Environment Team follows falcons’ progress

The ends of the ledge are the falcons' favourite spots

Nottingham Trent University’s Environment Team has been keeping a close eye on the falcons. Thanks to this year’s moveable camera, we have been able to watch the birds sit at the very ends of Newton’s ledge, usually cleaning and preening themselves, allowing us to see them looking stunning in high definition.

Their good looks have attracted not only local media stardom – and almost 4,500 views on this blog – but they’re hitting the news further afield too and have also become a feature of the University of Salford’s Environment Team blog. No wonder they want to look their best.

The nest camera has also had a fair amount of our attention, as when they’re in or around the box this camera will let you hear them – and hopefully the chicks when they make their grand entrance – squeaking and chirping away. By the look of the nest these great parents seem to be getting things ready for the arrival of the eggs which we are all eagerly awaiting.

The ends of the ledge seem to be their favourite places. First thing in the morning they survey the landscape before they take to the skies for a few hours, either returning to the ledge mid to late afternoon, or heading over to the opposite end to enjoy their catch of the day, which they are able to pluck out of the sky in a dive that can reach 200mph. They seem to be just as busy during the night too. The new infrared camera has extended our viewing hours even further, allowing us to catch glimpses as they come and go at all hours, though this routine will change with their return to parenthood, as the eggs will need to incubate for 33 days.

These birds have definitely got us gripped here in the Environment Team, and we can’t wait to watch the family develop again. Hopefully we won’t get too distracted as fair trade fortnight started this week! Check out our fair trade fortnight events.

NTU Environment Team