9:22am Wednesday 4th February 2009
By Ben Briggs
THE iconic Thwaites tower in Blackburn town centre has a new addition after workers spotted a bird of prey perching high above the factory.
Brewery staff have been joined at the site by a Peregrine falcon which has taken to eating its meals on the side of the tower.
Workers have spotted the falcon feasting on prime local pigeon while it perches on one of the steel ledges which attaches the chimney stack to the tower.
Thwaites regional sales manager Mike Jepson, a bird spotting enthusiast, said: “It can usually be spotted early in the morning, or at dusk.
“It’s even been seen sitting on the first letter T of the Thwaites sign on the side of the tower.
“It is an usual sight to have in the town centre, but with so many pigeons around there’s a lot of food for it. It’s easy pickings for it.
“It can be seen eating the pigeons and the lad down in the security lodge often spots it up there.”
Two peregrine falcons were first spotted back in September.
But Mr Jepson said just one bird has been seen since November.
He said: “Their usual habitat is a cliff and I suppose the steel ledge would appear similar to a bird.
“The problem is because the ledge is smooth they can’t nest there.
“Birds like this are a common sight in the Bowland fells and maybe it has flown down from there.”
The RSPB said Peregrine falcons were becoming increasing common in town centres.
A spokesman said: “They are drawn to towns because of the abundance of food and because there are a lot of pigeons, which is one of their favourites.”
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