Title: THERE'S nothing like a skyscraper for a bird's-eye view of Melbourne. (AU)
Post by: Donna on 11-Nov-10, 08:14:36 PM
Peregrine Falcon chicks banding on top of 367 Collins street building. Bird Australia volunteer Victor Hurley holds one of the 25 day old chicks to be banded. Picture: David Caird.Rare peregrine falcons have been calling the top of 367 Collins St home for almost 20 years, thanks to the dedication of volunteer Victor Hurley.
Mr Hurley, a Birds Australia volunteer, set up a breeding program on the top of the old Melbourne building in 1991, with the aim of boosting the struggling number of birds.
"They love being in the city because the skyscrapers remind them of cliff faces," Mr Hurley said.
"They're good residents too because they feed on the pest bird species in the city, such as starlings, sparrows and Indian mynas."
Mr Hurley yesterday banded and released three chicks, and said the breeding program had been a huge success. "I think it's a bit special that they've been here for 20 years now, and the numbers have really grown," he said.
Herald Sun Australia