a camera failure, dates for remaining eggs are not certain.
It was thought (based on behaviour) that 4 eggs were laid - with the clutch completed March 26 2025
Second egg laid: Friday 21st March
First egg laid: Wednesday 19th March
Jack (chick 33R) passed away - June 11th (further details below)
Glasgow Peregrine Project – Autumn & Early Winter Update (Aug–Dec 2025)
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Since the last update in July, Glasgow’s peregrines have remained a regular presence in both the city’s skies and skyline, with subtle changes as we go from late summer into the more defined rhythms of winter. The family – Bonnie (adult female), Clyde (adult male) and their 2025 juvenile male Victor - have remained active, and their behaviour over recent months offers a detailed portrait of how urban peregrines adapt to changing conditions, prey availability and weather. Read on for more about the family’s behaviour and hunting activities – and more about why Victor remains in the city and whether this is unusual behaviour or not.
August saw all three birds ranging across the city. Their daily routine saw them dropping in and out of the University of Glasgow, travelling between Kelvingrove and Royal Exchange Square, and reappearing late in the evening to roost at the University. Victor, growing rapidly in independence, was already making exploratory forays onto the tall structures of the city centre. Even at this early stage, he showed a tendency to favour the City Chambers and its surrounding rooftops. Through September, Victor began spending longer periods on the City Chambers tower, frequently observed with fresh pigeon kills and often launching hunting runs over Hanover Street and George Square before drifting towards Buchanan Galleries. His pale plumage made him conspicuous when facing outward, though his brown mantle blended neatly with his surroundings when viewed from behind. Occasional visits by Victor to the University confirmed that he had not yet fully detached from the natal site, even as his range expanded. Bonnie and Clyde were often seen back on the Gilbert Scott Tower at the University, with Clyde preferring the stonework of the tower itself and Bonnie returning to the nest ledge. When not at the University, the parents were often recorded in the city centre with sightings from Duke Street and the Victoria Infirmary. |
Bonnie © Laurie Campbell
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It's at this time of year, peregrines from rural territories make their way into the city and exploit the pigeon population. Peregrines were recorded in Cranhill, Clydebank and Govan. A male was also picked up for a short period in Easterhouse. An adult female continued to hunt in the Balmore area, venturing to Millichan and Bishopbriggs. It’s possible that this is the bird that appears at Stobhill Hospital Clock Tower from time to time.
Pre-dawn checks at the University, Govan shipyards and Kelvingrove in late October revealed no roosting birds, which is typical for this time of year as the adults adjust to the shifting availability of prey and light. Bonnie did appear around George Square, at times patrolling purposefully up North Hanover Street. Clyde was also tracked around his regular haunts of Duke Street and Drygate areas.
Victor was picked up earlier in the week at Finnieston, confirming that he was still in the city. His presence in the city is unusual though as many juvenile birds would have dispersed more widely by this point. He is the longest-staying juvenile the project has recorded.
By November the onset of winter brought a more settled pattern. Clyde continued to concentrate his hunting in the east end but still appeared at the City Chambers, often near Victor. Bonnie continued to range widely, with sightings from the Finnieston Crane and BAE shipyard in Govan to George Square, before returning to roost on the Gilbert Scott Tower. Victor strengthened his presence in the City Chambers, sometimes visiting the University but increasingly using city-centre perches for feeding and shelter, adjusting his position to the lee side of buildings in colder weather. Cineworld, the College of Building and Printing and the Merchants House became regular alternatives. Clyde grew harder to track later in the month, though he was still noted around George Square and the east end, while Bonnie maintained her broad patrols and University roost. Fieldwork on 29 November provided a view of the whole family in one short lunchtime. Clyde arriving first, Bonnie appearing soon after and Victor returning to perch on one of the statues. Bonnie then departed north, and the session ended with Clyde and Victor settled on the City Chambers with full crops, resting after recent kills. Not a bad few minutes of field work!
Early December saw the City Chambers as the main hub. All three birds were recorded there, with Clyde and Victor picked up regularly. Bonnie continued to range more widely, between the University and the city centre. Victor continued to hunt successfully and was seen feeding on a pigeon on the Buchanan Galleries building, where guano showed regular use. Cineworld also remained part of his routine, reinforcing his established pattern of perching and feeding across the northern edge of the city centre, while Dad more preferred the East End.
