Wild peregrine falcons thrive in new habitat at UK’s newly inaugurated Battersea Power Station

The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
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The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
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The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
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The peregrine falcon, which is the fastest bird in the world, are the dominant species of falcon in London. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station)
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Updated 21 October 2022

Wild peregrine falcons thrive in new habitat at UK’s newly inaugurated Battersea Power Station

Wild peregrine falcons thrive in new habitat at UK’s newly inaugurated Battersea Power Station
  • The falcons, which are protected under British wildlife laws, are back in their preferred location after 9 years in a custom-built temporary nest while building work took place

LONDON: One of London’s most recognizable buildings, Battersea Power Station, is a favorite spot for peregrine falcons, which have bred 22 chicks there in the past 10 years.

“The peregrine falcon is a highly territorial and adaptable species, as demonstrated at Battersea Power Station, a major construction site since 2013,” David Morrison, a peregrine falcon urban consultant, told Arab News. “The birds have adapted to the changing landscape, and adjusted to all aspects of the works.”

Morrison, who also looks after other birds, including black redstarts was hired by BPS in 2000 to monitor the falcons, the fastest bird in the world, when they were first spotted nesting at the site. The developer working there at the time had to halt construction work until their chicks had hatched and left the nest, as their habitats are protected by UK law.




One of the UK capital’s most iconic buildings, the Battersea Power Station, officially opened on Oct. 14 as a public attraction celebrating the building’s illustrious past as a power station. (Supplied/John Sturrock)

“Peregrine falcons and black redstarts are Schedule 1 species and, as such, it is a criminal offense to disturb them while they are breeding,” said Morrison, who is a Schedule 1 license holder and regularly works with governing bodies to assist in breeding and management efforts.

“Adults and young at or near their nests fall under the highest protection given by UK Wildlife laws.”

Peregrine falcons are the dominant species of falcon in London as they are large, extremely fast and very aggressive, he added, and their numbers are at an all-time high. A national survey conducted in 2014 identified 1,505 breeding pairs in the UK, and the current figure is estimated to exceed 2,000 pairs.

 

 

At least 45 of those breeding pairs are in the English capital. Morrison monitors and assists 16 of them at various locations, including the Houses of Parliament, which is also undergoing construction and refurbishment work, and the Tate Modern art gallery.

“They prefer elaborate buildings with ledges and niches, especially for fledgling juveniles, with sufficient height to provide a buffer from any disturbance below,” he said.

Between 2013 and July this year, the falcons at BPS — which officially opened on Oct. 14 as a public attraction celebrating the building’s illustrious past as a power station — were housed in a temporary, purpose-built tower with a nesting box, where they thrived and fledged 20 juveniles.




In the UK, peregrine falcons are strictly protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and the Nature Conservation Acts and it is a criminal offense to disturb them while they are breeding. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station) 

“The Tower and the nest box offered breeding stability, a proper egg ‘scrape’ where eggs could not roll and, above all, protection from the elements, removing the risk of being washed out or flooded,” Morrison said.

“Their new permanent nest, integrated into the northeast wash tower of the power station, also offers complete protection (and) the pair have already shown that they favor it considerably.”

A “recovery plan” is also in place to help juvenile birds that get stuck on the ground during the crucial fledging phase.

Sarah Banham, head of communities and sustainability at the Battersea Power Station Development Company, said when developers began construction work in 2014 on the decommissioned Grade II listed coal-fired power station, which had been empty since the 1980s, they understood that to refurbish the site and get it ready for occupation, they had to move the peregrines safely.




The peregrine falcons, which have bred 22 chicks in the last 10 years, have been moved to their permanent location — a custom-built penthouse overlooking the River Thames. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station) 

“We built this new riverside penthouse for the peregrine falcons … It’s got a riverside terrace with a balcony so they can look out across the river, they have two front doors, and they’ve got the brickwork inside. I mean, it’s incredible,” she said.

Their new permanent habitat is easy to clean, to avoid contamination, she said, and there are plans to track the chicks that are born there next year after they leave the nest to see where they go.

The nesting site provides ideal hunting grounds for the birds as they can swoop down over the River Thames, or hunt from perches on chimneys or construction cranes in search of the other birds that are their prey, which can include sparrows, hawks and kestrels, though they live mainly on pigeons.

 

 

Banham said the falcons bond in pairs and there are only ever two adults in a nest at a time. When one dies, another bird will move in.

“Since I’ve been on the project, which is 16 years, we’ve had two females here and then I think the last male left about three years ago, so we’ve got a new, younger male who’s very good at hunting and they are now bonded,” she said.

The young father has a particular fondness for hunting the wild green parakeets that live in nearby Battersea Park, she added.




