Peregrine falcon lays three eggs at cathedral

3 hours ago

Matthew LockwoodBedfordshire, Hertfordshire Buckinghamshire

News image — Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said the chicks could hatch in about a months time

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust A close-up of the three eggs laid on a gravel area on a roof, with an adult bird standing next to them. — Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said the chicks could hatch in about a months time

A peregrine falcon that had her eggs destroyed last year has laid three more at a cathedral.

The first appeared at St Albans Cathedral just after 00:00 BST on 1 April, a second followed on Good Friday before the third egg could be seen on the rooftop nest site on Easter Monday.

The birds, Alban and Boudica, first nested there in 2022 and a popular online video stream was launched the following year.

Lea Ellis, engagement manager at the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: "The peregrines have provided us with some joyful moments over the weekend. We can now expect to see more activity on the webcam, as incubation typically begins once the third egg is laid."

Michael Barrett A close up of peregrine falcons on top of St Albans Cathedral. They have nested at the site since 2022. — The birds of prey have nested on the roof of St Albans Cathedral since 2022

Ellis expected this latest batch of chicks to hatch in about a month's time.

"The female will do most of the sitting, but the male plays an important role too —taking turns on the nest and bringing in food," she said.

"While there may be times when the eggs are unattended, the pair will remain close by, guarding the nest."

St Albans Cathedral A close up of an individual wearing blue trousers that was seen trampling on the eggs. Their mother was not guarding the eggs at the time. — An individual was seen walking across the nest during the live stream last year

Last year, a BBC Three Counties Radio listener named Beverley told presenter Roberto Perrone that she "felt sick" as she watched Alban and Boudica's eggs being destroyed on the live stream.

An investigation by Hertfordshire Constabulary into the incident remains ongoing.

In a statement the force said: "The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have requested some further information from Hertfordshire Constabulary. Officers from the Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) are currently in the process of gathering this information and will respond accordingly to the CPS."

In the last four years, the breeding pair have successfully raised 10 chicks, with sightings of their offspring in Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire and Hampshire - and most recently in London Colney, just outside St Albans.

In 2024, some 519,882 people viewed the live feed with the most popular day being 9 May when 12,598 tuned in to see three newly hatched chicks.

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.