Pembroke Porters Swoop to the Rescue

A peregrine falcon chick has been rescued by the Pembroke porters, after failing to complete its first flight.

With other buildings in the area currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pembroke porters have been on alert for reports of fallen fledglings nearby. A rescue box and a towel were therefore already on hand when a member of the public noted the bird's unexpected landing.

The attending porter, Sarah Hendry, was unfazed: "Years of cat ownership has got me expert at catching birds with towels. It was a bit stressed at first, but it soon calmed down in the quiet."

The rescued bird, which was found to be a male, has been taken to The Raptor Foundation, near St Ives, where they will care for it until it is flying. It will then be released back near the College.

The mating pair, Tiercel (m) and Falcon (f), have been rearing three chicks this spring. The peregrines can often be spotted perching on a number of buildings around Cambridge, including the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, the University Library, the Pitt Building and the Pembroke College Library clock tower.

The peregrines feed on an abundant feral pigeon population, with blackbirds, starlings and even wheatears adding variety to their diet. Unwary passersby often find themselves having to sidestep carelessly discarded morsels of food. Other visual evidence of the peregrines' presence are puffs of pigeon feathers on Pembroke's otherwise beautifully manicured lawns. Naturally, this typically occurs on days when a significant College event or a wedding is due to take place.

However, it is a great privilege to have such magnificent birds living in and around the College grounds.

To keep up to date with Tiercel and Falcon, and to track the remaining chick's progress, follow @camperegrines on Twitter.

A Request for Help

The Raptor Foundation (charity No. 1042085), like many other charities, has been badly affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. They currently house 190 animals, including birds of prey, meerkats and reptiles, as well as nursing other injured birds which are brought in by members of the public. Although they have reached their initial fundraising target of £6,000, they need further support to continue their work while their visitor centre remains closed. If you can help by making a donation, please visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/e4hua4-help-us-to-help-them

Photo Credits:

Rescued peregrine falcon fledgling - Sarah Hendry

Peregrine falcon fledgling exercising its wings - Robert Griggs

Adult male peregrine falcon - Robert Griggs