Peregrine falcons make return to Chichester Cathedral
The birds of prey have been a permanent fixture over the last few decades
Last updated 12th Mar 2021
Chichester Cathedral’s famed peregrine falcons have returned for the forthcoming breeding season.
A pair of the birds of prey have been sighted making themselves at home on the building's spire over the last week.
More than 60 peregrine chicks have been fledged at the Cathedral since 2001, after they were first seen on the tower back in the mid-1990s.
They can grow up to half a metre in length and have a wingspan of over a metre. They live for 15 to 18 years and are the fastest animals in the world, diving at speeds of just under 250 miles an hour to catch their prey.
As with previous years, those who are looking to catch a glimpse of the birds can do so via a webcam set up to watch their progress.
The peregrine project is run jointly by Chichester Cathedral, the Sussex Ornithological Society (SOS) and local wildlife enthusiasts David and Janet Shaw who have been observing the birds since 2001.
Janet said:
“The peregrine pair are forging a strong partnership and everyone is hopeful of another successful breeding season at this stage.”
Initial observations suggest that the female is the one who has been in residence previously with her partner, affectionally named ‘Maverick’, with whom she raised eight chicks in the last two years.
However, this year a young male has appeared and Maverick, aged at least 16 years – an amazing feat for a wild peregrine – has not been seen since Christmas Eve.
The female peregrine will fiercely defend the roost when other males or females try their luck. As last year, a pair of ravens are nesting on another section of the Spire where they managed to fledge one chick last year.
The peregrines have been seen to dispatch other birds and attack the ravens when they try to approach their nest.
A Cathedral spokesperson said:
“Last year as we went into lockdown, we had a growing number of people from all around the world following the birds’ activities via the live-stream.
"It brought a great deal of pleasure to many people who were able to engage with them and follow their daily lives, from the safety of their own homes.
"If you spot the peregrines, please do share the moment with us using the hashtag #ChichesterPeregrines on social media.”