The Glasgow Peregrine Project work includes giving talks to groups and clubs. It was a pleasure to deliver the Glasgow Peregrine Project talk to the Glasgow Natural History Society, The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and the University of Glasgow Bird Club. The students of the UofG Bird Club are pictured below, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the fieldworking effort in 2026.
Pre-dawn checks at the University, Govan shipyards and Kelvingrove in late October revealed no roosting birds, which is typical for this time of year as the adults adjust to the shifting availability of prey and light. Bonnie did appear around George Square, at times patrolling purposefully up North Hanover Street. Clyde was also tracked around his regular haunts of Duke Street and Drygate areas.
Victor was picked up earlier in the week at Finnieston, confirming that he was still in the city. His presence in the city is unusual though as many juvenile birds would have dispersed more widely by this point. He is the longest-staying juvenile the project has recorded.
By November the onset of winter brought a more settled pattern. Clyde continued to concentrate his hunting in the east end but still appeared at the City Chambers, often near Victor. Bonnie continued to range widely, with sightings from the Finnieston Crane and BAE shipyard in Govan to George Square, before returning to roost on the Gilbert Scott Tower. Victor strengthened his presence in the City Chambers, sometimes visiting the University but increasingly using city-centre perches for feeding and shelter, adjusting his position to the lee side of buildings in colder weather. Cineworld, the College of Building and Printing and the Merchants House became regular alternatives. Clyde grew harder to track later in the month, though he was still noted around George Square and the east end, while Bonnie maintained her broad patrols and University roost. Fieldwork on 29 November provided a view of the whole family in one short lunchtime. Clyde arriving first, Bonnie appearing soon after and Victor returning to perch on one of the statues. Bonnie then departed north, and the session ended with Clyde and Victor settled on the City Chambers with full crops, resting after recent kills. Not a bad few minutes of field work!
Early December saw the City Chambers as the main hub. All three birds were recorded there, with Clyde and Victor picked up regularly. Bonnie continued to range more widely, between the University and the city centre. Victor continued to hunt successfully and was seen feeding on a pigeon on the Buchanan Galleries building, where guano showed regular use. Cineworld also remained part of his routine, reinforcing his established pattern of perching and feeding across the northern edge of the city centre, while Dad more preferred the East End.
The Glasgow Peregrine Project work includes giving talks to groups and clubs. It was a pleasure to deliver the Glasgow Peregrine Project talk to the Glasgow Natural History Society, The Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and the University of Glasgow Bird Club. The students of the UofG Bird Club are pictured below, and we are looking forward to welcoming them to the fieldworking effort in 2026.
University of Glasgow Bird Club © John Simpson
How unusual is it for Victor to still be within the territory of his parents, this close to the new breeding season?
Juvenile peregrines usually disperse from the breeding territory during late summer or early autumn, so it is uncommon but not unheard of, to see one still sharing space with its parents by December. At most monitored sites in the UK and across Europe, young birds begin to move away a few weeks after fledging and are often pushed out by the adults once the breeding season is over and territory boundaries tighten. However, there are occasional exceptions where conditions allow juveniles to linger for much longer, and perhaps as the only chick who survived this year these conditions are also helping Victor to remain in the city.
Victor © Anna Krastner
Urban areas with a rich and reliable supply of pigeons often support juveniles well into winter because food is plentiful and the adults do not feel compelled to exclude them. Some adult pairs also show a more relaxed attitude to their young, especially when the wider territory is not under pressure from neighbouring peregrines. Tall buildings can offer sheltered roosting spots that reduce heat loss in cold weather, which is a significant advantage to an inexperienced bird. Above all, juveniles that learn to hunt successfully at an early stage sometimes establish a loose winter presence of their own within the city landscape. Victor has been doing exactly this, repeatedly taking pigeons around the City Chambers and adapting confidently to the demands of urban life. Although his continued presence is not typical, similar cases have been recorded in cities such as London, Derby and Manchester, particularly in years when prey is abundant.
If he remains into the new year, it would be rare but not without precedent, and it would underline how well he has adjusted to Glasgow’s winter environment.
