While temperature soared this weekend, a pair of peregrines, who have nested at Salisbury Cathedral for the first time in over 50 years, welcomed three new arrivals. Cathedral and RSPB staff have been eagerly waiting for the day when the eggs would hatch, checking regularly on the monitor which has been installed inside the tower so as not to disturb the birds.
On arriving at the cathedral early this morning, with my eyes to the skies, I was immediately aware that the birds were around. It was a wonderful sight to see an adult peregrine flying round the iconic spire calling loudly as it went.
I was able to discover, from gory evidence found at the base of the cathedral as well as the three other faces of the tower that the family of birds have been surviving mainly on local pigeons, with blackbird, moorhen and great spotted woodpecker also making an appearance in their diet.
Visitors to the cathedral might be able to spot the adult birds from the ground, and we expect the chicks to fledge in about six weeks. During this time the family of peregrines are likely to be quite active and noisy, and the growing chicks will start requiring more and more food so do look up and keep your ears open if you are walking in the cathedral close.
Visitors taking the cathedral's tower tours can see the latest happenings via a screen set up at the base of the spire.
Tours can be booked online at salisburycathedral.org.uk, by calling 01722 555156 or at the cathedral.
To keep up-to-date with the new parents and their chicks go to salisburycathedral.org.uk/news/clerk-works-blog-peregrine-update.
Words and picture Lindsey Death, Community Engagement Officer
Keeley