Three Peregrine Falcon chicks have successfully hatched on St Albans Cathedral, over the weekend.

The first sightings were of two fluffy, white chicks, around 2am on Saturday 9 May, another hatched later that same day, and one egg remains on the nest. It is possible that a further chick may appear within the next couple of days, however some eggs are infertile and do not hatch. The four eggs are a record number for the St Albans Peregrine pair, with three eggs having been laid each year since 2023. In 2022, the birds first year of breeding only two eggs were laid, one of which failed to hatch.

The pair of Peregrine Falcons at St Albans Cathedral have captured the public’s interest since that first chick in 2022. Curiosity in the birds, and their growing family, has been further heightened since a live webcam was installed on their nest tray in 2023. The webpage received over half a million views last year. Live Peregrine Watch events, run by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the RSPB St Albans Local Group, have also added to the community’s delight in watching the birds through telescopes and binoculars, in the Abbey Orchard, with volunteers providing information on the falcons – the fastest creatures on earth.

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

“I’m thrilled to see the three Peregrine chicks hatch in quick succession, and I expect that there will be many people like me, who will be glued to the website in the coming days with the hope of seeing a further sibling join them on the nest tray. It is not unusual for the eggs to hatch hours or days apart so, as with watching all wildlife, patience is a virtue! 

“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 chicks. Likewise, as the chicks develop and 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 Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome the first Peregrine chicks of 2026 here at St Albans Cathedral. These remarkable birds have become much-loved members of our Cathedral community, and it is a joy to see their family continue to grow year after year. Witnessing new life emerge on our ancient walls is a wonderful reminder of God’s creation thriving in unexpected places, and of the Cathedral as a living, prayerful place at the heart of our city.”

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the St Albans Local RSPB Group are organising further Peregrine Watch events within the grounds of the Cathedral over coming weekends. Dates, times and further information will be available at hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/events

The Peregrine Falcon webcam, sponsored by Opticron, can be viewed via the Cathedral’s website at stalbanscathedral.org/peregrine-live-cam