The Peregrine Falcons at St Albans Cathedral have laid a second clutch of eggs, following an incident in which their first eggs of the breeding season were destroyed last month.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons at St Albans Cathedral have captured the public’s interest since their first chick hatched in 2022, and since 2023 the public have been able to watch their every move on the nesting tray high up on the Cathedral during their breeding season, courtesy of a live webcam feed.

Last year the webcam attracted over half a million views, and, following the incident on 7 April in which their three eggs were destroyed, understandably there has been a huge outpouring of public upset. Since then, the webcam has been turned off and a police investigation into the incident is ongoing. The birds have frequently been seen mating, and have gone on to defy the odds by breeding again this year - a first egg was laid on 4 May, a second on 7 May and there is still potential for more to follow.

The webcam, which has been sponsored by Opticron, will be switched back on, at 12.30pm on 7 May, enabling the public to follow the birds’ progress once again.

Chloë Edwards, Director of Nature Recovery at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said:

“It’s wonderful that the Peregrine Falcons have laid eggs for the second time in this breeding season, and it shows just how resilient nature can be - given the right habitat and conditions species will continue to thrive. Peregrine Falcons normally mate for life and often remain loyal to their nest site each year so the Cathedral is now an established breeding ground. 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 last month. Within society, this connection with nature is vital for us caring enough for wildlife so that we recognise its importance and support its recovery.

“With the St Albans Cathedral Peregrines being one of only five breeding pairs in Hertfordshire, this is a much-needed boost for all those who cherish these remarkable birds of prey and champion our local wildlife.”

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

“These extraordinary birds have once again reminded us of nature’s strength and beauty. We are heartened by their return, and we remain fully committed to their safety and wellbeing. Shaped by the story of Alban, this Cathedral has always been a place of sanctuary — for people and for wildlife alike.”

A powerful bird of prey with blue/grey plumage, a white face ad a contrasting black moustache, the Peregrine Falcon is extremely quick and agile. It holds the record for being not only the fastest bird in the world, but also the fastest member of the animal kingdom with a diving speed in excess of 200 miles per hour.

The number of breeding pairs of Peregrine Falcons in Southern England is gradually increasing, and they are mainly using high buildings such as cathedrals, churches and office blocks in our cities, towns ad some villages, along with some more natural sites such as quarries. Despite this, the St Albans pair are thought to be one of only five pairs breeding in Hertfordshire. Other pairs have bred in Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City and Wymondley.

Barry Trevis is a licensed bird ringer and has been studying breeding Peregrine Falcons across Hertfordshire to help ensure the species' safety. Barry said:

“Numbers of Peregrine Falcons fell through the first-half of the twentieth century to critical levels in the 1960’s but today they are protected by law as a Schedule 1 listed species of The Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is now an offence to disturb the birds in any way, and this protection has had a positive effect on their numbers, which have slowly increased to a point where the national breeding population is now considered to be in excess of 1,700 pairs.

“The webcam is an excellent tool in helping us to monitor the breeding success of these birds at St Albans Cathedral. Should they be successful, we will look to ring the chicks which can help provide information on the birds, giving us valuable insights to their survival rates and movements.”

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

The webcam will be switched on at 12.30pm on 7 May, and can be viewed at stalbanscathedral.org/peregrine-live-cam