In 2023, when we first installed cameras in the St Mary's church scrape box, we were able to see a long-standing breeding pair produce four young, but as you may know, the bird flu epidemic claimed all four eyases and the male bird. We don't know what became of the female. As of Jan 2nd 2024 the UK was, for the first time in many years, declared free of bird flu. The current risk to wild birds is still classed as medium, and with migratory birds returning, there will no doubt be more cases.
Early in 2024, we were busy in the scrape box, giving it a full clean with new gravel, and installing two new cameras and upgraded streaming equipment. After we'd resealed the box for the final time, there was a bird in there before we'd reached the bottom of the ladder!
So we had a new pair of falcons! Unfortunately, the female nested in a water spout elswhere on the spire and the eggs were washed away in the heavy rains. On a positive note, the pair frequented the box throughout the rest of 2024, maintaining the scrape, bonding and occasionally bringing kills in.
As we start 2025, we hope it's third time lucky and this pair decide to rear young on camera.. Let us know if you've seen anything, and please do share any photos and tag The Ashgrove Clinic on Facebook.
