Chris Monk
Well-known member
From Environment Agency web site:
Big Brother Treatment for Peregrine Falcons
Author:
Rachael Collins
Date published:
15-Mar-2005
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A pair of Peregrines that are being encouraged to settle in a top secret location in East London are going to be given the Big Brother treatment as of today (Tuesday March 15) with the installation of CCTV in their love nest.
The Environment Agency first noticed the peregrines at one of its sites in 2003. It was hoped that the birds would nest in the area, but the birds, which prefer to nest in shallow soil known as ‘scrape’, found the available surface unsuitable. To rectify this the Environment Agency and English Nature set up a nest box in February 2004. This box attempts to emulate this ‘scrape’ and will hopefully encourage nesting.
Should nesting be successful the CCTV, a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the London Peregrine Group, will provide live footage of the birds. This will eventually be streamed to all of the organisations involved, including the Learning Centre at the Thames Barrier site – providing a valuable educational resource for visiting school children.
Peregrine falcons, one of the fastest birds in the world, have been a protected species since the 1960s, when numbers were at an all time low due largely to the use of certain pesticides. These pesticides have now been banned, and Peregrine numbers have recovered well. However, these magnificent birds of prey remain under threat of illegal attacks, meaning that Peregrine sites are often kept secret. This site is no different, and just the like the Channel 4 Big Brother house, the location of the nest remains under wraps in order to protect the birds of prey.
Environment Agency flood defence engineer Jason Convey has played a key role in initiating the scheme, and is pleased to see his efforts coming to fruition. “Of course, this is just one example of the types of conservation work the Environment Agency does, but as a flood defence engineer, my day job usually consists of helping to reduce the risk of flooding in the area. It has been an exciting scheme for all involved, and being able to observe the Peregrines at close quarters is something we are all looking forward to.”
Peter Massini from English Nature said: “Peregrine falcons now frequently nest in urban areas, but there are very few places that provide them with the level of security needed. The CCTV at this protected site will hopefully provide us with an opportunity to learn more about the habits of Peregrines nesting in urban areas, and of course help to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”
David Morrison from the London Peregrine Group said: “This scheme is an excellent example of organisations working together to achieve a great outcome that really benefits London’s urban wildlife. It will allow us to learn even more about the habits and activity of these magnificent birds. We will be watching eagerly to see if nesting is successful and if the birds truly make their home at the site.”
Big Brother Treatment for Peregrine Falcons
Author:
Rachael Collins
Date published:
15-Mar-2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
A pair of Peregrines that are being encouraged to settle in a top secret location in East London are going to be given the Big Brother treatment as of today (Tuesday March 15) with the installation of CCTV in their love nest.
The Environment Agency first noticed the peregrines at one of its sites in 2003. It was hoped that the birds would nest in the area, but the birds, which prefer to nest in shallow soil known as ‘scrape’, found the available surface unsuitable. To rectify this the Environment Agency and English Nature set up a nest box in February 2004. This box attempts to emulate this ‘scrape’ and will hopefully encourage nesting.
Should nesting be successful the CCTV, a joint initiative between the Environment Agency, English Nature and the London Peregrine Group, will provide live footage of the birds. This will eventually be streamed to all of the organisations involved, including the Learning Centre at the Thames Barrier site – providing a valuable educational resource for visiting school children.
Peregrine falcons, one of the fastest birds in the world, have been a protected species since the 1960s, when numbers were at an all time low due largely to the use of certain pesticides. These pesticides have now been banned, and Peregrine numbers have recovered well. However, these magnificent birds of prey remain under threat of illegal attacks, meaning that Peregrine sites are often kept secret. This site is no different, and just the like the Channel 4 Big Brother house, the location of the nest remains under wraps in order to protect the birds of prey.
Environment Agency flood defence engineer Jason Convey has played a key role in initiating the scheme, and is pleased to see his efforts coming to fruition. “Of course, this is just one example of the types of conservation work the Environment Agency does, but as a flood defence engineer, my day job usually consists of helping to reduce the risk of flooding in the area. It has been an exciting scheme for all involved, and being able to observe the Peregrines at close quarters is something we are all looking forward to.”
Peter Massini from English Nature said: “Peregrine falcons now frequently nest in urban areas, but there are very few places that provide them with the level of security needed. The CCTV at this protected site will hopefully provide us with an opportunity to learn more about the habits of Peregrines nesting in urban areas, and of course help to ensure their safety and wellbeing.”
David Morrison from the London Peregrine Group said: “This scheme is an excellent example of organisations working together to achieve a great outcome that really benefits London’s urban wildlife. It will allow us to learn even more about the habits and activity of these magnificent birds. We will be watching eagerly to see if nesting is successful and if the birds truly make their home at the site.”
