Abseiling on Glasgow University
Today’s job was something different, abseiling down part of the Glasgow University!
Rope Access technician Sophie
Bird ringing expert Sophie and I were called in as Rope Access technicians to assist with the monitoring of fabulous falcons, the pair of peregrines who call the Gilbert Tower home.
Climbing up a few hundred steps in the dizzying spiral tower staircase with all our gear was a great warm up (!) and up there is possibly one of the best views over all of Glasgow!
The fantastic Glasgow Peregrine Project has been monitoring and doing great PR work to help share the lives of these birds living in the heart of the city, and do check out their website for all kinds of info, video clips, and more.
Once kitted up Sophie and I connected to the ropes kindly pre-rigged by Pendreich and our descent took us over the edge out into space, down to the nesting area. The four well-grown chicks were were carefully placed in separate cotton bags and loaded into a special bag for their short journey up to the ledge. Once there, peregrine expert George Smith and team weighed, measured, sexed, ringed and finally took DNA swab samples to assist with research and the anti-theft DNA register.
A final quick descent to the nest saw us place the chatty chicks safely back on their nest to await their next feed, although from the size of their bulging crops, they were very well fed. Prey remains of note included feathers from a Great-spotted Woodpecker. Working with birds is a real privilege and always fascinating and all work was carried out under licence.
As a Rope Safety Expert, my job is to look after my team and to keep them safe.
“Tim fulfilled a pivot role in the success of the ringing effort. His professionalism ensured the safety of the team and the peregrine chicks. All of us on the Glasgow Peregrine Project team are indebted to Tim for all his efforts.” John Simpson, Scottish Ornithologists’ Club
Working at height can be hard work and involve complex rigging and manoeuvres however it was glorious weather, the descent was relatively straightforward and altogether it was a very pleasant job!
A big thanks to Pendreich, John Simpson, Clarke Elsby at Glasgow University, and all the partners in the project.
