Bolton Peregrine Falcons spotted along with new chicks

The famed Bolton Town Hall peregrine falcons have been spotted flying and hopping around its Clock Tower, appearing with four new chicks.

The falcons, which normally reside at Bolton Parish Church, make the short trip to the town hall each summer to nest.

Bolton News Camera Club Michael Callaghan captured falcons in the Rivington area in these stunning shots.

Judith Smith, Chair of the Manchester Raptor Group, which is responsible for the conservation interests of raptors, including owls, peregrines and ravens, believes the chicks are around 35-40 days old.

An adult falcon in flight (Image: Michael Callaghan)

She said: "It wasn't possible to see them until this weekend. The only vantage point I've been able to find is the Market Place car park.

"The chicks were parading along the top of the balustrades and I was thinking 'don't fall!'"

The group usually ring new chicks when they are born, but due to tightened health and safety regulations, they won't be able to this year.

Judith said: "We are not allowed to go up there without a steeplejack, which we have. We should be able to get him up there In 2024, but it's not going to be possible this year."

Two young falcons in Rivington (Image: Michael Callaghan)

Bird ringing involves catching birds, securing a small metal ring around one of their legs, and ideally recording the bird’s species, age, sex, wing length and weight.

Rings have a reference code inscribed on them that allows that particular bird to be uniquely identified if it is caught again in the future.

The main purpose of it is to gather demographic data, allowing a picture to be built up of each population and whether they're struggling or thriving.

Judith continued: "There have been cases of avian flu this year, it's very bad at Belmont Reservoir.

Peregrine Falcon (Image: Michael Callaghan)

"With the cases of flu, it's good these chicks have been born. Younger birds are more vulnerable to it than older birds."

She added: "Many breeding sites have cameras with a live feed which are very popular with the public and it would be fantastic if Bolton could have such a facility too.

"Rochdale Town Hall, when it is in normal operation and not wrapped in mesh, usually has a bird camera which gets around 10,000 views a week.

"It would be great for us too, because we could see what's going on, so if any birds fall to the ground we would know immediately."

To learn more about Manchester Raptor Group, visit their website: https://raptorforum.wordpress.com/manchester-raptor-group/