Three Peregrine Falcon chicks were successfully ringed at the University of Sheffield's St George's Church site on Friday 16 May, aged just 19 days. The procedure was carried out by an expert team from the Sorby Breck Ringing Group.
Each chick received a unique set of rings: a standard metal British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) ring on the right leg and an easily visible orange alpha-numeric colour ring on the left, labelled ZAC, ZBC, and ZCC. These rings uniquely identify each bird and allow researchers to track survival, movements, and behaviour. The team also took weight and measurement data, confirming that all three chicks are in excellent health.
DNA samples were collected to contribute to a national Peregrine database, a resource used by bodies such as the Animal and Plant Health Agency and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. This data plays a vital role in preventing wildlife crime - especially the illegal capture of birds for the illicit captive market. The scheme has already supported multiple successful prosecutions, helping to safeguard the UK's wild Peregrine population.
Thanks to a longstanding partnership between the University of Sheffield and the Sheffield Bird Study Group (SBSG), Peregrine Falcons have flourished in the heart of the city. Since the first successful breeding season in 2012, the University's Estates and Facilities Management team has maintained a dedicated nest platform and live webcam feed, allowing the public to follow the birds' journey every year.
The nesting site at St George's Church has now fledged 34 chicks, which will increase to 37 if this year's three chicks successfully fledge. Some of these birds have established new homes across the country - including a 2014 chick that settled at Wakefield Cathedral and has since fathered 32 chicks of its own. While the adults typically stay near the site year-round, peak activity occurs between January and July, making this an ideal time for live webcam viewers to spot the current brood.
This year's successful ringing reinforces the importance of urban nesting sites for Peregrine conversation. The project continues to inspire public engagement and contributes valuable data for national research and protection efforts.
Chris Greenwood, a trustee of Sheffield Bird Study Group, said: "We're delighted that this year's Peregrine chicks have been successfully ringed and are in such good health. Our long-standing partnership with the University of Sheffield continues to show how urban environments can support thriving populations of these remarkable birds. It's been a real privilege to witness their growth and to contribute to their continued protection.
"The success of the Peregrine Falcon project is a fantastic example of how our campus can serve as a space for biodiversity. These birds are not just a conservation win - they represent our broader commitment to embedding biodiversity across the University estate."
Mark Holden, Professional Services Lead for Sustainability, said: "We're working to create a resilient, biodiverse campus that supports wildlife and enhances the wellbeing of our students, staff, and local community. This is a vital part of our Biodiversity Action Plan and our vision for a more sustainable future campus and beyond."