Three falcon chicks hatch in cathedral nest

Peregrine falcons favour the lofty safety of cathedral and church buildings

A trio of peregrine falcon chicks have successfully hatched in their nest high in a cathedral rooftop.

Two chicks were born on Wednesday - with a third arriving on Thursday - as the birds nested for their third year at St Albans Cathedral in Hertfordshire.

Peregrine falcons often remain loyal to their nest site each year, which means the cathedral is now an established breeding ground.

Dean of St Albans, Jo Kelly-Moore, said: "We’re beyond excited. We’ve been waiting for this moment, to have two chicks up there is a wonderful."

• Watch the peregrine falcons at St Albans Cathedral live

Viewers could see the chicks hatch in an online live stream

A camera live streamed the nesting location online, which was watched by about 378,000 people in 2023.

The Dean added: "As spring comes they look very cute up there as mum and dad are feeding the babies.

"The species has been at risk and the cathedral's high places provide a safe breeding ground for them and it’s beautiful to see them in flight."

Barry Trevis says the online webcam helps monitor the birds' progress

The powerful bird of prey holds the record for being the fastest bird in the world with a diving speed in excess of 200 mph.

Their nesting tray contains shingle to replicate a cliff-top nesting habitat.

Barry Trevis, who has built and now monitors the nest site at St Albans Cathedral, says he is delighted to see "such an uncommon bird breeding in Hertfordshire".

There are four other pairs of peregrine falcons breeding in Hertfordshire

Heidi Mansell, from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust described the hatching as "exciting news for the natural world and for our community, who really have taken these birds to their hearts."

She added: “The webcam gives us a great window to watch the peregrines’ behaviour - it‘s such a privilege to have this insight to their antics.

"I, for one, will be glued to my screen over the next few weeks, watching the parents deliver food to the chicks and hopefully see them develop through to fledging."