In recent weeks, two of the male Peregrine Falcon chicks raised high up on St Albans Cathedral in 2023 have been recorded perched on high buildings in Basingstoke, Hampshire and Oundle, Northamptonshire.

The two brothers, along with their sister were the first chicks to be watched by the public on the popular webcam, which provides an insight into the birds lives during their breeding season. In that first year the birds’ antics attracted 378,000 views, rising to over half a million views in subsequent years.

The siblings were independently spotted and identified by the rings that were fitted onto each of their legs when they were three weeks – the orange coloured ring with black lettering features a sequence of three unique letters, in this case ‘VCT’ and ‘VAT’. Earlier this year, one of last year’s chicks from St Albans Cathedral, ‘XSR’ was seen in Port Meadow, Oxfordshire and prior to that, the St Albans pairs’ first chick, named Artemis during a public vote, was previously spotted in Winterton, Norfolk.

Since they first bred on the nest in 2022, the ringing of all the St Albans Peregrine chicks has been carried out by Barry Trevis, a licensed bird-ringer and nest recorder, who holds a government license to visit the nests of this specially protected species. Barry also built the Peregrines’ nest tray and led the team that installed it high up on the Cathedral.

Barry Trevis said:

“It’s very interesting to learn that two more of the St Albans Peregrine offspring have been re-sighted. This year’s juveniles can still be seen close to St Albans Cathedral but as they develop they too will look to fly further and establish their own territories.

“Sadly, the statistics are such that 70% of Peregrine Falcon offspring don’t make it past their first winter but with four out of our seven chicks raised on the Cathedral now having left the vicinity and been recorded in new locations, the progress of these remarkable birds continues to extend our knowledge of their survival and dispersal.”

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

“In our world today, there is a constant battle to survive especially when the odds are stacked against us. The St Albans Peregrines have shown us how with resilience and determination, along with our support, these challenges can be overcome.”

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

“It is inspiring to see these remarkable birds of prey make their way into the wider world. The Peregrines remind us that St Albans Cathedral is not only a place of prayer and pilgrimage, but also a living home where creation flourishes. Their journey speaks to the beauty and resilience of the natural world, and we are delighted that the Cathedral continues to play a part in their story.”

The pair of Peregrine Falcons at St Albans Cathedral have captured the public’s interest since they first produced a chick in 2022. In April this year there was public outcry when their first eggs of the season were destroyed. Unusually, a second clutch of eggs was laid and three healthy chicks hatched in June, delighting nature lovers. The 2025 chicks have since fledged the nest, and following four successive years of breeding, the pair have produced a total of 10 offspring.

The Trust has developed 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