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VISITOR: A kestrel at the town hall
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Kestrels get bird's eye view of town hall
David Ottewell14/ 4/2005
A PAIR of kestrels have ditched the countryside for a spot of high living in the heart of Manchester.
The birds have set up home in the tower of the city's Victorian town hall - and appear ready to settle.
They moved in months ago and are using a nest in alcoves behind two of the clock faces.
Council birdwatchers believe the pair may be trying for a family after one town hall officer spotted them enjoying a moment of "intimacy".
News of the kestrels' arrival comes as town hall chiefs unveiled a new plan to protect animal and plant species in the city.
The ruling executive has approved a "biodiversity strategy", with a census of living organisms drawn up to prevent any dramatic decline in numbers.
It will look at ways of tackling harmful environmental changes caused by pesticide use, the greenhouse effect and off-road motor- biking.
Strategy
Schoolchildren will be given the chance to get involved in a variety of nature-related projects.
Neil Swannick, the council's executive member for the environment, said: "Hopefully, the kestrels will be one of many species that we will be spotting in the city centre in the coming years.
"With our biodiversity strategy, we can conserve, protect and enhance wildlife in the city for current and future generations."
The kestrel is Europe's most common bird of prey, but is usually seen in marshes and rural and coastal habitats. It is often called the "windhover" because of its distinctive hunting style of waiting above its prey before a sudden swoop.
The number of kestrels in Britain has been declining, with more of the birds forced into city centres as their natural habitats are eroded.
Manchester is no stranger to birds of prey. Earlier this month, the discovery of a pair of mating peregrine falcons in City Tower - formerly Sunley Tower - brought a '20m refurbishment to a standstill.
Plans were also drawn up to "hire" a hawk to kill pigeons in Piccadilly Gardens, although that project is yet to take off.
Manchester also has a number of unlikely animal residents that will now be protected. Species under threat include the water vole, pipistrelle bat and great crested newt.
Should cities be doing more to protect and encourage wildlife? Have your say.
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15/04/2005 at 20:25
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17/04/2005 at 13:51
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