No peregrine falcon webcam for 2021 due to town hall improvements

Bird lovers across the world are set to be disappointed, as Rochdale Council has announced that due to restoration work taking place at Rochdale Town Hall, it is not possible to broadcast a live webcam stream of Rochdale’s famed peregrine falcons this spring.

The council’s live webcam usually provides an eagle-eyed view of the peregrine falcons nesting at the town hall, between March and August each year, but due to the work to improve the Grade-I listed town hall, there will not be a live stream for 2021.
 

Read more: Contractor appointed as the first phase of town hall restoration gets underwayPublished: 06 January 2021

Often spotted soaring above the town centre, the falcons are most active at the start of the breeding season during February and March. Egg-laying typically happens around late March or early April, whilst the chicks usually hatch during the first week of May.

 

 

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “Our ambitious regeneration project at Rochdale Town Hall is underway, with the major restoration set to transform the Grade-I listed building.

“Throughout this vital work the safety, wellbeing and health of the nesting peregrine falcons remains a key priority. As such, we have appointed a renowned ecologist, to ensure the monitoring of the falcons’ nesting area takes place.

“Unfortunately, due to the work impacting on the regular power supply we are currently unable to provide live footage of the birds via the webcam.

“Further updates will be shared on social media so that nature lovers are reassured on the birds’ wellbeing and can continue to follow the lives of falcons throughout the nesting period and beyond.”

 

 

Peregrine falcons have been nesting at the clock tower for over a decade. The council built a nesting area for the birds in 2008, providing them with a safe place to sleep, breed and raise their chicks.

Last year, the female falcon returned to the nest with a new partner after the death of her previous adult mate in 2019. The new pair successfully hatched two chicks.

 

Read more: Falcon chicks have hatchedPublished: 18 May 2020

 

You can access Rochdale Borough Council’s social media accounts using the Twitter hashtag #rochfalcons or on Facebook. You can also join the chat on the RSPB website.