If he remains into the new year, it would be rare but not without precedent, and it would underline how well he has adjusted to Glasgow’s winter environment.
The Peregrine family are now venturing into the city centre — and so begins another exciting phase of our work - and one that you can help with.
John Simpson takes up the story. "Monitoring where they go and why, along with what they eat, is really important stuff. Prey assessments continue and ranging behaviour is closely monitored. There are a few sites where peregrines from outwith the city appear and take up winter territories. It will be fascinating to see how this picture unfolds as the year progresses."
"Your records are really important to help build a picture of their movements and how they use the city. Every record is really appreciated!"
To help with identification here is quick guide to our 2025 family:
Adult female - Bonnie - she is a large, fully grown adult bird with a bold dark moustache and white cheeks. She wears an orange colour ring (L7) on her left leg and a silver BTO ring on the right, though these can be hidden when she's perched.
Adult male - Clyde - he is unringed and identifiable by his unusual plumage: rusty brown patches on the nape and warm brown cheeks lacking the classic white and black contrast. When the birds are on their own, the sexual dimorphism, their size difference, is not always as apparent.
Victor, this year's juvenile, has an orange ring on his left leg marked 34R and a silver BTO ring on the right.
If you spot them, either with the naked eye or with binoculars, and you can snap a photo - then the team are eager to hear from you to keep their records up to date as to where they are hunting in the city.
Regular updates continue on Facebook and Instagram (@glasgow.peregrine.project)
John Simpson takes up the story. "Monitoring where they go and why, along with what they eat, is really important stuff. Prey assessments continue and ranging behaviour is closely monitored. There are a few sites where peregrines from outwith the city appear and take up winter territories. It will be fascinating to see how this picture unfolds as the year progresses."
"Your records are really important to help build a picture of their movements and how they use the city. Every record is really appreciated!"
To help with identification here is quick guide to our 2025 family:
Adult female - Bonnie - she is a large, fully grown adult bird with a bold dark moustache and white cheeks. She wears an orange colour ring (L7) on her left leg and a silver BTO ring on the right, though these can be hidden when she's perched.
Adult male - Clyde - he is unringed and identifiable by his unusual plumage: rusty brown patches on the nape and warm brown cheeks lacking the classic white and black contrast. When the birds are on their own, the sexual dimorphism, their size difference, is not always as apparent.
Victor, this year's juvenile, has an orange ring on his left leg marked 34R and a silver BTO ring on the right.
If you spot them, either with the naked eye or with binoculars, and you can snap a photo - then the team are eager to hear from you to keep their records up to date as to where they are hunting in the city.
Regular updates continue on Facebook and Instagram (@glasgow.peregrine.project)
You can also watch our Video Round Up over on Facebook.
Throughout Monday night (9th June) and all day Tuesday the Peregrine Project team have been monitoring Jack on the cameras and in person at the University. He was very subdued on Monday but concerningly, his condition had deteriorated on Tuesday. Clyde, the adult male, had been trying to feed him but he was not responding and it is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue today (11th June), Jack has passed away.
The UoG and all the Project team had monitored him through the night (Tues into Wed) and worked throughout Wednesday to put a rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack’s care.
The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering.
At this point both parents and Victor (34R) appear to be healthy.
The UoG and all the Project team had monitored him through the night (Tues into Wed) and worked throughout Wednesday to put a rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack’s care.
The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering.
At this point both parents and Victor (34R) appear to be healthy.
If you’ve been to see the Peregrine family at all over the last few weeks you’ll see that they are growing up fast! Much of the soft, white down feathers that they hatched with has fallen away and their brown juvenile feathers have grown in now. The birds are exercising their wings a lot and infact one of the chicks attempted to fledge this morning (Jun 8th) but ended up in the University Quadrangle. Peregrines find it almost impossible to take off from a space like this – they much prefer a roof top perch with open skies ahead. There is a protocol in place (see below) when the chicks end up in the Quad and we are pleased to say that all is well.
The chicks really are getting confident now. They will still be seen around the University Gilbert Scot Tower area for a few weeks yet as their parents will still feed them and as they become stronger fliers they will go on hunting trips with their parents for prey.
Our Peregrine watches continue through June.
