Family of peregrine falcons 'squat' in Birmingham tower block (UK)

[Donna]

WORK on demolishing an eyesore condemned Birmingham tower block was delayed because a family of squatters moved in.

But council housing bosses were in no hurry to evict this family – because it was a pair of peregrine falcons and their four chicks.

The birds of prey had made a nest for their fledgling family on the roof of Bayley Tower in Bromford.

The tower has lain empty for more than three years after tenants were paid more than £1 million between them in compensation for moving out.

Taxpayers were left with a £100,000 bill each year for security and it has been targeted by arsonists. Local MP Liam Byrne and residents have campaigned for it to be urgently demolished.

But housing officers from Birmingham City Council discovered their latest tenants in early spring and immediately contacted wildlife experts.

They were told to leave the birds alone and not disturb them until all had flown the nest.

Their discovery delayed the bulldozers moving in by several months, but council housing boss, Coun John Lines, said these were squatters he was happy to see.

“I don’t normally like it when tenants move into my properties and don’t pay rent, but in this case I’ll make an exception,� he said.

“I’m a very proud landlord and was quite happy to delay the demolition preparation so the falcons could stay there.

“We believe this is the first successful breeding of falcons in Birmingham for many years.�

Bayley, and the neighbouring Stoneycroft Tower, were first due to be demolished five years ago.

But the recession has delayed the move and it was only earlier this year the council finally got the go-ahead and promise of funding from the Homes and Communities Agency to begin the work.

The existence of the falcons was kept secret for fear thugs would try and steal the chicks.

Last month the family tried to flee the nest but were grounded.

They were taken to the Falconry Centre at Hagley where one sadly died of its injuries.

The remaining adults and three chicks were returned to Bayley Tower and last week eventually flew away.

Housing officers will now put a new nesting box on nearby towers in case the falcons, or others, return.

Before they flew, the birds had rings put around their legs so they can be identified if they are found.