Rare peregrine falcons lay first eggs in Leamington Spa

Peregrine falcons are among the fastest animals on the planet, reaching flight speeds of 200 miles per hour during their dramatic aerial dives.

Due to historic persecution the peregrine falcon was once rare in Warwickshire and the West Midlands, with fewer than 2,000 breeding pairs estimated across the UK.

In recent years the species has made a comeback, and in 2017 a pair of peregrines began nesting in the Grade II listed Leamington Spa Town Hall, using a nest box provided by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, Leamington Spa Town Council, and Warwick District Council.

Three live webcams offer unique views of the nesting pair as they lay eggs, feed their chicks and teach them essential falcon skills like soaring from precipitous ledges and hunting their prey.

In the early hours of Monday 18th March, the female peregrine ‘Mrs P’ laid her first egg of the season. The second followed on Wednesday 20th March. It is likely the pair will lay up to four eggs and in 2023 they successfully raised four chicks named Percy, Peggy, Pedro and Peter.

Members of the public can attend Peregrine Watch LIVE to learn more about these incredible birds. Held at Regent Grove in Leamington Spa, these free sessions allow a closer view of the peregrines through a provided telescope.

Peregrine Watch LIVE will take place between 10am and 3pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 13 April

• Saturday 20 April

• Saturday 4 May

• Saturday 25 May

• Saturday 8 June

• Saturday 15 June

Anyone can view the peregrine webcams and learn more here |newtab)

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• warwickshire wildlife trust