The chicks really are getting confident now. They will still be seen around the University Gilbert Scot Tower area for a few weeks yet as their parents will still feed them and as they become stronger fliers they will go on hunting trips with their parents for prey.
Our Peregrine watches continue through June.
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Footage from the last week of May - see later videos to see how quickly these chicks lose their white downy feathers which are replaced by their juvenile feathers
Looking back through the last few weeks, the peregrine watches from mid-May onwards began to get glimpses of the chicks whenever a feed was brought in and it began to look like there were only two chicks this year. Continually monitoring the nest and assessing the mobility of the chicks is critical for ringing the chicks. Timing is key. If we visit the nest too early, the chicks are too small to ring. Too big and mobile, then we could scare them and they might jump to escape. You’ll often hear raptor workers refer to ‘jumpers’ when talking about chicks!
These operations are not taken lightly. They need careful assessment. The welfare of the birds is paramount and needs to be balanced against any scientific and conservation gains.
So a date was set of 21 May for the ringing of the chicks to take place.
These operations are not taken lightly. They need careful assessment. The welfare of the birds is paramount and needs to be balanced against any scientific and conservation gains.
So a date was set of 21 May for the ringing of the chicks to take place.
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Brotherly love!
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Victor getting confident.
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The climbing team of Tim Chamberlain, David and Mark from Heights Ltd worked like a well-oiled machine to bring two robust male chicks safely up from the nest to be ringed. An unhatched egg, possibly pieced by a talon, was also found in the nest. The chicks behaved just as expected, moved to the rear of the nest against the back wall and away from the edge. At this point the chicks were passed to the ringing team of George Smith and Paul Baker. They got their BTO and colour rings fitted before they had their DNA taken.
With the nest camera not working we’ve not been able to follow the progress of the chicks so on the same day, and while the ringing was taking place, the nest camera was replaced and is now working again. A huge thank you to Callum Leonard and Skye Kirwan for working so hard and under considerable pressure to ensure success. There are some great video clips already from the new camera included on this page.
The chicks were then returned to the nest and everyone then retired from the tower. Bonnie went straight back into the nest. It couldn’t have gone any better. The chicks have been named Jack and Victor. Jack sports the orange colour ring 33R and Victor 34R.
All of this was captured by the BBC Landward team of Anne McAlpine, John Morris, David the cameraman, Charis Sandison UoG and top wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell. Each of them were so professional and guided us through the recording process. They made it such a pleasure.
The event was supported by the public engagement team of Trish Donald from Viking Optical Ltd, Toby Wilson RSPB, Jim Loughran, David Raffle and Jane Allison SOC. Hundreds of people came along to watch and enjoyed seeing the birds and having the conservation benefits of the ringing operation explained. It was simply fantastic!!!
None of this would have been possible without the involvement of Clarke Elsby of the UoG. He knits everything together.
With the nest camera not working we’ve not been able to follow the progress of the chicks so on the same day, and while the ringing was taking place, the nest camera was replaced and is now working again. A huge thank you to Callum Leonard and Skye Kirwan for working so hard and under considerable pressure to ensure success. There are some great video clips already from the new camera included on this page.
The chicks were then returned to the nest and everyone then retired from the tower. Bonnie went straight back into the nest. It couldn’t have gone any better. The chicks have been named Jack and Victor. Jack sports the orange colour ring 33R and Victor 34R.
All of this was captured by the BBC Landward team of Anne McAlpine, John Morris, David the cameraman, Charis Sandison UoG and top wildlife photographer Laurie Campbell. Each of them were so professional and guided us through the recording process. They made it such a pleasure.
The event was supported by the public engagement team of Trish Donald from Viking Optical Ltd, Toby Wilson RSPB, Jim Loughran, David Raffle and Jane Allison SOC. Hundreds of people came along to watch and enjoyed seeing the birds and having the conservation benefits of the ringing operation explained. It was simply fantastic!!!
None of this would have been possible without the involvement of Clarke Elsby of the UoG. He knits everything together.
Protocol that the University follows.
If you see Jack or Victor and they appear to be grounded, please do the following:
1. Don’t pick them up. They could be injured and picking them up could exacerbate any injuries. They also have sharp talons, they could injure you!