Their new permanent nest, integrated into the northeast wash tower of the power station, also offers complete protection. (Supplied/Battersea Power Station) 

 


Saudi Fashion Commission chief among international panelists at first-ever Egypt Fashion Week

Saudi Fashion Commission chief among international panelists at first-ever Egypt Fashion Week
Updated 25 March 2023

Saudi Fashion Commission chief among international panelists at first-ever Egypt Fashion Week

Saudi Fashion Commission chief among international panelists at first-ever Egypt Fashion Week
  • The event will kick off with an opening night on May 12 at the Egyptian Museum, featuring the “Best of Egyptian Designers” fashion show curated by US stylist Julie Matos, followed by a gala dinner

DUBAI: Saudi Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak is set to speak at the first edition of Egypt Fashion Week, which will take place from May 12 to 15.

The event will also be attended by US fashion blogger Diane Pernet, Nigerian entrepreneur Omoyemi Akerele and co-founder of the Egyptian Fashion & Design Council Austrian Egyptian Susan Sabet.

Sabet said in a statement: “We are very proud and grateful to have won over so many distinguished speakers and major worldwide media partners and attendance to ensure that all eyes will be on Egyptian fashion.”

The second two days of the event will be held at the Museum of Agriculture. (Supplied)

The fashion week, which has been in the making for about four years, is titled “Past, Present & Future” and is set to celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage and civilization, inspired by its culture, and to show the world Egypt’s present.

“Inspired by the rising number of emerging designers and growth of the local fashion industry, we knew the time had come to show the world our pool of creative talents and local cotton and textile industry,” Sabet added.

“The EFW program goes far beyond fashion shows and exhibitions and aims to connect the local, African and Middle Eastern markets through design, craftsmanship, education, sustainability, production and retail.”

The fashion week is set to celebrate Egypt’s rich heritage and civilization. (Supplied)

The event will kick off with an opening night on May 12 at the Egyptian Museum, featuring the “Best of Egyptian Designers” fashion show curated by US stylist Julie Matos, followed by a gala dinner.

The following two days will be held at the Museum of Agriculture, one of the most important museums of its kind in the world, which will open its doors for the first time after five years of renovation for EFW.

The museum traces the history of agriculture and cotton in Egypt from prehistory to modernity, acknowledging agriculture as the basis on which Ancient Egyptians built a civilization.

The fashion week’s guests will discover designer exhibitions curated by the Saudi Fashion Commission, Lagos Fashion Week, Jordan Fashion Week and GTEX-ITC.

EFW will also host panel talks by local, regional and international industry leaders in the fields of design, education, craftsmanship, production, retail, sustainability, women’s empowerment and finance.

Launchmetrics, a partner of New York and Paris fashion weeks, is EFW’s logistics partner.


Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for hearty iftar

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for hearty iftar
Updated 25 March 2023

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for hearty iftar

Ramadan Recipes: Flavorful lamb haleem for hearty iftar

DUBAI: Popular in the Middle East, and south and central Asia, lamb haleem, a type of stew, is a staple dish in Ramadan.

Although it varies from region to region, it optionally includes wheat or barley, meat, and lentils.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by (@prashantchipkar)

It is made by blending or mashing the meat in the curry and serving hot with flat breads or on its own.

Here, Prashant Chipkar Qureshi, the culinary head chef at Masti Cocktails and Cuisine, shares his lamb haleem recipe for a hearty iftar.

Lamb haleem is made by blending or mashing the meat in the curry. (Shutterstock)

Ingredients:

200 grams broken wheat

200 grams boneless lamb

2 grams red chili powder

50 grams yogurt

30ml ghee

5 grams mint

50 grams yellow moong dal

10 grams ginger garlic paste

2 grams turmeric

50-gram onion

50 grams haleem masala

20 grams coriander leaves

1-piece green chilies

Salt, to taste

Lemon wedges, 1 lemon

2 grams garam masala powder

1 gram peppercorns

1 cinnamon stick

50 grams cashew nuts

Method:

To prepare this popular delicacy, wash and soak the broken wheat for half an hour. Trim the lamb (boneless) of any excess fat. Add the lamb to a vassal with about one cup of water and put it over a medium flame. Fry the onion until golden brown and set aside.

To the lamb, add half a tablespoon of ginger and garlic paste, half a teaspoon of salt, red chilli powder and garam masala powder, along with a pinch of turmeric powder. Cook the mixture for eight to 10 minutes and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. Shred and keep aside.

Boil the broken wheat along with the yellow moong dal with a tablespoon of ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, green chillies, and peppercorns in eight cups of water until it is cooked completely, and the water is absorbed. Blend this mix for a few seconds.

