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/
A soggy day in Chichester........Mrs P. contemplates the water in the "moat".
Ian S said:I wonder if she will stick at three eggs or end up with four. Ian
I wonder if she will stick at three eggs or end up with four. Ian
Answer = four. They are currently visible (18.00 ish). Ian
Amazing that all that dreadful weather didn't put her off ... unfortunately no continuous recording today so no exact time of laying ...
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
I've just noticed that the time stamp at Chichester has not picked up the clock change at the weekend & yet the South Downs barn owl nest cam (also Carnyx) has changed! Ian
Am in conversation with Jim L about that Ian, also found some earlier footage so vid may be changed!
Nothing to report other than it is very wet in Chichester & the time stamp is still one hour out. Ian
Update from the Chichester "Date with Nature" project briefing yesterday.
The viewing point will be open for visitors from next Tuesday 24th April, until 27th June, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays only, from 10 till around 4.30. The location of the tent may vary, but it will be somewhere along the western (main entrance) end of the cathedral. We will have scopes to view the birds, but unfortunately it won't be possible to have a live feed in the new location.
I didn't take my camera yesterday, but the eastern end of the cathedral is now completely shrouded in scaffolding and white plastic. Though the work on the roof doesn't seem noisy, it's fortunate that the peregrines accepted the change of nest location.
Incubation is proceeding uneventfully, and we are hoping for a hatch towards the end of this month. Please post any photos here!
Some key facts from Chichester Peregrines: