They're back - and there's an egg!
Though the story up to now has been a little complicated - this is from the project Facebook page:
Important Message regarding our project for 2018 from the RSPB, please read it in it's entirety.
Due to the repair and restoration project now commencing to the roof at Chichester Cathedral, there has been much concern over how this could affect our nesting Peregrines. After much deliberation it was concluded that the best way to reduce disturbance would be to relocate the nestbox (which has always been in the South East turret) to the North West turret, which is on the opposite side to where the roof repairs will commence.
The South East turret has been sealed off to deter the birds from returning and the nest box has been relocated. The camera has also been moved and is now operational with sound. (CLICK the "Watch Video" button below our page banner) The birds have been seen in the area and we hope that they will switch to the new location without any problems.
With the uncertainty of what may happen this year the RSPB has decided to reduce its presence to two days per week.The dates of the project will depend on the day any potential eggs are due to hatch, but as of now the schedule is set to between 24th April – 11th July on Tuesday and Wednesdays only.
We shall have a pop-up stand (without TV footage of the nest) with scopes to view the birds where possible on the West side of the cathedral either North or South of the cathedral entrance. If however the birds choose not to nest this year the RSPB will still be present.
(update) Good News as our Peregrines have now been seen exploring and scraping in the new location, which is normal behaviour for this time of year (see image from early this morning below)
Please read more about the Cathedral roof repair and restoration project herehttps://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/restoration-tr…/roof/
Just been a decent looking food delivery (no idea what), she has taken it away from the camera view, exit stage left. Ian
Thank you so much Sue, a wonderful tour, fabulous stained glass!
Stayed in touring caravan in a lovely private park in Birdham in the mid-sixties & always remember how lovely Chichester was!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
I know it's late but just had to post this great news ...
Thanks for the news & vid Wendy. Ian
There are three eggs now. Ian
No wonder...when you see what they've been up to.....
Missed that one completely so many thanks for updates!
Female on the eggs, looks rather wet as it seems to be across much of the UK. I wonder if she will stick at three eggs or end up with four. Ian
It looks like they might have been sharing incubation duties today. I caught the end of what may have been a swapover at about 17.30. Ian