This is the magical moment a majestic peregrine falcon is released back into the skies above Manchester after getting trapped inside a city centre skyscraper - 48 storeys up. The bird of prey was discovered injured inside Elizabeth Tower on Pryme Street, near Deansgate.
The RSPCA believe she may have been chasing a pigeon when she flew through an open glass roof panel and became trapped inside. It's not known how long the bird was there for, but a contractor working inside the towering apartment building managed to safely catch her and alerted RSPCA rescuers.
They discovered the falcon, a female, had been flying repeatedly into the skyscraper's glass windows in a bid to get out and had a damaged wing. She was taken to a wildlife hospital for checks and treatment before being released back into the wild at Hulme Park in Hulme, Manchester.
In 2021, it was estimated there were just 13 pairs of peregrine falcons in the Greater Manchester area, nesting on urban buildings, mills, and quarries, the RSPCA said. Pairs have nested at Manchester, Rochdale, and Bolton town halls, and in mills in Stockport, Chadderton, and Wigan.
RSPCA officers have revealed how they took a towering lift journey up the glass-sided skyscraper to reach the stricken bird. A spokesman said: "The female bird was frantically flying into the glass walls of the building and may have been seriously injured had she not been caught by a contractor who was working on the floor and who alerted the RSPCA.
"After her ordeal she spent time recovering at a Cheshire wildlife hospital before being released back into the wild."
RSPCA animal rescue officer Helen Chapman and Inspector Debbie Beats showed their heads for heights to collect the stricken bird. Helen said: "The bird was in a panic and she was flying into the glass repeatedly. Fortunately, one of the workmen had managed to contain her and kept her safe until we arrived.
"We think the bird was probably chasing a pigeon and the roof might have been open and she's flown in and got stuck. Had she not been found she would just have kept flying at the glass.
"The falcon was bloodied and had suffered scuffing and bruising to her left wing, while an old abrasion on skin overlying her keel was healing. Because of her injuries she needed to be boarded overnight so she could recover and she also had to be fly tested ahead of her release.
She was taken to Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital, near Knutsford, for a short stay before being released in the park by RSPCA Inspector Jessica Araugo, who captured on her video flying free after her ordeal. The RSPCA said the location was close enough to the new-build tower block to enable the falcon to find her bearings again.
"She was too stressed to stay any longer at the wildlife centre," added Helen. "Hopefully, she will have made her way safely. We know there are keen bird watchers who keep an eye out for falcons in the area and I am sure someone will track her movements."
Peregrine falcons are the world's fastest living creatures and can reach speeds of 200mph. They are heavily legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The RSPCA advises anyone who finds a trapped bird to call its helpline on 0300 1234 999.
