Peregrine chicks grow and fly the nest at church

A close up shot of one peregrine falcon, no longer a chick, perched on a ledge with its claws gripping the edge. Both of its wings are raised up high as if it is about to launch. Its fathers are black and pale grey, and its body is mottled brown and black. Image source, Michael Barrett
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The recently born peregrines can still be seen around St Albans Cathedral after flying the nest

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Three peregrine falcon chicks have successfully fledged after their parents' first set of eggs was destroyed.

The male peregrines were born in June at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire, which has been home to a mating pair of falcons since 2022.

It looked as though no offspring would survive this year when someone crushed the first clutch in April, but a second set of eggs hatched out.

The cathedral, which has a webcam trained on the nest, said: "Thank you to everyone who tuned in and supported Alban, Boudica and the chicks. We can't wait to do it all again next year!"

Two of the male  Peregrines perch on a table on the church roof. They are almost looking at each other. One has its back to the camera and turns its head sideways while the other is looking right at the camera. The roof is made of red riles.Image source, Michael Barrett
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This year's falcon chicks were all male, born to parents Alban and Boudica

St Albans Cathedral also thanked the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, which has partnered with the church to support the birds of prey.

Lea Ellis, engagement manager at the trust, said: "We're delighted to see the wonderful comeback these birds have made, demonstrating just how resilient they are."

The nesting platform at St Albans has been livestreamed by cameras on the cathedral's website.

In April, viewers watched as an unknown person stood on eggs that had been recently laid.

Earlier this month, Hertfordshire Police said an investigation into the destroyed eggs was ongoing.

Three fluffy white peregrine falcon chicks during ringing at St Albans Cathedral. The one on the far left is laying down. Image source, Barry Trevis
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People from far beyond St Albans have been watching the live webcam that tracks the family of peregrines

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