A Peregrine Falcon chick has successfully hatched on St Albans Cathedral, today, Monday 9 June.

The chick is the first to hatch this year with two further eggs remaining on the nest. The three eggs were the second clutch laid this year after the birds’ first clutch were destroyed on 7 April.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons at St Albans Cathedral have captured the public’s interest since they first produced a chick in 2022, and this is the fourth successive year that their chicks have hatched. 

The public can continue to enjoy a live, birds-eye view of the Peregrine Falcons via the webcam installed on their nest tray, as they raise their first chick of this breeding season – and potentially witness the other eggs hatching. The webcam, sponsored by Opticron, can be viewed via the Cathedral’s website at stalbanscathedral.org/peregrine-live-cam

Lea Ellis, Engagement Manager at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said: 

“We’re delighted to see the wonderful comeback these birds have made, demonstrating just how resilient they are. The hatching of their first chick, this year, signifies hope, and, I am optimistic that we will see more chicks on the nest tray in the very near future. It is not unusual for the eggs to hatch hours or days apart and sometimes eggs do not hatch as as they can be infertile.

“For those watching the webcam, there will be times when the parents will be out of sight but I’d urge people not to worry about this, as they will be close by to protect the chick or chicks as it may be. Likewise, as the chick(s) begin to move around more, they may disappear from the view of the webcam from time-to-time but in all probability, they are just exploring the rest of the nest tray!”

The Very Reverend Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said:

“This is an incredible testament to the wonder and glory of creation, and the resilience that is within it. Our Cathedral has witnessed something truly special, nature at its most determined.

“These chicks are a symbol of the gift of life, which will not be defeated.”

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the St Albans Local RSPB Group are hoping to organise further Peregrine Watch events within the grounds of the Cathedral over coming weekends. These events enable the community to find out more about these magnificent birds of prey from the volunteers on hand and to get a close up view of the Peregrines through telescopes and binoculars, which are provided. Watch this space for more information: hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events

The Trust has launched a Peregrine Sponsorship Pack, available in both postal and digital forms, with all proceeds going towards supporting local wildlife. More information can be found at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/shop