Latest news with #GlasgowPeregrineProject
Glasgow Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Inside rare bird's life nesting in Glasgow University tower
The Glasgow Peregrine Project watches over and helps nurture the family that has been nesting at the site since 2022. The project recently announced that the happy couple Bonnie and Clyde had two chicks, Jack and Victor; however, they've experienced a recent tragedy. Unfortunately, one of the chicks, Jack, contracted Bird Flu and had to be put to sleep to ease his suffering. The remaining chick, mum, and dad are doing well, though, and the team say they're 'carrying on with their usual antics'. John Simpson, 62, from the Glasgow Peregrine Project (Image: Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Mack rebuild 'at risk' from 02 ABC plan says Glasgow School of Art Bonnie and Clyde are the only pair of Peregrines in the city. They are part of a population of only 1,000 across the country, with numbers dropping in the West Coast especially. Local recorder for The Scottish Ornithologists' Club, John Simpson, helped establish the project, which is run alongside the University and several other conservation groups, including the RSPB. John's been studying Peregrines for over 45 years and has a real passion for the birds and helping spread awareness and engagement. Speaking about the project, John, 62, said: "It's the bizarrest thing on the planet, these peregrines sitting at the top of the tower, it's like something out of Batman. "And then their view! It's like the tea towel of Glasgow, all the landmarks are laid out in front of them. "We always joke that it's the most prestigious address in the city. You're in the penthouse suite. "Gilbert Scott Tower, University of Glasgow, you're in the West End, you know, it would cost you a fortune to get a house up there. "And there we have the city's apex predator nesting, it's phenomenal." Pictured at left is Clyde, right, Victor (Image: Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Plans for O2 ABC site recommended to councillors despite 'negative impact' John explains that peregrines are at the top of the city's food chain and will feast on "public enemy number one, the pigeon," among other things. They can get a bit of bad press for their diet, but John hopes that people coming to see the raptors will have their opinions changed. He explained: "If it were lions or tigers or leopards, they wouldn't be getting the same bad press for some reason or other. But this is our apex predator in the city. "This is a remarkable opportunity to get people engaged in looking at ecology and the breeding biology of these birds." Mum, Bonnie and Dad, Clyde, have had a few chicks every year, and when two male chicks were born in April, their names came very quickly. John said: "The mum's named after Bonnie Scotland and the dad, River Clyde. "So when we were ringing the chick and found out it was two males, someone shouted out 'Jack and Victor', and we thought - perfect, bang on... two lads living up Osprey Heights." Inside rare bird's life nesting in Glasgow University tower (Image: Colin Mearns) READ MORE: Glasgow university graduate 'set to join Love Island line up' Caring for the birds is no easy task. With each venture up to their nest via abseil costing the project £2,500, they keep their visits as few as possible. They did rush to try to help Jack, and an emergency abseil took place in an attempt to save him. Now the solo chick in the nest, Victor, is getting plenty of attention from Bonnie and Clyde and has started flying around the campus. He'll be there for a few months while he grows into an adult, and people have been flocking to see the trio. The project runs regular watches (Image: Colin Mearns) They run weekly peregrine watches on Saturday from 10am - 12noon, and also provide scopes and binoculars to view the peregrines. The watches are located outside of the Hunterian Art Gallery and are free for anyone who wants to catch a glimpse of the rare birds. You can follow the project on social media to see regular updates from the nest and beyond, and find out more on their website, here.
STV News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Peregrine falcon chick dies from bird flu weeks after hatching
A peregrine falcon chick that hatched in Glasgow has died after contracting bird flu two months after hatching. Glasgow Peregrine Project confirmed that the chick, named Jack, died on Wednesday. The young falcon, named after the character from TV comedy Still Game, hatched on top of the University of Glasgow tower in April alongside his brother Victor. The project had been monitoring the bird since Tuesday, when staff noticed he had become subdued and wasn't eating. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Scottish SPCA determined it was likely that Jack had contracted bird flu and said he needed to be put down to 'ease his suffering'. Followers of the project commented, saying they had seen Jack 'struggling and suffering'. Parents Bonnie and Clyde have nested on the university's rooftop since 2022. Glasgow Peregrine Project said they are continuing to monitor the family, adding that Victor, Bonnie and Clyde seem unaffected. It urged anyone who sighted the birds or had any significant observations to get in touch. Glasgow Peregrine Project Jack and Victor hatched on April, 27. Glasgow Peregrine Project A spokesperson for the project said: 'It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away. 'The UoG and the entire project team have monitored him throughout the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care. 'The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and, sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering. 'Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
STV News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- STV News
Peregrine falcon chick dies from bird flu two months after hatching
