Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a thrill as three peregrine falcon chicks have hatched at Lincoln Cathedral, making a delightful and fuzzy debut. Characterised as ‘little white balls of fluff with big feet’ by tower guide Bruce Hargrave, the chicks greeted the world early Tuesday morning. One more is anticipated to hatch soon. The parent falcons have claimed a ledge on the cathedral’s main tower as their home, where they laid their eggs the previous month.
Hargrave, while speaking to BBC Radio Lincolnshire, observed that while three chicks hatched quite quickly, the fourth seems to be taking its time. A live video feed of the nest is available for public viewing online, providing a captivating insight into the lives of these incredible creatures.
The male falcon has been a notable resident of the Cathedral for the past decade. In 2023, a female falcon joined him following the demise of his former partner. The peregrine falcon population saw a significant drop during the 1960s as a result of human intervention and the use of pesticides. Nevertheless, thanks to concerted conservation efforts, the population has made a comeback. They now prosper in a variety of urban environments. Despite this revival, illegal killings to safeguard game birds remains a pressing hazard, as pointed out by the RSPB.
This story was adjusted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.
