Sligo Cathedral's Peregrine Falcons

23rd February 2008: No evidence of Peregrine breeding activity, and no suitable nest site on Sligo Cathedral tower

Special permission and access was obtained to inspect the top of the belfry tower of Sligo Cathedral for evidence of Peregrine Falcon activity, before the beginning of their breeding season. Despite years of intermittent sightings, and much speculation, it was clear that Peregrines have never nested there - indeed there is no suitable ledge or recess that would hold a nest. There was however some prey remains, and it seems that Peregrines use the parapet Cathedral belfry is an occasional "plucking post" and roost rather than as a breeding site. The parapet is a narrow wall, with a 3 foot deep recessed walkway all around the tower

Some photos of the prey remains retrieved, not for the squeamish! Any help with identifying the prey appreciated.

Also, some photos of the view from the tower are below.

The site would seem ideal for a nestsite partnership project like the one on Derby Cathedral in England - see the Derby Peregrine website here.

Dietary remains:

Moorhen leg

Snipe Skull

Snipe leg

Black-headed Gull Leg

Black-headed Gull Skull

Lapwing/GoldenPlover Skull

Images © Mícheál Casey 2008

23rd February 2008: These photos show a selection of prey items retrieved from the Peregrine Falcon's "plucking post" on the parapet of the belfry tower of Sligo Cathedral. The identities assigned to each one are not much more than guesses - some research will be required to identify them all. Any help welcomed - please email mail@sligobirding.com if you can confirm/correct any of the above identifications.
Click on image above to see larger version

Peregrine's eye views of Sligo:

23rd February 2008: Unfortunately Sligo was not looking its best on a murky wet day in February, despite the unique views from atop the tower. However these photos show the short distance from the cathedral to the estuary, and to the Eircom communications mast (top two photos), the other perch favoured by these birds.
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