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You'd be forgiven for thinking urban London isn’t prime bird-watching territory – if you’re not into pigeons, at least. But you'd be mistaken. Birds of prey are thriving in the capital, and you can catch two of them on a special livestream beaming out from their north London digs.
Peregrine falcons have returned to nest in Islington at London Metropolitan University’s Tower building. The rare birds of prey are believed to be feasting on pigeons, and have come back to the Holloway Road site yearly since 2017 to lay their eggs.
According to the London Peregrine Partnership, the pair currently residing at the university are newcomers. AA falcon who had been returning yearly since 2017 to lay her eggs was ousted last March by a different female, who stole her mate and produced two chicks who flew the nest last July.
The female has returned this year, but it's unclear if the tiercel (male falcon) she’s with is the same mate as last year. Peregrine falcons ordinarily mate for life unless their partner dies or, in the case of last year’s unlucky lovers, is stolen.
Peregrine falcons, the largest falcons in the UK, are becoming a more common sight in London after a brief drop due to pesticide use. They can often be seen from the Tate Modern on the south bank of the Thames, as well as nesting in St Pancras station in the winter months. It’s believed that there are now around 50 breeding pairs in London.
Stuart Harrington, co-founder of the London Peregrine Partnership, said: ‘The peregrine falcon is an iconic species. Knowing how rare a sight this bird was in my youth, I think we ought to feel very privileged to be able to enjoy the spectacle of a nesting pair above the hustle and bustle of Holloway Road.’
Buildings like London Met’s Tower building are the perfect place for peregrine falcons to nest, as they provide a sheer drop like the cliff nesting spots coastal peregrines usually go for, while also being isolated.
‘These birds are an important part of London’s wildlife, and we’re so proud to provide a safe space for them to thrive,’ said Ailsa Shaylor, London Met’s Sustainability Manager. ‘Our commitment to urban biodiversity is evident through initiatives like installing beehives on campus rooftops and working towards Carbon Net Zero. By fostering these projects, we aim to optimise our environment for various species, including our cherished peregrine falcons.’
You can watch the falcons on a livestream here.
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