2. Cordon the area and stand guard over them. Keep a safe distance, a few metres is ideal.
3. Be polite but keep people back.
4. Alert University Security officers. Their number is 0141 330 4282. The Security Team have the phone numbers of trained, qualified and licensed persons to call who will come and look after the young peregrine. The above is tried and tested and works every year.
If you see Jack or Victor and they appear to be grounded, please do the following:
1. Don’t pick them up. They could be injured and picking them up could exacerbate any injuries. They also have sharp talons, they could injure you!
2. Cordon the area and stand guard over them. Keep a safe distance, a few metres is ideal.
3. Be polite but keep people back.
4. Alert University Security officers. Their number is 0141 330 4282. The Security Team have the phone numbers of trained, qualified and licensed persons to call who will come and look after the young peregrine. The above is tried and tested and works every year.
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With the nest camera working again we can bring you great footage like this when Dad, Clyde, brings in prey before heading straight back out for more.
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Exercising those wings!
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Jack and Victor - May 21st 2025
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The ringing team 2025 © Laurie Campbell
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Jack and Victor in the Media
Our Peregrine chicks on the BBC News website
Our Peregrine family on Landward via BBC iPlayer (available until May 2026, in the UK)
Our Peregrine family Glasgow Times article
Our Peregrine family on Landward via BBC iPlayer (available until May 2026, in the UK)
Our Peregrine family Glasgow Times article
After installing two new cameras in the nest this year, you’ve guest it, one has failed. Unfortunately, it was the camera covering the nest itself. Luckily, the remaining camera gives us a partial view of the nest and both sides of the ledge. We’re not certain if it’s the camera or a break in the chain of extension cables. The cables link the solar panel to the cameras. Whilst it’s not ideal, we do have all the footage from last year involving the same pair at the same nest site. So, until we can get a chance to repair it, we can at least let you see what it all looks like.
Video of three then four eggs (from 2024)
The camera will be repaired or replaced when we abseil in to ring the chicks. We must be responsible, and we don’t want to disturb the birds, particularly when we already have footage of them nesting in previous years. However, after monitoring the pairs behaviour, we reckon that the clutch was completed by the March 26th 2025. In 2023 and 2024, Bonnie laid four eggs and we’re presuming the same again for 2025. As with all birds, there is an incubation period. In Peregrine Falcons it’s between 28 to 33 days. This depends on weather, altitude and latitude. Also, the experience of both birds is a factor. However, Bonnie and Clyde have proven themselves to be particularly attentive and regularly relieve each other to ensure incubation is consistent.
Video of nest changeover
With a bit of luck, we should have chicks’ food begging in the nest by our next Peregrine Watch Day on the 26th April. Other excitement included an invading female and juveniles coming into the University pairs airspace. All were driven off by Bonnie and Clyde. Kestrels too have been making an appearance and both the male and female from a city pair close to the University are continuing to hunt mice and small birds within the University grounds. They often perch at eye level during the Peregrine Watches and they’re building their own fan club! The Peregrine Watch Days have got off to a great start with people coming into the city from all over central Scotland. We really must thank all the departments within the University and the Huntarian Art Gallery who have played their part in facilitating the watches over the years, it’s very much appreciated by us all. Picture of Peregrine Watch.
A big part of this successful start to the Peregrine Watches has been the generous sponsorship by Viking Optical Ltd. The three top quality telescopes, tripods and binoculars they’ve supplied ensure that everyone gets an excellent view of the nest, and the birds perched high on the Gilbert Scott Tower.
We’re very much indebted to Trish Donald and her team at Viking. The Glasgow Peregrine Project is on Facebook but it’s a pleasure to see followers
on Instagram exceed 1,000. This has been down to the hard work of a new member to the team, Callum Leonard. Callum is a Goshawk specialist with considerable experience in social media. The Glasgow Peregrine Project presentation was delivered to SOC branches in Ayrshire and Stewartry and the RSPB Lanarkshire group. If there are any other groups that would like to hear all about the project and these incredible raptors, then please feel free to contact us.
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This update includes the events of autumn and winter 2024 and starts with our peregrines getting names.
