Peregrines make hospital home
We reported last year peregrines Dusty and Freddie had been using the roof of Ealing Hospital as a roosting site and that the installation of a breeding box would encourage them to mate.
Ealing Wildlife Group (EWG) says they are optimistic we can expect the patter of tiny talons later this spring but the course of true love has not run smooth.
EWG reports Dusty has been ousted by a new female and the installation of a second breeding tray on a ledge appears to be paying dividends.
Local veterinary surgeon Sean McCormack, who founded EWG several years ago, said: “The female of the species is larger and more aggressive than the male so it isn’t unusual for this to happen
“Freddie has been displaying courtship behaviour and the female has been seen settling in the tray for long periods of time which is encouraging.
“We should know in the next month and a tell-tale sign will be Freddie bringing food to his mate and the chicks which are called eyasses.”
Peregrines, whose traditional habitat are cliff faces, began migrating to urban areas after facing near extinction from now banned pesticides in the 1950s.
The birds found tall buildings with largely inaccessible roof space an ideal home along with a ready supply of food in the shape of London’s pigeon and parakeet population.
Sean added: “Peregrines are highly territorial and mate for life so it is great they appear to have settled here. Their nearest neighbours are in Southall with a further pair west in Brentford.
“The hope is that we can soon put in a live feed camera and would love to hear from any local businesses that might be able to help sponsoring the webcam equipment.
“Peregrines usually produce 2-4 chicks a year which are then taught how to hunt after which they are driven out in the autumn to find their own territory.It’s very exciting news as peregrines are still relatively rare.”
EWG is involved in a number of local conservation projects which includes the proposed reintroduction of beavers to the UK with the group applying for a license for a controlled enclosure trail at Paradise Fields in North Greenford.
EWG is always keen to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer.
Photo: David Gordon Davy