Heat the oil in another container and add whole spices including a cinnamon stick, cooked and shredded lamb, the remaining green chillies, haleem masala, and half a cup of fresh coriander, and saute for two to three minutes. Add curd and saute for another 10 to 15 minutes. Add three cups of water and bring to a boil.

To this, add the blended broken wheat and dal mixture and mix well while adding a little ghee as you go. Let it simmer and cook slowly for at least 30 minutes. Serve hot garnished with fried onions prepared in step one, mint leaves, cashew nuts, lemon wedges, and the remaining fresh coriander.


Georgina Rodriguez named ambassador for Arab brand Amara Lenses

Georgina Rodriguez named ambassador for Arab brand Amara Lenses
Updated 24 March 2023

Georgina Rodriguez named ambassador for Arab brand Amara Lenses

Georgina Rodriguez named ambassador for Arab brand Amara Lenses

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez on Thursday was announced as the ambassador for Arab brand Amara Lenses, available in the Gulf region.

“I’m so happy to be the face of Amara Lenses and it’s been wonderful to work with you,” she said in a video shared on the brand’s Instagram page.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Amara Lenses (@amaralenses)

Amara Lenses has previously collaborated with regional influencers including Saudi makeup artist Shouq Artist, Kuwaiti fashion blogger Fouz Al-Fahad, Bahraini content creator Zainab Al-Alwan, Kuwaiti influencer Fatima Al-Momen, Egyptian actress Nour Ghandour and more.

However, the partnership with Rodriguez is the brand’s first with an international star.

The Arab brand sells lenses in various shades of grey, brown, green and blue. 


Christine Quinn stuns in a Nicolas Jebran gown in Los Angeles

Christine Quinn stuns in a Nicolas Jebran gown in Los Angeles
Updated 24 March 2023

Christine Quinn stuns in a Nicolas Jebran gown in Los Angeles

Christine Quinn stuns in a Nicolas Jebran gown in Los Angeles

DUBAI: “Selling Sunset” star Christine Quinn stunned this week wearing a silver gown by Lebanese designer Nicolas Jebran in Los Angeles. 

The reality TV star wore a strapless dress that gathered at one hip to the 2023 Fashion Trust Awards. 

Quinn, who is a real estate agent, paired the satin gown with colorful beaded boots that had 3D floral patterns in hues of burgundy, white and silver. 

Quinn paired the satin gown with colorful beaded boots. (AFP)

She was joined on the grey carpet by her partner Christian Richard, who is a retired tech entrepreneur. 

The event was also attended by Heidi Klum, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kate Beckinsale and more. 

Fashion Trust US is a non-profit organization dedicated to “discovering, funding, and nurturing young design talent with the aim of helping them build their label into a thriving global brand.” 


Model Imaan Hammam stars in new H&M, Mugler campaign 

Model Imaan Hammam stars in new H&M, Mugler campaign 
Updated 24 March 2023

Model Imaan Hammam stars in new H&M, Mugler campaign 

Model Imaan Hammam stars in new H&M, Mugler campaign 

DUBAI: Dutch Moroccan Egyptian model Imaan Hammam has landed herself another campaign, this time for a collaboration collection between Swedish high-street retailer H&M and French fashion label Mugler.

In the short teaser video Hammam shared on her Instagram stories, three artists are singing in a recording studio until Hammam suddenly breaks down the wall and walks into the scene.

Rising singers Amaarae, Shygirl, Eartheater, and Arca star in the campaign video. They recorded their own take on Stardust’s 1998 dance hit “Music Sounds Better with You.”

Discussions for the collaboration began before founder Manfred Thierry Mugler’s passing in January 2022.

The capsule will be available online and in stores from May 11.

The collection is being crafted under the direction of Mugler’s creative director Casey Cadwallader and will encapsulate “the unique and vibrant spirit of the brand,” H&M said in a statement.

Casey Cadwallader and Ann-Sofie Johansson. (H&M)

The silhouette of the collection is the recognizable Mugler fit of today: Strong, big shoulders, a tight focus on the waist, an ode to the curves and lines of the body, and a tribute to confidence.

Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M’s creative adviser, said: “We are proud to celebrate the legacy of Manfred Thierry Mugler with this collection. We were all honored to get to know Manfred, and it feels very special that he was involved at the initial stages together with Casey and the house of Mugler.

“Casey has done such an incredible job at paying homage to history, and to the archive, while making the collection totally contemporary. Under him, Mugler has become one of the most innovative and exciting houses on today’s fashion landscape,” she added.

Cadwallader said: “It is truly an honor to collaborate with H&M. The collection is a celebration of everything that defines Mugler as a house and each piece is authentic Mugler, from the bodysuits, which have become a signature of ours, to the sharp tailoring and worked denims. It is a showcase of our icons.”