Three peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at Norwich Cathedral this month, with the Cathedral sharing the latest updates on 22 May. The birds, which have nested on the spire since 2009, produced four eggs this season, three of which hatched in early May. The first chick emerged at 4am on Saturday 3 May, with two more arriving on Sunday and Monday.
The nest has been under the care of the Hawk and Owl Trust, which manages a live webcam that has attracted over 260,000 views since going live in early March. Liberty Wells, outreach and conservation ranger for the Trust, said the birds have once again captured the public’s imagination. A watchpoint is now open in the Cathedral Close, giving visitors a closer look three days a week from 10am to 4pm throughout May and June.
The successful hatchings follow an extraordinary breeding season for a species that only decades ago faced near extinction in the UK. The cathedral’s tall stonework has proved an ideal nesting site for the species, and the birds have helped make the cathedral a notable site for urban peregrines. Regular news bulletins on the cathedral website will track the chicks’ growth until they fledge later in the summer.
While the watchpoint is open on set days, the free live stream remains the simplest way to follow the family from home. Those planning an in-person visit can check specific opening dates on the cathedral’s events page, as the schedule can vary.
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