A peregrine falcon chick that hatched in Glasgow has died after contracting bird flu two months after hatching. Glasgow Peregrine Project confirmed that the chick, named Jack, died on Wednesday. The young falcon, named after the character from TV comedy Still Game, hatched on top of the University of Glasgow tower in April alongside his brother Victor. The project had been monitoring the bird since Tuesday, when staff noticed he had become subdued and wasn't eating. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Glasgow Peregrine Project After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment. Scottish SPCA determined it was likely that Jack had contracted bird flu and said he needed to be put down to 'ease his suffering'. Followers of the project commented, saying they had seen Jack 'struggling and suffering'. Parents Bonnie and Clyde have nested on the university's rooftop since 2022. Glasgow Peregrine Project said they are continuing to monitor the family, adding that Victor, Bonnie and Clyde seem unaffected. It urged anyone who sighted the birds or had any significant observations to get in touch. Glasgow Peregrine Project Jack and Victor hatched on April, 27. Glasgow Peregrine Project A spokesperson for the project said: 'It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away. 'The UoG and the entire project team have monitored him throughout the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care. 'The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and, sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering. 'Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Peregrine Falcon chick living on iconic Glasgow building dies after 'bird flu' scare
Jack, named after lovable Still Game character Jack Jarvis, was one of two chicks born in April on the gothic spire of the Gilbert Scott Building at the University of Glasgow. A peregrine falcon chick which lived on the roof of a Scots university has sadly been put to sleep after suspected 'bird flu'. Jack, named after lovable Still Game character Jack Jarvis, was one of two chicks born in April on the gothic spire of the Gilbert Scott Building at the University of Glasgow. Jack hatched alongside brother Victor in the spring at the nest of proud parents Bonnie and Clyde. The stunning raptors were being closely monitored by a the Glasgow Peregrine Project. The duo inspired by the Craiglang favourites captured the attention of birdwatchers and the public with regular updates being shared on social media - with a series of cameras around the University campus capturing the action. This week Jack and Victor were all set to spread their wings with a series of attempts to spread their wings. But whilst Victor attempted his first fledgling concerns began to grow over Jack. The project shared a series of worrying updates earlier in the week. On Wednesday morning they shared that Jack was "seriously unwell". A rescue mission was launched that day which involved a member wincing themselves to a lower ledge on the tower. Jack was taken into the care of the Scottish SPCA but after assessing him he was deemed likely to have contracted bird flu. Vets were forced to put him down to "ease his suffering". In a statement. Glasgow Peregrine Project said: "It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away. "The UoG and all the Project team have monitored him through the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care. "The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering. A video was posted showing the daring rescue with a member of the project hanging over the hedge of the tower and being carefully lowered down. He was spotted wearing full protective gear and a mask. The project say the rest of the birds will be "closely monitored". They added: "Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated." Tributes poured in for Jack with well-wishers taking to the Facebook post to express their condolences. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Vivien Hamilton wrote: "Bless you all! Poor Jack, I was so hoping he would be okay. But wonderful what you have managed to do, so quickly and effectively." Elaine Elizabeth said: "Oh that is so so sad. Thank you for caring & making sure he didn't suffer any more. RIP Jack." Yung Locarno said he could hear mum Bonnie giving out "distress cries" after Jack was taken away. He posted: "Very sad news about Jack. Saw him this morning on the ledge and he was clearly struggling, and suffering. "Was in the West quad for an hour or so this evening (after Jack was taken away) and Mum, Dad and Victor were all high up on the spire. Parents were trying to encourage Victor to fly, which he did eventually - a small circle round, high above the quad then back to the spire. "They all seem fine as far as I could tell, Mum was giving out a lot of distress cries after Jack was taken away - which is normal I would expect. Here's hoping they are all well and remain so." The Scottish SPCA said; "The Scottish SPCA was contacted by the project team with concerns about the falcon's health. Following a thorough assessment and consultation with our experts at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, it was determined that, to prevent further suffering, the only humane option was to carry out euthanasia. "This decision was not taken lightly and was made in the best interest of the bird's welfare."
BBC News
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Glasgow University's peregrine falcon chick dies from bird flu
A peregrine falcon fledging in Glasgow has died after contracting bird young falcon, named after the character Jack from the TV comedy Still Game, hatched on the rooftop of the University of Glasgow tower in April alongside his sibling took unwell at the start of the week, when volunteers at the Glasgow Peregrine Project observed him acting subdued and not a rescue project saw Jack lifted from his nest on Wednesday, the SSPCA determined he needed to be put down to ease his suffering. Jack and Victor's parents, Bonnie and Clyde, have nested on the rooftop of the university tower each spring since and Victor hatched on 27 April, and initially seemed in good Jack's condition steadily worsened after first taking ill, including not responding when Clyde attempted to feed Glasgow Peregrine Project provided updates on the bird after he first seemed later posted: "It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away."The University of Glasgow and all the project team have monitored him through the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. "Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack's care."The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted bird flu and sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering."The project will now carry out round the clock monitoring of the rest of the family to monitor their health.
