Two peregrine falcons have now been spotted returning to select their nest site at Scottish Wildlife Trust’s (SWT) Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve in New Lanark, marking the start of a 24hr mission to protect the birds through the breeding season.
Despite being a legally protected species, the peregrine’s breeding season can be perilous. They are at risk from egg thieves, who can sell peregrine eggs to become part of egg collections, and from those who take young chicks to train for falconry.
In a bid to prevent wildlife crime, Falls of Clyde staff are now preparing to launch ‘Operation Peregrine’ on 21 March. With the help of a 24hr High Definition CCTV camera, this project will see Peregrine Protection Officer Steven Kane dedicate the next 3 months to a round-the-clock stake-out of the birds nesting area.
Kane said: “Today, only about 1,400 pairs of peregrine falcons remain in the UK, after their numbers fell rapidly in the 1960s due to a pesticide which caused infertility.
As nearly two-thirds of these pairs nest in Scotland, it is vitally important that we do all we can to protect them and help them thrive.
“At the moment, we have spotted a male and female preparing a nesting area and we are installing our cameras in the best areas to help our watch. They will breed very soon now, and we should have eggs within the next few weeks.
“I will be doing all I can to help these magnificent animals have a successful breeding season at Falls of Clyde this year, and I urge the public to help by coming along to visit Falls of Clyde and supporting our activities. Wildlife crime of this nature really jeapordises the future of a remarkable species – it’s unacceptable, illegal, and must be stopped.”
Famed as the fastest living creature on earth, peregrines can dive at speeds of up to 200 mph to catch their prey of small birds.
This is the 12th year a peregrine pair has visited Falls of Clyde to breed and raise their young chicks. A popular wildlife attraction, thousands visit the wildlife centre each year where they can enjoy watching the majestic birds’ famous dive for food as well as their chicks’ journey through the process of hatching, rearing, and their eventually flight from the nest.
Willie Buttery, Visitor Centre Manager said: “We are delighted that for another successive season these birds are back where they belong. They are very much part of the fabric and attraction of this reserve to visitors. We now have the challenge of making sure that they remain safe from harm. Thanks to the telescopes and binoculars now available at the viewing area, visitors really can see them hunting and their family growing right before their eyes.”