Anti-pigeon netting is set to be "urgently" removed from the top of a clock tower in Leeds after a peregrine falcon became trapped, sparking a rescue effort. Firefighters ascended the University of Leeds' Parkinson Building to free the bird of prey earlier today.
The dramatic rescue was launched after members of the public spotted the fledgling peregrine falcon caught tightly under the netting high-up on the iconic clock tower and struggling to free itself. The daring attempts to free the bird was recounted on Twitter by Yorkshire wildlife conservationist @leedsbirder.
In a series of tweets about the incident, he said: "In today’s second @UoLperegrine emergency we spotted TJS, one of our recently fledged Peregrine Falcon juveniles, caught under anti-pigeon netting on the Parkinson Tower. With the aid of @UniversityLeeds Security, RSPCA and WY Fire Brigade, a rescue attempt was launched.
READ MORE: Leeds Bradford Airport chaos continues with 'megaphone man', till failures and 'theme park' queues
"Access to the very top of the tower is extremely difficult, but the situation was assessed by the Fire Brigade with help from Uni security and RSPCA. They decided a rescue attempt was possible via the top windows.
"An attempt was made to cut TJ free, reaching out from the window. But it became clear he was entangled tightly in the netting.
"The ledge was just wide enough to allow access by crawling to the end. Amazing work from our @WYFRS (West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service) hero who managed to hold on to our Peregrine while cutting him free whilst almost 200 feet up from the ground.
"Safely back at ground level, the team began the tricky process of removing some remaining netting that TJ was caught up in. He was also carefully checked out for injuries and given the all clear with just a minor scratch."
Watch footage of the recue in this video by @leedsbirder below - the tweet might take some time to load
The University, which owns the building, now says it will be removing all bird "deterrents" from the site as a matter of urgency in light of the rescue. A statement from the University of Leeds released in the aftermath of the incident read: "We are urgently arranging for the netting and other deterrents to be removed from the Parkinson Tower, seeking expert advice on how and when this should be done so as to minimise further disturbance to the peregrines. We remain very grateful to all those involved in the successful rescue of the falcon from the tower, including @WYFRS, @leedsbirder, members of the public and our security team, and share everyone's relief that the bird appears unharmed.
"We value the importance of protecting birds and other wildlife, as well as ensuring the health and safety of our community and conserving buildings and equipment. We will be involving the relevant authorities and experts in a prompt building-by-building review of protection arrangements across campus to help us get this right."
A statement about the rescue posted online by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service read: "#ShoutOut to our Leeds Green Watch Crew who climbed to the 'beak' (Almost 200ft up from the ground) to rescue a Peregrine. The bird was cut free from the netting and checked for any injuries. #WYBirdRescue - Mission Accomplished."