In August, the University staff and students ran a naming competition. After much deliberation, the winning names were revealed. Given her good looks our female was named Bonnie and the male was named after the river that transects the city, Clyde! As Bonnie and Clyde celebrated their new titles, they were made honorary members of staff and had their own passes produced, which was very cool! The autumn is an exciting time, the study of the seasonal movement of adult and juvenile Peregrines commenced. A thank you went out to all the observers who reported birds coming into the city and its environs. Birds have been seen in Erskine, Clydebank, Milngavie, East Kilbride and RSPB Baron’s Haugh, Motherwell. It’s important to establish how peregrines use the city for roosting, hunting and exploiting the available food supply. |
© University of Glasgow
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The records inform planning applications, interactions with the existing territorial pair can be monitoring and help assess the population dynamics and requirements of this threatened and declining raptor.
The University pair continued to patrol their territory but focussed on a few of their favourite sites in Glasgow: Kelvingrove Museum, the City Chambers in George Square and Royal Exchange Square. The ecological work includes counting pigeons to estimate the prey base and relative importance as a food source. Their wider range was defined through this study, and they hunt as far as the New Gorbals, BAE’s yard in Govan, Gartnaval Hospital, Ruchill and church spires along the famous Great Western Road. Their territory will continue to be assessed with exploratory flights to other parts of the city recorded.
The University pair continued to patrol their territory but focussed on a few of their favourite sites in Glasgow: Kelvingrove Museum, the City Chambers in George Square and Royal Exchange Square. The ecological work includes counting pigeons to estimate the prey base and relative importance as a food source. Their wider range was defined through this study, and they hunt as far as the New Gorbals, BAE’s yard in Govan, Gartnaval Hospital, Ruchill and church spires along the famous Great Western Road. Their territory will continue to be assessed with exploratory flights to other parts of the city recorded.
The territorial range of the University pair.
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As Hogmanay arrived the Review of the Year was posted on the new Facebook page. The video captures all the 2024 highlights. |
Evening Talks and lectures
The story of our birds has grabbed everyone’s imagination. Evening talks have been requested and were delivered to SOC, RSPB, SWT and natural history societies throughout central Scotland. The talk not only concentrates on the peregrines but also covers the raptor work of the Scottish Raptor Study Group (SRSG). Other species are being worked on too and include Sparrowhawk, Raven and Kestrel. At the end of each talk, an invitation is extended to all to come along to the immensely popular Peregrine Watches in the Spring and Summer. The watches are conducted just outside the Huntarian Art Gallery and University of Glasgow Library.
The watches will commence in April and once the dates are finalised, they will be posted here.
In February, it was absolute pleasure to announce our corporate partnership with the UK’s top optics suppliers and manufacturers, Viking Optical and Swarovski Optik UK. In the picture below, Trish Donald from Viking Optical, John Simpson from the Glasgow Peregrine Project and Paul Innes from Swarovski Optik UK. Both Trish and Paul will be supporting our immensely popular public watches and special events throughout the breeding season. It’s great to welcome them to the team. Viking Optical have generously agreed to provide telescopes, tripods and binoculars and Swarovski Optic UK will bring some of the finest birding optics to special events planned for this year. So why not come along, enjoy the throng and excitement and watch one the most dynamic of species on earth through the best optics on the market today.
The watches will commence in April and once the dates are finalised, they will be posted here.
In February, it was absolute pleasure to announce our corporate partnership with the UK’s top optics suppliers and manufacturers, Viking Optical and Swarovski Optik UK. In the picture below, Trish Donald from Viking Optical, John Simpson from the Glasgow Peregrine Project and Paul Innes from Swarovski Optik UK. Both Trish and Paul will be supporting our immensely popular public watches and special events throughout the breeding season. It’s great to welcome them to the team. Viking Optical have generously agreed to provide telescopes, tripods and binoculars and Swarovski Optic UK will bring some of the finest birding optics to special events planned for this year. So why not come along, enjoy the throng and excitement and watch one the most dynamic of species on earth through the best optics on the market today.
Photo © Susan Wheeler
New nest cams!
On Feb 12th 2025 we upgraded the Peregrine Nest Cams! The new 4K cameras will bring us all even greater detail, showing us the lives of these remarkable raptors. These are the city’s birds, and all the project partners want everyone in Glasgow and those who visit from all over the world to enjoy them.
