A peregrine falcon, noted for being the fastest creature on Earth, was rescued after becoming ensnared in anti-bird netting at a residential tower block in Birmingham. This incident took place on April 3, in Milston Close, Druids Heath, where the bird was reported trapped by a concerned member of the public.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) dispatched animal rescue officer Lydia Andrews to the scene, where she successfully freed the falcon from the netting. Upon its release, the bird flew away safely. Andrews expressed gratitude towards the individual who alerted the RSPCA, stating, “We’re so grateful to the person who contacted us to help. Thankfully, I was able to free the bird but sadly many are not so lucky to survive.”
The RSPCA has highlighted the plight of wildlife due to poorly maintained anti-bird netting, which is designed to prevent birds from nesting but can lead to entrapment and injury. The organisation receives approximately 2,000 reports annually concerning wild birds caught in such netting. Andrews noted, “While the use of netting to prevent birds nesting is legal, it’s critically important that it is professionally installed and regularly maintained to ensure that birds cannot become trapped.”
The charity's wildlife team frequently engages with property owners, urging them to check and repair netting and establish maintenance plans to safeguard avian life. An RSPCA spokesperson remarked on the complexity of rescuing trapped animals, particularly when netting is positioned in inaccessible areas. The spokesperson commented, “It’s fantastic that our officer was able to rescue this peregrine, the fastest flying animal on the planet.” The RSPCA also underscored the significance of peregrine falcons, mentioning their historical decline due to persecution and pesticide usage.
Currently, the breeding season for peregrine falcons is underway, and their recovery is considered critical due to the role they play in the ecosystem. In light of this incident, the RSPCA is appealing to the public to foster wildlife-friendly environments, proposing approaches that include removing hazards like netting and creating safe habitats within gardens and local community spaces.
Statistics from the RSPCA indicate a rising trend in the admission of wild animals to their centres, with over 10,000 animals presented in the past year alone. They registered over 40,000 incidents relating to wild animals across England and Wales in 2024, highlighting issues ranging from illness and injury to entrapment.
Rebecca Machin, an RSPCA wildlife expert, has also expressed concern over the significant challenges faced by wildlife: “These shocking wildlife centre admission numbers show that wild animals face huge challenges. We cannot tackle this alone - so we’re urgently asking the public to do their bit to help animals.”
The RSPCA has shared guidelines for creating wildlife-friendly gardens, which include fostering natural habitats, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, and ensuring safe water sources for animals. The hope is that community efforts can alleviate some of the pressure on the charity's resources and contribute positively to wildlife conservation efforts.
Source: Noah Wire Services