Latest news with #peregrinefalcon


BBC News
a day ago
- General
- BBC News
Ely Cathedral's first peregrine chicks in four years die
Two peregrine chicks which were the first to hatch at the top of a cathedral in four years have died. A pair of peregrine falcons had chosen the west tower of Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire as their nesting site this eggs were laid between 19 and 24 April - and the last egg hatched at about 12:45 BST on Wednesday.A spokesperson for the Hawk and Owl Trust said in a social media post it was "saddened to share that both peregrine chicks died" over the weekend. "Chick mortality is, unfortunately, common in the first weeks of life due to natural vulnerabilities - limited temperature regulation, weak immune systems, and potential food issues all play a role," said the spokesperson. "The adult falcon's behaviour also suggests she may be a first-time parent."The younger chick died on Saturday morning, while the remaining chick died overnight on Saturday. The cathedral saw its first pair of birds nest at the site in 2019 - with two chicks hatching a year it said there had not been a resident pair of peregrines since 2021. This year, a new pair began using the cathedral as a nesting site and laid three trust added it would continue to monitor the adults, which have remained in the area. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Peregrine falcon chicks hatch at Grantham church after 9 years
A church is celebrating the arrival of its first peregrine falcon chicks in almost a decade. Three chicks hatched inside a nesting box on the west front of St Wulfram's Church at Grantham in Lincolnshire two weeks Stuart Craddock, Rector of Grantham, said: "They're developing into some really healthy-looking peregrine falcons."He described it as "brilliant news" and is asking members of the public to suggest names for the trio. Father Craddock said it has been about nine years since the church has has a successful clutch of Peregrine falcon eggs. A nesting box was built a number of years ago by Lincolnshire Bird Trust and the eggs were finally laid on 31 March. Visitors can watch a live feed of the birds, broadcast inside the church from a camera planted near the nest."Lots of people are coming into church to see them which is great," Father Craddock said."You can see them walking about and scratching at the gravel in the tray and eating whatever mum and dad bring to them. It's really interesting." Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cathedral sees first falcon chicks in four years
Peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at the top of a cathedral for the first time in four years. A new pair of peregrine falcons chose the west tower of Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire as their nesting site this year. The eggs were laid between 19 and 24 April - and the last egg hatched at about 12:45 BST on Wednesday. Liberty Wells, outreach and conservation ranger at the Hawk and Owl Trust, said: "Sadly, the first chick to hatch did not survive, but the second chick appears to be doing better than the third and smallest." "At this stage, they remain extremely vulnerable, and we are continuing to monitor them closely," she added. The cathedral saw its first pair of birds nest at the site in 2019 - with two chicks hatching a year later. However, it said there had not been a resident pair of peregrines since 2021 until this year, where a new pair have began using the cathedral as a nesting site and laid three eggs. If it all goes well, Ms Wells said the surviving chicks were expected to fledge about 35 to 42 days after hatching. Most recognisable for its yellow talons and beak, the peregrine is a species of large crow-sized falcon. The bird can travel at more than 200 mph (320 km/h) and there are thought to be about 1,769 breeding pairs in the United Kingdom. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. The minders with their eyes on a city's peregrines Viewers wait for cathedral peregrine eggs to hatch Lives of cathedral peregrines 'like a soap opera' Cathedral cameras finally film nesting peregrines Hawk and Owl Trust Ely Cathedral


BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Ely Cathedral welcomes first peregrine chicks in four years
Peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at the top of a cathedral for the first time in four years.A new pair of peregrine falcons chose the west tower of Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire as their nesting site this year. The eggs were laid between 19 and 24 April - and the last egg hatched at about 12:45 BST on Wednesday. Liberty Wells, outreach and conservation ranger at the Hawk and Owl Trust, said: "Sadly, the first chick to hatch did not survive, but the second chick appears to be doing better than the third and smallest." "At this stage, they remain extremely vulnerable, and we are continuing to monitor them closely," she added. The cathedral saw its first pair of birds nest at the site in 2019 - with two chicks hatching a year later. However, it said there had not been a resident pair of peregrines since 2021 until this year, where a new pair have began using the cathedral as a nesting site and laid three eggs. If it all goes well, Ms Wells said the surviving chicks were expected to fledge about 35 to 42 days after hatching. Most recognisable for its yellow talons and beak, the peregrine is a species of large crow-sized falcon. The bird can travel at more than 200 mph (320 km/h) and there are thought to be about 1,769 breeding pairs in the United Kingdom. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.


CNA
7 days ago
- General
- CNA
First peregrine falcon chicks hatch and fledge in Singapore after efforts to help breeding
CHICKS FLEDGED The older chick fledged on May 18, while its sibling fledged on May 21, said NParks. This refers to young birds growing feathers and learning how to fly. However, both birds were found on the ground floor shortly after they each fledged and were brought to NParks' Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation for health assessments. 'X-rays for both chicks showed no fracture, and the first fledgling was released back to its nest on May 20 and the younger one on May 23,' said NParks. The older fledgling has shown that it is now capable of stronger flight and gaining elevation. On May 23, it was spotted with its parents, perched on the nearby One Raffles Place. The next day, it was seen on the building again, but at a higher spot. 'While the fledglings are gaining strength and confidence in flying, they may accidentally find themselves on the ground again,' said NParks. It advised the public to contact NParks' Animal Response Centre at 1800 476 1600 if any of the fledglings are seen on the ground. FUTURE PLANS The research team placed temperature and humidity sensors in both recesses on the sides of the OCBC Centre on Apr 30. 'This can help determine if there are microclimatic preferences in nest site selection, based on the prevailing temperature or humidity, which would vary at different times of the year,' explained NParks. 'As Singapore's only known breeding pair of peregrine falcons, these birds provide invaluable research opportunities,' said Dr Malcolm Soh, the principal researcher on NParks' wildlife management research team. 'Their presence allows us to gather crucial data about peregrine falcon breeding biology in tropical regions, where their ecology remains poorly understood.' One particular area of interest is learning what nesting conditions, such as temperature and nesting substrates, are suited for peregrine falcons to breed in urban areas, he said. NParks said that the team will also be reviewing CCTV footage to determine the types of prey caught by the falcons, with Dr Soh adding that the prey species captured by the falcons are expected to be different from those caught by birds nesting in natural habitats. 'By studying their breeding patterns and foraging preferences, we can develop more effective conservation strategies to support their successful adaptation to Singapore's urban landscape,' Dr Soh said.