Salisbury Cathedral a ‘good, protected’ site for Peregrine Falcons
RSPB volunteers have been watching the Peregrine chicks on their first flights
The success of this years Peregrine Falcon chicks hatching has shown that Salisbury Cathedral is a ‘good’ and ‘protected’ site for birds to nest.
Lily, Rose and Rex have fledged the nest in the past few days and thanks to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), we can get a closer look at the family.
Chris Harris is a volunteer with the RSPB and says another year of successful hatching will encourage further nesting:
“It’s good in the fact that it’s showing the birds here aren’t being predated or removed by anybody, which means it’s a good, protected site.”
Chris added that Peregrines play an important role in the balance of wildlife as they are at the top of their food chain.
Witness something spectacular - if you're lucky!
Volunteers from the RSPB have set up telescopes for us to get a closer look at the birds and ask questions. If we’re lucky, you could see the chicks learning to hunt:
“As the youngsters have only just fledged the nest, you might be lucky and see the adults trying to train them in how to hunt and how to catch things,” said Chris, adding: “very often you’ll see them trying to pass food between each other which is quite a spectacular sight.”
A food pass was reported on Monday, which failed so there will be further attempts we may be able to witness over the coming days.
You’ll also be able get a great view of the birds when they’re resting on the Cathedral itself.