SIGHTINGS of a protected bird at the Jumbo water tower could ruffle the feathers of future development plans.

A peregrine falcon has been spotted on the building which could put lengthy stops on any future development work.

If the bird is found to be nesting there, no work would be allowed in its breeding season from March to May, and then, if it has chicks, for a further two months while they learn to hunt.

Experts at the Essex Wildlife Trust are certain the current sightings are just of an adult bird, which has little to no protection outside of the breeding season.

But Kieren Alexander, the trust’s biodiversity projects officer, explained “appropriate mitigation measures” should be taken by the Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust to protect them nonetheless.

He said: “This could be either by providing another nesting location such as a box on a nearby building, or designing the scheme in a way which allows nesting to continue.

“Peregrines are very loyal to their territories and will generally return to the same location, although a territory can hold several potential nests.

“In terms of the law, peregrines are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act. This makes it illegal to recklessly and intentionally disturb them while breeding or near the breeding season, which if breached, can result in a £5,000 fine or six months in prison.”

Currently there are 1,500 breeding pairs of peregrines in the UK.

Their numbers have been jeopardised by illegal killing from gamekeepers and landowners, and also egg collectors.

In 2013, decommissioning work at the Bradwell Power Station was disrupted when the endangered birds nested on one of the reactors and had chicks.

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Typically, they are seen all year round, but some birds emigrate from upland areas in the autumn.

Mr Alexander added: “Peregrines are one of our most spectacular bird species and it would be wonderful if they were to nest in Colchester, just as they already do in other urban centres like London and Norwich.

"It’s fantastic peregrine sightings have been reported on and around Jumbo and also in the Hythe area.

"However, we’ve not seen evidence to-date of them breeding there this year, although it certainly has the potential to be a good site for breeding, roosting or as a vantage point from which to hunt.”

The Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust recently held a public consultation into potential future uses for the site including a restaurant and cultural venue.

Have you seen peregrines at Jumbo? Tweet us your photos @TheGazette.