#TeamUofG Student Newsletter

The University is delighted to see that the Peregrine Falcon pair have returned to the Gilbert Scott Tower to raise their young, with new fledglings hatching in recent days. 

To celebrate, the University would like to invite members of the community to suggest names for the two parent Peregrine Falcons! Your suggestions will then be passed on to the University’s Naming Committee to permanently name the mating pair. To take part, complete the form with your name suggestions before the 20th of May.  

Submit Your Name Suggestions Here. 

This year, we are incredibly fortunate to be able to monitor the nest and provide regular updates with the newly installed cameras near the nesting site in the Tower. Thanks to the efforts of the Glasgow Peregrine Project, a collaboration between RSPB Scotland, the Scottish Ornithologists' Club and the University. The Gilbert Scott Tower is currently the only closely monitored Peregrine nesting site in Glasgow. This is a significant step for urban conservation in Glasgow and allows for research into how Peregrine Falcon populations are adapting to city life.  

In March, the birds were seen to be active around the nest, with four eggs spotted shortly thereafter. The eggs have now hatched, and footage has captured these magnificent birds of prey feeding and tending to their young as a team.

You can keep up to date with the Peregrine Falcon story at UofGEstates social media. 

Peter Haggarty, Executive Director of Estates, has said “We are delighted to welcome back the much-loved Peregrine Falcon pair to the Gilbert Scott Tower, and it is wonderful to have the cameras installed this year. Our work as part of the Glasgow Peregrine Project supports the University’s Biodiversity Strategy, helping to protect our city’s natural habitat.” 

Clarke Elsby, Building Surveyor, has commented “It has been a collaborative journey to get us to where we are today. I’m thrilled to be working closely with RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Ornithologists' Club to safeguard and monitor these birds, and grateful to all the teams who help to welcome them back on to campus. This plays a key role in researching these birds of prey and helping their population numbers to grow. Thank you also to CBRE and Penrich Rope Access for their help installing the cameras.” 

Scott Shanks, Conservation Officer RSPB Central Scotland, has said “Despite legislation to protect them, Peregrine Falcon nests can often be targeted by criminals, so it’s great that our pair have chosen an inaccessible location such as the wonderful Gilbert Scott Tower to raise their chicks”. 
 
John Simpson, Scottish Ornithologist Club, commented “Peregrine Falcons are one of the world’s most dynamic species and the fact that they’ve decided to nest on one of the nation’s most iconic buildings, the Gilbert Scott Tower, makes it all the more special. The Glasgow Peregrine Project would not have been possible without the drive and determination of Clarke Elsby, he’s worked hard to coordinate the installation of the cameras that are opening a window into the life of these remarkable raptors. It’s fitting that the students bring their creativity to the project by naming the birds and we all look forward to their choice.”  

The Glasgow Peregrine Project have kindly organised opportunities to meet Glasgow's Urban Peregrines. You can pop along to the meeting point between the Hunterian Art Gallery and University Library front entrances to view the nesting Peregrines through telescopes and livestreams of the next cameras and learn about these amazing birds of prey.

 

 

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First published: 9 May 2024