Many have asked about a live stream and we’re actively looking at that. However, given the architectural significance of the iconic Gilbert Scott Tower and all its preservation orders, we are using this particular technology at the moment to capture every moment of their fascinating lives. Drilling holes, fixing ducting and installing a full CCTV for live streaming needs to be carefully considered with countless conditions and permissions. The project team cannot thank the staff of the University of Glasgow enough for what they are doing for us all, including those who log on to this website from around the globe.
The cameras were installed prior to the breeding season commencing to ensure no disturbance. We will now increase the number of updates, and the best of the highlights will be shown here and on our Facebook Page Glasgow Peregrine Project and on Instagram at Glasgow. Peregrine.Project
Many have asked about a live stream and we’re actively looking at that. However, given the architectural significance of the iconic Gilbert Scott Tower and all its preservation orders, we are using this particular technology at the moment to capture every moment of their fascinating lives. Drilling holes, fixing ducting and installing a full CCTV for live streaming needs to be carefully considered with countless conditions and permissions. The project team cannot thank the staff of the University of Glasgow enough for what they are doing for us all, including those who log on to this website from around the globe.
The cameras were installed prior to the breeding season commencing to ensure no disturbance. We will now increase the number of updates, and the best of the highlights will be shown here and on our Facebook Page Glasgow Peregrine Project and on Instagram at Glasgow. Peregrine.Project
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The Glasgow Peregrine Project has achieved two of its three operational objectives, Research and Conservation. It’s now time to concentrate on the third, Enforcement. You’ll now hear about the professional bodies who work around the clock to protect our Peregrines in Glasgow, in the UK and throughout the world. Much more on that in the April update.
This is the talented climbing and ringing team who worked hard to bring us the ringing experience from one of the most iconic locations in the UK. The Glasgow Peregrine Project team and indebted to all involved.
From the left:
Pendrich Height Services Ltd climbing supervisors,
John Simpson, George Smith, Paul Baker, Clarke Elsby, Sophie Bennett and Tim Chamberlain. (© Karyn Elsby) |
Cool, calm and chicks collected: Sophie Bennett
(courtesy of Tim Chamberlain.) |
The climbers must possess the highest category of climbing qualifications known as IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association). The entire operation is supervised to ensure the safety of the birds, the climbing team and to ensure the physical integrity of the Gilbert Scott Tower with all its preservation orders.
After the ringing was completed, the female parent was straight back to the nest to ensure her chicks were all there. They all settled down quickly and within thirty minutes, the male brought in a pigeon for his voracious family.
The four chicks - three males and one female - competed for food and exercised their wing muscles. Their ringing details are shown here and form the basis for the fledging and post breeding dispersal study to come.
After the ringing was completed, the female parent was straight back to the nest to ensure her chicks were all there. They all settled down quickly and within thirty minutes, the male brought in a pigeon for his voracious family.
The four chicks - three males and one female - competed for food and exercised their wing muscles. Their ringing details are shown here and form the basis for the fledging and post breeding dispersal study to come.
(courtesy of George Smith)
The media coverage of the birds has been exceptional and with a BBC Online piece achieving over 1.4K reactions and great thanks goes to Kevin McCormick (SOC) for facilitating this. The peregrines also featured on BBC Springwatch and this incredibly popular programme brought the life of the birds to the nation’s viewers with two excellent pieces by Megan McCubbin and Libby Penman.
A real highlight was the production of a short film (above) about the project by the super talented Stephen Magee of the RSPB. The film is posted here courtesy of the RSPB.
The film was a great support to the public watches which were conducted again from just outside the University Library and Hunterian Art Gallery. On each of the days, hundreds of people from all over the world attended and got exceptional views of the birds nesting, bringing in prey items and flying over the crowds, calling and parading the odd pigeon. The team would like to thank Zul Bhatia, Emma Davies and Peter Wakeford who staffed the watchpoint and engaged so effectively with the public.
By the first week in June, the brood made the exciting transition from chicks to fledglings. Throughout this period the team is on tenterhooks and standby, ready to react to any grounded bird. The fledglings have got to make their first, particularly dynamic flight, by launching off the tower and try their best to perch on one of the many rooftops, chimneys and weathervanes.
