03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Peregrine falcon fledgling rescued after falling from iconic City Hall nesting spot

A peregrine falcon fledgling was rescued by the RSPCA after falling to the pavement outside its famous City Hall nesting spot in Cardiff.

The young, struggling bird was spotted by concerned members of the public who contacted the RSPCA.

Onlookers had seen the fledgling retreat from the clock tower into a nearby tree, before falling to the ground – having been pecked by gulls in the vicinity.

Cardiff’s City Hall is famous locally as a nesting spot for the birds of prey; with the family having nested in the building’s clock tower for many years.

RSPCA inspector Darren Oakley raced to the scene, and was able to confine the bird in a large cardboard box to calm him down, before he was transferred to a local veterinary practice for checking over.

Thankfully, though initially appearing a little dazed, the falcon was found to be well and was released back to its City Hall nesting site later the same day. The rescue took place on 17 June.

Inspector Darren said: “It was amazing to be able to help this bird of prey – from such a famous family of nesting peregrine falcons at Cardiff’s iconic City Hall.

“We think the falcon had been bullied a little by other birds and ended up falling to the pavement – so was understandably a little dazed.

“Thankfully, there were no ill effects despite the ordeal, and we were able to return the falcon to his nesting spot the same day.

“It’s great to have played a positive part in the latest chapter of these amazing falcons.”

This wasn’t the first time the RSPCA has helped the falcon family based at City Hall – with one spending time with the RSPCA in 2015 after flying directly into a wall.

For more information about what to do if you find a young bird of prey that needs help, please visit the RSPCA’s website.

Should you wish to support the work of the RSPCA, you can donate online.

thanks to Chris O’Brien

 

 

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