Monitoring Peregrine Falcons at an Edinburgh Power Station

Ensuring Avian Safety During Demolition

Back in 2015, I was tasked with a unique and challenging assignment: to establish whether the Peregrine falcons were breeding at a redundant power station on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The site, which had reached its operational limit according to EU regulations, was slated for demolition, and it was crucial to ensure that the falcons' nesting activities were not disrupted.

Over the years, staff members had frequently observed several Peregrine falcons perched high atop the station's two towering chimneys. These majestic birds of prey, renowned for their incredible speed and hunting prowess, were often seen preparing to ambush one of the many feral pigeons that also made the power station their home.

To cut a long story short, after several months of careful and continuous monitoring, I established that the Peregrine falcons were not breeding on site. Instead, the individuals observed—up to three at any given time—were over-wintering birds. They were taking advantage of the plentiful supply of pigeons to sustain themselves through the colder months.

On the day the chimney stacks were due to be demolished, I conducted my final observations. Just over an hour before the charges were set to detonate, I noticed three Peregrine falcons perched on the chimneys. This could have posed a significant risk to the birds had they remained in place during the demolition.

However, the company operating the station had implemented a strategic plan to ensure the birds' safety. A compressed air bird scarer was strategically positioned on an adjacent building. This device began firing a sequence of very loud blasts every ten minutes, starting an hour prior to the scheduled detonation.

The bird scarer had the desired effect. Not only did the Peregrine falcons vacate the danger area, but the pigeons did as well. The commencement of the bird scarer also served as my cue to relocate to the nearby harbour area, from where I could continue my monitoring at a safe distance.

Everything proceeded according to plan. The falcons and pigeons had vacated the area, and the controlled explosions were carried out without any harm to the birds. Through meticulous planning and execution, we ensured the safety of these magnificent creatures.

I have uploaded a sequence of photographs of the event, which I captured from my monitoring location. These images document the careful coordination and successful operation that prioritized the well-being of the Peregrine falcons while allowing the necessary demolition to proceed.