Peregrine falcon chick dies from bird flu weeks after hatching on top of Glasgow University tower

A peregrine falcon chick that hatched in Glasgow has died after contracting bird flu two months after hatching.

Glasgow Peregrine Project confirmed that the chick, named Jack, died on Wednesday.

The young falcon, named after the character from TV comedy Still Game, hatched on top of the University of Glasgow tower in April alongside his brother Victor.

The project had been monitoring the bird since Tuesday, when staff noticed he had become subdued and wasn’t eating.

After noticing his condition deteriorating, a rescue project saw the chick lifted from his nest to receive medical treatment.

Scottish SPCA determined it was likely that Jack had contracted bird flu and said he needed to be put down to “ease his suffering”.

Followers of the project commented, saying they had seen Jack “struggling and suffering”.

Parents Bonnie and Clyde have nested on the university’s rooftop since 2022.

Glasgow Peregrine Project said they are continuing to monitor the family, adding that Victor, Bonnie and Clyde seem unaffected.

It urged anyone who sighted the birds or had any significant observations to get in touch.

Jack and Victor hatched on April, 27. Glasgow Peregrine Project

A spokesperson for the project said: “It is with sadness that we must report that after pulling out all the stops and effecting a rescue, Jack has passed away.

“The UoG and the entire project team have monitored him throughout the night and worked throughout the day to put the rescue plan in place. Work that would ordinarily be done in a month was done in a day to expedite Jack’s care.

“The SSPCA assessed Jack and deemed that he had likely contracted Bird Flu and, sadly, had to put him down to ease his suffering.

“Given this circumstance, we will continue round the clock monitoring of the entire family. Your sightings and any significant observations would be greatly appreciated.”