Norwich Cathedral peregrine falcon lays second egg

A second egg has been laid by a pair of peregrine falcons nesting on the side of Norwich Cathedral spire.

The egg was laid at about 05:00 GMT as the bird's platform was buffeted by 80km/h (50mph) gusts in a wind chill of -6C (21F).

The first egg in the new clutch was laid on Thursday, almost exactly a year after the first egg appeared in 2012.

Four eggs were laid last year with three hatching. The chicks were the first born in Norwich for 200 years.

The specialist platform for the peregrine adults, set up by the Hawk and Owl Trust on the cathedral's spire in 2011, simulates a cliff face at 75m (246ft) high.

Activity on the ledge is being followed 24-hours a day by two cameras, one of which is broadcast on the internet.

A watch point at the cathedral, set up by the trust, will be open to the public from Tuesday.

Peregrine falcon numbers declined during the 19th and 20th Centuries due to illegal shooting and use of certain pesticides on farms.

The first permanent recording of a breeding pair in Norfolk for hundreds of years happened in 2010 at a granary site in North Lynn.