Peregrine falcon dies taking first flight in Manchester
27th June 2010
One of two young peregrine falcons that hatched on top of a Manchester skyscraper has died taking its maiden flight.
On Wednesday 23 June, the RSPB learned that a dead peregrine had been found on the pavement near the CIS Tower, where the birds have been nesting.
The young female peregrine, which appeared to have a broken neck, was later identified as one of the Manchester chicks by a special identity ring, which had been attached at the end of last month.
Clare Reed, the RSPB's Manchester People Engagement Officer said the juvenile bird appeared to have had an unfortunate accident.
"We think the poor thing was taking its first flight when it collided with a window," she said.
"It probably got confused and mistook the reflection in a window for the sky. "
On a brighter note, RSPB staff and volunteers at the Date with Nature viewpoint in Exchange Square spotted the other peregrine chick taking its maiden flight together with its parents.
Visitors, shoppers and commuters in Manchester can watch the peregrines in Exchange Square daily from 11am to 6pm until the surviving chick leaves in early July.
The Manchester Peregrine project is run as part of the RSPB's Date with Nature programme of events, which make rare and spectacular birds accessible for everyone to see.
Source: BBC News - Manchester
