A pair of hawks which have set up home in the centre of Perth have been providing people with spectacular displays of their acrobatic skills.
The birds, which it is thought are nesting in the dilapidated St Paul’s Church, have become a familiar sight to businesses but not everyone is entirely enthusiastic about their close encounters with the new neighbours.
”One day I heard a screeching noise and one of the birds grabbed another bird and brought it down,” said one shopkeeper.
The council said they were aware of the new residents at the church, which has been earmarked for an Indian restaurant.
”We were contacted regarding hawks on St Paul’s Church and we will be arranging to clear away any dead birds in the area,” said a council spokesman.
”Hawks and other birds of prey are protected under wildlife legislation which prevents their capture or removal. We recognise that seeing the birds catching their prey may not be pleasant, however from a biodiversity perspective it is positive to hear that hawks are living in the urban area of the city centre.
”With regard to St Paul’s Church, we are continuing our discussions with the owners regarding their proposal for redeveloping the building.”
It is thought the birds may well be sparrowhawks which are often seen in towns and cities, as well as rural areas.
The latest visitors are not the only birds of prey to have made an impact in Perth as in the past peregrine falcons have been seen using the 212ft St Matthew’s Church tower in Tay Street.
Although the birds nested at Kinnoull Hill, they used the tower as a vantage point to swoop on prey, including pigeons and gulls.
Photo by Flickr user Meneer Zjeroen