Peregrine falcon family complete at Salisbury Cathedral

All four peregrine falcon eggs laid in the nesting box halfway up the spire at Salisbury Cathedral have now hatched completing this year's family.

The first two emerged on on Friday morning, the third on Saturday and the fourth made its appearance earlier today ( 25th April).

In the next couple of weeks, as with previous years, the chicks will be weighed and ringed so the RSPB can monitor their progress.

We will also find out whether this year's new arrivals are male or female!

Peregrine falcon chicks typically fledge in 5 to 6 weeks and will be completely independent two to three months later.

For now though Mum is keeping a very close eye on her young brood!

Last year four chicks also hatched, the birds typically lay a clutch of 3 to 4 eggs.

Peregrine falcons have hatched their eggs at the tower every year since 2014, except for 2018 when a territorial battle between two females prevented laying.

The birds returned to Salisbury Cathedral in 2014 after more than 60 years thanks to a project with the RSPB.

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

You can follow the chicks development on the live stream on Salisbury Cathedral's website.

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