This year we had a repeat of 2023 with two chicks ending up in the quadrangles of the University. The protocol for a grounded chick sees the University security team:
This year Paul Baker arrived with his landing net and accompanied by Clarke Elsby and John Simpson caught the chicks. This is an opportunity to give the young bird a health check to ensure no broken bones or injuries, and this is done by licenced, experienced and trained persons. No one else, unless under the most extreme of circumstances, should pick up grounded birds. Always follow the protocol above.
After the health check, the long climb back up the tower begins. Given the impregnable nature of the nest site, the chicks are put into a purpose-built nest box arranged for by Clarke and built by Andy and painted by Russell from the UoG. The birds enjoy the best of lives courtesy of the University of Glasgow.
The film was a great support to the public watches which were conducted again from just outside the University Library and Hunterian Art Gallery. On each of the days, hundreds of people from all over the world attended and got exceptional views of the birds nesting, bringing in prey items and flying over the crowds, calling and parading the odd pigeon. The team would like to thank Zul Bhatia, Emma Davies and Peter Wakeford who staffed the watchpoint and engaged so effectively with the public.
By the first week in June, the brood made the exciting transition from chicks to fledglings. Throughout this period the team is on tenterhooks and standby, ready to react to any grounded bird. The fledglings have got to make their first, particularly dynamic flight, by launching off the tower and try their best to perch on one of the many rooftops, chimneys and weathervanes.
This year we had a repeat of 2023 with two chicks ending up in the quadrangles of the University. The protocol for a grounded chick sees the University security team:
- secure the area
- cordon to protect the chick
- UoG Security Team will call one of the project team to respond to the incident.
This year Paul Baker arrived with his landing net and accompanied by Clarke Elsby and John Simpson caught the chicks. This is an opportunity to give the young bird a health check to ensure no broken bones or injuries, and this is done by licenced, experienced and trained persons. No one else, unless under the most extreme of circumstances, should pick up grounded birds. Always follow the protocol above.
After the health check, the long climb back up the tower begins. Given the impregnable nature of the nest site, the chicks are put into a purpose-built nest box arranged for by Clarke and built by Andy and painted by Russell from the UoG. The birds enjoy the best of lives courtesy of the University of Glasgow.
Andy and Russell ( © John Simpson)
During this period the birds entertain the crowds at close range and many of the city’s photographers get their pictures. Pictures themselves are excellent in supporting conservation. They give an exact time, date and place for each individual and allows for tracking of movements, mortality as not all young peregrines will survive and those photographers who spend time trying to get a ring picture are truly appreciated.
Z66 (© Brian Gallagher)
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Z66 on Kelvingrove Museum (© John Simpson)
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This year the birds moved and dispersed earlier than 2023. The Kelvingrove Museum and Art Galleries is an important and favoured location for the young birds. Kelvingrove is around 350 metres from the Gilbert Scott Tower, so relatively close. The adults move around the city centre, ranging over to Gartnavel Hospital, Finnieston Cran but more often, George Square and the City Chambers. The birds catch one of the many pigeons and return to the safety of the City Chambers to pluck and eat their prey.
The work assessing the population and distribution of pigeons within the city continues and the work is showing that there is more capacity for additional pairs of peregrines to exploit this resource.
The raptor work monitoring how the young birds disperse started in early July. It is not fully understood how the birds disperse or what the mortality rate is in juvenile or immature peregrines. The data shows that three birds have made it toward the end of the month but Z46 seems to have disappeared, died or dispersed very early. Z46 was one of the grounded young birds and is pictured below.
The raptor work monitoring how the young birds disperse started in early July. It is not fully understood how the birds disperse or what the mortality rate is in juvenile or immature peregrines. The data shows that three birds have made it toward the end of the month but Z46 seems to have disappeared, died or dispersed very early. Z46 was one of the grounded young birds and is pictured below.
Z46 returned safely to the tower (© John Simpson)
The dispersal study is conducted by members of The SOC and the Scottish Raptor Study Group but is open to all to contribute. Most people will be surprised to learn that the work is conducted throughout the day and night and continues from last winter. The pictures below show the roosting behaviour of the birds and utilises a Thermal Imaging Device which provides excellent pictures and video of the activities of the birds even in pitch black conditions.
Thermal image of peregrine pair mid-winter (© John Simpson)