A SCOTTISH university has given staff passes – and names – to two peregrine falcons that nest on one of its buildings.
The two birds of prey have returned to nest each spring at Glasgow University for more than 20 years, the institution said.
The university announced the falcon couple had officially been named in an unusual way – by printing staff ID cards with their pictures and names.
In a post on Twitter/X, Glasgow University shared that the couple had been named Bonnie and Clyde.
Our UofG Peregrine Falcon couple have officially been named by #TeamUofG ... introducing Bonnie & Clyde! Bonnie & Clyde have returned to nest each spring at the top of the University’s tower for over 20 years. pic.twitter.com/Db1SNUdiZI
— University of Glasgow (@UofGlasgow) August 23, 2024
Students and staff at the university were invited to submit suggestions for naming the falcons, with more than 300 names received.
Whilst a nod to the infamous bandits Bonnie and Clyde, a spokesperson for the university said that Bonnie was named in reference to the phrase “Bonnie Scotland”, and Clyde was named after the River Clyde, which runs through Glasgow.
Clarke Elsby, building surveyor at Glasgow University, said: “Bonnie and Clyde have been nesting here for a number of years. The RSPB have been aware of their presence since 2022, but I know it dates back further than this.
“The peregrines will be returning here, they tend to come back to the same spot.
“We’ve had an incredible response to our viewing stations that we’ve set up with the Glasgow Peregrine Project, which includes the university, the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club and the RSPB.
“There’s up to 300 people per visit, so I think there’s a natural interest in these birds given their high speeds – it's the fastest animal on the planet.
“We’re just nurturing their presence in the university, and this in hand promotes another generation of people that could potentially be interested in observing these incredible apex predators.”
According to National Geographic, peregrine falcons live up to 17 years in the wild, suggesting the birds nesting in Glasgow may not have always been the same pair.
