Watch: Four peregrine falcon chicks hatch in Wakefield Cathedral nest
Four peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at the top of Wakefield Cathedral
The new chicks were captured by a new internally-mounted nest box camera, placed inside their nest by the The Wakefield Peregrine Project.
The project, launched in 2012, is a conservation initiative that aims to support peregrine falcons nesting on Wakefield Cathedral.
The Cathedral offers a safe, monitored nesting site for the birds, with a 24/7 livestream camera allowing the public to watch the breeding, hatching, and rearing of the chicks.
Francis Hickenbottom, of The Wakefield Peregrine Project, said: “After a glitch last year, when the peregrines made an unsuccessful attempt to nest on County Hall, the peregrines are back on track and they now have four chicks in their nest on Wakefield Cathedral.”
The four new chicks all hatched over the past week, bringing the total number of young peregrines born at Wakefield Cathedral to thirty five.
They will be in the nest for approximately five more weeks before fledging.
A spokesperson for Wakefield Cathedral said: “We’re delighted to support the Wakefield Peregrine Project by hosting the nesting site here at the Cathedral.
"Since peregrines first began nesting on the tower, they have become a much-loved part of the city, with thousands of people following their progress each year. The work of the Project in monitoring the birds and sharing updates offers a fascinating insight into urban wildlife.
“The arrival of this year’s chicks is a wonderful moment, and it’s been fantastic to see how strongly both the Cathedral and wider community connects with their story.
"We’re proud to play a small part in providing a home for these remarkable birds in the heart of Wakefield.”
To watch the livestream, visit: https://wakefieldperegrines.com/internal-nest-box-camera/