From 1st July the city of Birmingham will be under siege by RSPB officers (well seven of them!) They’re going to be based in Cathedral Square and their eyes will be fixed on a pair of Peregrine Falcons - yes there really are Peregrine Falcons in Birmingham.  | | The breathtaking sight of a Peregrine |
The new team of RSPB officers are hoping to share their enthusiasm with the urbanites of Birmingham, talking about the birds and wildlife in the area, how to care for the environment and hopefully showing people the Peregrine Falcons through their pretty impressive telescopes. It’s all part of an RSPB Birds Near You project, which is a unique three-year project in Birmingham and the Black Country co-funded by the charity and £210,000 from Severn Trent Water. Where to see the Peregrines | | The team get the equipment ready |
It’s great that Peregrine Falcons are in Birmingham – they’re one of nature’s most astonishing creatures – recorded at speeds up to 200mph (that's faster than a Cheetah), they hunt their prey by tucking in their wings and diving at extreme speeds. The Peregrine viewing project will take place from 1st July until 28th August in Cathedral Square, located between Colemore Row and Temple Row, not far from New Street, Snow Hill and Moor Street Stations. Activity dayTo coincide with the launch, there will be a family wildlife activity day at the BBC’s Public Space in the Mailbox on Saturday 1st July. So, if you fancy making a bird finger puppet and enjoying other free wildlife crafts, then head for the Mailbox between 10.30am and 3pm. Wildlife crazy | | Peregrine falcon and chicks |
Other activities being planned by the team include family wildlife events, bird and wildlife surveys, developing ‘Bird Friendly Schools’, encouraging gardening for wildlife, energy and water saving tips and support for conservation campaigns. Lisa Cowley, RSPB Birds Near You Project Officer, said: “Birmingham and The Black Country has some beautiful and fascinating birds and wildlife. Over the next three years, we aim to inspire people to celebrate their natural world and take actions that are enjoyable and will improve the environment.” Andy Warren, Severn Trent Water, said: “We are delighted to support this great new team and hope that the people of Birmingham and the Black Country take this opportunity to learn more about the birds around us from the experts at the RSPB.” Meet the team | | Five members of the Birmingham team |
The RSPB team in Birmingham are a really friendly bunch. Two of them have written about how they got involved with volunteering and the RSPB - take a look below: Find out more about volunteering with the RSPB in Birmingham and The Black Country by contacting Lisa Cowley: lisa.cowley@rspb.org.uk | 
