Peregrines in Suffolk ............................................................. Eddie Bathgate

Eddie Bathgate Peregrines in Suffolk

Peregrines successfully bred at several locations in Suffolk this year. They bred for the first time in 2008, 200 years since the rector of Corton used to remove an egg out of the nest on his church tower every year for falconry. Four fledged off The Mill building in Ipswich, two off the Orwell Bridge and two off the Bury St. Edmunds sugar beet factory; their best effort yet in central Suffolk. However the nest site in Bury St. Edmunds isn’t visible from public areas, unlike the Orwell Bridge nest box, and the industrial area there has strict security. Peregrines, however, failed to breed at both Lowestoft and Felixstowe Docks although it is encouraging to hear of younger birds frequenting sites elsewhere, both inland and on the coast. It is also good to learn of injured young being successfully recuperated and rereleased back onto their nest sites in both Ipswich and Colchester. Peregrines normally fledge at 36-40 days although remain vulnerable in their early flights. Young birds from both the Ipswich and Colchester nest sites crash landed; however they were recovered by members of the public and handed in. After rehabilitation by SOG’s Peter Merchant, both juveniles were successfully returned onto their nest sites. Recently there has been a horrific incident of persecution with a juvenile male off The Mill nest box in Ipswich being shot. Peregrines have been breeding there in their roof-top tray for four years. The emaciated bird was handed in to a veterinary practice, weighing just 500g instead of the expected 650g, and died soon afterwards. Although initially the cause of death was thought to be natural causes, concern that it may not have been then instigated a post-mortem examination that revealed that he had been shot with an air rifle. There has now been a request from the police to remove the pellet for inspection.

Previously, a Peregrine that had been shot over Long Melford in September 2014 was successfully re-released after treatment. The culprit of which was never brought to justice. Please do be vigilant – Suffolk Police are there to help. If you witness a crime in progress, dial 999; or to report cases of persecution, use the 101 number.