St Albans falcons lay two new eggs after first clutch destroyed
Falcons lay two eggs after first clutch destroyed
12 minutes ago
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Aimee Dexter
BBC News, Hertfordshire
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Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Chloë Edwards said nature can "surprise and delight us"
Two peregrine falcons nesting on top of a cathedral have laid a second clutch of eggs after their first batch was destroyed.
An online video stream captured the moment that an individual broke the eggs on the roof of St Albans Cathedral last month.
The Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said it was "extremely unlikely" the birds of prey would lay new eggs.
But against the odds, the pair, named Alban and Boudica, laid a new egg on Sunday and a second on Wednesday.
Chloë Edwards, director of nature recovery at the trust, said: "It shows just how resilient nature can be - given the right habitat and conditions species will continue to thrive."
Peregrine falcons remain loyal to their nest site and the cathedral is now an established breeding ground.
The birds had been expecting chicks from the three eggs that were laid last month.
Ms Edwards added: "We weren't expecting more eggs this year but nature can surprise and delight us - welcome indeed, given the loss and sadness many of us felt."
Patrick Wainwright
The peregrine falcons have nested at St Albans Cathedral since 2022
The peregrine is a species of large crow-sized falcon and can travel at more than 200mph (320 km/h), making it the fastest diving bird in the world.
A total of 519,882 people viewed the live feed in 2024, with the most popular day falling on 9 May, when 12,598 tuned in to see three newly hatched chicks.
The Reverend Jo Kelly Moore, the Dean of St Albans, added: "We are heartened by their return, and we remain fully committed to their safety and wellbeing."
Hertfordshire Police said inquiries were ongoing, having opened an investigation into the incident last month.
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Readers reply: Should back gardens be sacrosanct, or are loud phones and speakers OK?
It's common these days for people to play music in their gardens on smart speakers or smartphones. But is it fair on the neighbours? Should gardens be quiet spaces without these kinds of sounds? Graham French, Sutton Coldfield Send new questions to nq@ Only do it twice per year. Any more and there will be retribution! KrisFernie I would rather hear music than the neighbours having another nasty argument. GrandMoo2018 One of our neighbours uses a leaf blower whatever the season and it wavers around a B flat. On the opposite side is a biker with a mate who when revving can create duets ranging from a deep low G to a high F#. At the bottom of the garden, we have children who can reach Philip Glass-like operatic heights with a touch of Stockhausen. I'd kill for some music on speakers! Alec1961 Unless you are fortunate/wealthy enough to own a back garden large enough to get lost in, the answer must surely be 'no'. With the possible – and occasional – exception of a child's birthday party. Name supplied, by email It is insensitive. Another instance of the 'It's my right to do as I wish' philosophy which holds individual 'freedom' over and above consideration of others. Noise pollution is at best an unthinking intrusion and invasion of privacy. Rob Eyres, by email Why not smash through the hedge and set up your deck chairs on nextdoor's lawn while you are at it? Headphones were invented so that we could listen to music and not disturb other people. Gillian Parker, by email It's not for others to decide how quiet or otherwise others have their gardens unless it's reaching the levels that you could get the council involved for. The outside isn't silent! natfantastic Absolutely not OK to bother one's neighbours with your music and other noise. It creates a lot of unnecessary upset and distress and disputes. Listen to birdsong instead. Caroline Laffertu, by email Playing music in the garden would be fine if people did it on cold wet evenings when I'm sat inside. 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